GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The Browning BPS is a manually operated, slide action, repeating shotgun. The action mechanism is operated by moving the slide (forearm) in a rearward motion, followed by a forward motion. This action unlocks the breech block, extracts and ejects the fired hull, transfers a live shell from the magazine to the chamber and locks the breech block. The BPS is loaded from the bottom of the receiver and fired hulls are ejected from a bottom ejection port. Bottom loading and ejection makes the BPS ambidextrous. The BPS is designed so the barrel can be easily removed by unscrewing the magazine cap from the magazine tube and then sliding the barrel forward out of the receiver. This facilitates easy cleaning, transportation and storage.

NOMENCLATURE

In conventional firearm terminology the position and movement of firearm parts are described as they occur with the firearm horizontal and in the normal firing position: i.e., the muzzle is forward or in front; the buttstock is rearward or to the rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts nomenclature, refer to Figure 1. For specific parts names related to disassembly, refer to Figure 2.

SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number of your BPS shotgun is found on the right side of the receiver, at the bottom, near the front, just above the loading/ejection loading port.

CLEANING PARTS WITH SPECIAL FINISHES

Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your shotgun, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/chamber areas. A high-quality lightweight gun oil is ideal for removing this compound, and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication. Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under the “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” section.

CLEANING

Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your shotgun, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/chamber areas. A high-quality lightweight gun oil is ideal for removing this compound, and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication. Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under the “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” section below.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 

The “safety” is located on the top rear portion of the receiver. To move the “safety” to the on safe position, slide the “safety” rearward with your thumb so that the red warning dot is covered (Figure 3). 

To move the “safety” to the off safe position, slide the “safety” forward with your thumb, exposing the red warning dot, indicating that the firearm is ready to fire (Figure 4).

WARNING: DO NOT DEPEND ON THE RED COLOR ALONE TO INDICATE YOUR FIREARM’S SAFETY STATUS. TIME, EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS, AND THE ABRASIVE ACTION OF CLEANING AGENTS CAN ERASE IT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The BPS is delivered, in the box, with the barrel removed and the forearm still attached to the magazine tube. 

NOTICE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW THE EXACT SEQUENCE FOR ASSEMBLY IN STEPS 1 AND 2, IN ORDER TO PROPERLY ASSEMBLE YOUR BPS. 

1. Remove the magazine cap. Depress the slide release button and pull the forearm completely rearward.

IMPORTANT: In order to introduce the barrel extension into the receiver, the carrier must be lowered. To lower the carrier, the forearm must be moved completely to the rear. Then, the forearm must be partially moved forward (step 2) so that the barrel extension will not bind against the carrier. With the ejection port downward, the bolt will retain the carrier in a position low enough to allow easy insertion of the barrel.

2. Hold the stock/receiver in a horizontal position with the ejection port down. Then, with the forearm already in the fully rearward position, push the forearm forward until the rear of the forearm is even with the front of the receiver (Figure 6).

NOTICE: DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD ON THE OPEN REAR END OF A WOOD FOREARM. TOO MUCH PRESSURE COULD CAUSE THE WOOD TO SPLIT.

3. Before attaching the barrel, be sure to glance through the bore to be sure it is clear of any obstructions.

4. With the forearm positioned as explained in step 2, insert the barrel extension into the receiver. Move the barrel rearward, guiding the barrel guide ring over the magazine tube. The barrel tab projects from the most rearward rib post on the top of the barrel. Be sure the barrel tab aligns with and enters the recess in the front, upper surface of the receiver (Figure 7). 

IMPORTANT: BPS Deer guns are shipped with a barrel stabilizing split ring and a barrel stabilizing lock washer on the magazine tube. This special design ensures a very rigid barrel mounting method for maximum accuracy. You must remove the barrel stabilizing ring and washer from the magazine tube before installing the barrel. After mounting the barrel to the action, slide the barrel stabilizing split ring  on the magazine tube, being sure that the beveled surfaces of both the split ring and the guide ring match. Place the lock washer on  top of the split ring (Figure 8).

5. Replace the magazine cap.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE STARTING DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, OPEN THE ACTION AND VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

1. Place the slide in its forward position. Unscrew the magazine cap and remove it.
2. Holding the receiver in one hand, and the barrel in the other, ease the barrel forward off the magazine tube and out of the receiver.   IMPORTANT: On BPS Deer models it is necessary to first remove the barrel stabilizing lock washer and split ring before removing the barrel (Figure 8).
3. No further disassembly is recommended.

WARNING: DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS OR HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE. 

USE ONLY SHELLS OF THE CORRECT GAUGE AND LENGTH. THE GAUGE  AND LENGTH OF THE CHAMBER IS INSCRIBED ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL. DO NOT USE AMMUNITION OTHER THAN WHAT IS INSCRIBED  ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL. EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR SHOTGUN. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN. 

USE SHELLS OF THE CORRECT LENGTH. DO NOT USE 3" OR 3½" SHELLS IN A BARREL WITH A 2¾" OR 2½" CHAMBER, OR 3½" SHELLS IN A BARREL WITH A 3" CHAMBER. DOING SO CAN RESULT IN A BUILDUP OF DANGEROUSLY HIGH PRESSURES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN.

DO NOT PUT A 16 OR 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN. DO NOT PUT A 28 GAUGE SHELL IN A 20 GAUGE SHOTGUN. DO NOT PUT A .410 BORE SHELL IN A 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN. NEVER PUT METALLIC CARTRIDGES OF ANY KIND IN A SHOTGUN. SPECIFICALLY, NEVER PUT CENTERFIRE RIFLE OR PISTOL CARTRIDGES IN A SHOTGUN CHAMBERED FOR .410 BORE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN. 

The most certain way to bulge or rupture a shotgun barrel is to load  a smaller gauge shell into a larger gauge chamber. The smaller gauge shell will not fall completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a larger gauge chamber or at the larger gauge’s choke. Your shotgun will misfire (with the chamber appearing to be empty). 

It is then possible to load the correct gauge shell behind the smaller gauge shell. If the shotgun is then fired, the result will be a so-called “12-16, 12-20, 20-28 or 28-.410 burst” which can cause extensive damage to your shotgun and possible serious injury to you and others.

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with safety margins over the pressures established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) for Service Cartridges. However, we assume no responsibility for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimension or those developing pressures in excess of SAAMI established standards.

BPS 3" chamber models will shoot all factory lead and steel 2¾" and 3" field loads. BPS 3½" chamber models will shoot all factory lead and steel 12 gauge 2¾", 3" and 3½" field loads.

With the magazine three-shot adaptor (plug) removed, BPS 3" shotguns will hold four 2¾" or three 3" shells in the magazine. BPS 3½" shotguns will hold four 2¾", or three 3" or 3½" shells in the magazine.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE REMOVING OR INSTALLING THE THREE-SHOT ADAPTOR, COMPLETELY UNLOAD THE SHOTGUN. OPEN THE ACTION AND VISUALLY INSPECT  THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING THE THREE-SHOT ADAPTOR TO PREVENT SPRINGS, SPRING-LOADED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES,  RESULTING IN INJURY.

The BPS shotgun is delivered with the magazine three-shot adaptor (plug) installed in the magazine, limiting magazine capacity to two shells in compliance with federal migratory bird regulations. If you do not wish to be limited to three shots, when it is not required by law, you can remove (or reinstall) the three-shot adaptor as follows:

WARNING: WHEN LOADING YOUR SHOTGUN ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

DO NOT CARRY YOUR SHOTGUN WITH A SHELL IN THE CHAMBER TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. WHEN FIRING IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, MAKE SURE THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND UNLOAD THE CHAMBER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: NEVER LOAD A SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER OR PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE OFF SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 

1. Load a shell into the chamber as explained previously and immediately place the “safety” in the on safe position. 
2. With a shell in the chamber, you need only move the “safety” to the off safe position to fire the shotgun. 
3. When ready to fire, move the “safety” into the off safe position, take aim and pull the trigger. 

After a shell is fired, you may continue to fire the shotgun until the magazine is empty by cycling the action with the forearm to eject the empty hull, load a new shell from the magazine and pulling the trigger.

You can then reload the magazine or, if you are done shooting, pull the forearm completely rearward and visually inspect the chamber, bore, carrier and magazine to be sure they contain no shells. 

WARNING: AFTER FIRING, OR WHEN SHOOTING IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

EVEN WITH THE BOLT LOCKED OPEN AFTER SHOOTING, DO NOT ASSUME THE SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED. ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, BARREL, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO BE CERTAIN THE SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: WHEN UNLOADING YOUR SHOTGUN ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, BARREL, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CAREFULLY AFTER UNLOADING TO BE SURE ALL LIVE SHELLS ARE CLEARED FROM THE FIREARM.

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR INSTALL A CHOKE TUBE IN A LOADED FIREARM. WHENEVER REMOVING OR INSTALLING A CHOKE TUBE IN A SHOTGUN ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED, ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION: BROWNING INVECTOR-DS, INVECTOR-PLUS AND STANDARD INVECTOR CHOKE TUBES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. DO NOT USE BROWNING INVECTOR-PLUS, STANDARD INVECTOR OR INVECTOR-DS CHOKE TUBES IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL NOT SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER CHOKING DEVICE IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. 

USE ONLY THE APPROPRIATE GAUGE OF INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE IN  THIS SHOTGUN. DO NOT FIRE THIS SHOTGUN WITHOUT THE CORRECT CHOKE TUBE INSTALLED. DAMAGE MAY RESULT TO THE THREADS INSIDE THE BARREL.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN OR POSSIBLE INJURY. 

NOTICE: USE ONLY THE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE WRENCH SUPPLIED WITH YOUR SHOTGUN TO INSTALL AND REMOVE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBES. USING ANY OTHER WRENCH MAY DAMAGE THE THREADS IN THE BARREL.

NOTICE: THE CHOKE TUBE SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED TO ASSURE THAT IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY SEATED. BEFORE CHECKING, FOLLOW ALL CHOKE TUBE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION SAFETY GUIDELINES PREVIOUSLY OUTLINED.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

ADJUSTING LENGTH OF PULL USING SPACERS

1. Use a #2 cross tip or Phillips screwdriver to remove the recoil pad (Figure 15). Place a small amount of petroleum jelly on the screw access slits on the top and bottom of the rear of the buttstock to prevent damaging the recoil pad. Insert the screwdriver into each of the two access holes. Make certain the tip of the screwdriver engages the head of the screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise until the screw is completely loose from the stock. When both screws are free, remove the recoil pad.
2. Add or subtract spacers to fit your firearm to your specifications (Figure 16). After making an adjustment hold the shotgun to your shoulder to determine if the new length feels comfortable. Remember to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, with the “safety” in the on safe position and make certain the shotgun is completely unloaded.
3. When you are satisfied with the length of pull, start the screws through the recoil pad and spacer(s) into the holes in the stock.
4. Attach the recoil pad to the stock using the screwdriver. Turn the screws clockwise to tighten. Do not overtighten the screws.

WARNING: BEFORE INSTALLING ACCESSORY BARRELS ON YOUR SHOTGUN, READ  THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THE BARREL/SHOTGUN COMBINATION IS SAFE. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The versatility of your BPS can be extended with an extra barrel. BPS barrels are interchangeable within gauge and chamber length. No special fitting is required. However, some important restrictions must be observed:

• Never use a barrel with a 3½" chamber on a shotgun designed for barrels with a 3" chamber.
• Never use a barrel with a 3" chamber on a shotgun designed for barrels with a 3½" chamber.
• Never use any other barrel from any other manufacturer on your shotgun. Some other brands may seem similar, but the barrels are not interchangeable.
• Never use a barrel from any other Browning shotgun.

WARNING: BEFORE MOUNTING A SCOPE, SIGHT OR OTHER ACCESSORIES TO YOUR SHOTGUN, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Some BPS shotguns are designed to accept a scope or other optical sight; usually these are turkey and deer models. The receivers of some of these models are drilled and tapped for scope bases, while other models are equipped with a cantilever scope base. If your shotgun has  a cantilever mount, follow the mounting instructions supplied with your scope rings and/or scope. If your shotgun’s receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, three holes (in line on top of the receiver) will be visible. They are fitted with filler screws. If your shotgun is drilled and tapped, adhere to the following:

NOTICE: YOUR SHOTGUN IS DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR THE MOUNTING OF BASES AND RINGS TO ACCOMMODATE AN APPROPRIATE SCOPE OR SIGHT. ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT BASES FOR THIS SHOTGUN WITH THE APPROPRIATE LENGTH SCREWS WHICH ARE AT LEAST 11/32" IN LENGTH.

1. Place your shotgun on a table or other safe/secure location. Protect the finish with rags or other padding.
2. You should have a compatible one-piece style base and three screws of at least 11/32" in length.
3. Clean all oil, grease or dirt from the receiver top and from the scope base parts.
4. Position your shotgun in the horizontal position with the top of the receiver upward.
5. Remove all three filler screws from the top of the receiver using a very small, thin-bladed gunsmithing-type screwdriver.
6. Pre-position the base on the receiver top to determine the best orientation of the base. Most bases have transverse grooves cut into them that are offset from the middle. These are the grooves that the crossbolts in your scope rings will pass through. The grooves are offset to allow you to position the bases to fit the design/length of your scope and the placement of the scope, front to rear for proper eye relief. Place both grooves to the rear, both to the front, or one in each direction, depending on the desired position of your scope.
7. Once you know which configuration you will use, insert the screws through the base and screw it into the receiver top using the correct wrench or screwdriver (usually a 3/32" hex wrench).   You must use screws that are at least 11/32" in length to ensure proper thread engagement. Once the bases are installed, check inside the receiver to verify that the base mounting screws are not too long and interfering with the operation of the bolt.   Many gunsmiths find it helpful to use a drop of serviceable blue thread locking compound to assure the screws stay tight. Make sure the thread locking compound does not get into the action.  Be careful to assure that the threads of each screw engage properly in the threads in the receiver to prevent stripping the threads in the receiver.
8. Tighten the screws snugly, but do not overtighten.
9. Mount your scope rings and scope as outlined in the instructions supplied with your scope rings and/or scope. Always make sure you have the proper eye relief. Always make sure that the saddle crossbolts and cap bolts are fully tightened before using your shotgun. 

WARNING: BEFORE MAKING SIGHT ADJUSTMENTS TO YOUR SHOTGUN, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

BPS Trap models feature a magazine cut-off that makes single-shot loading of the chamber possible without first loading a shell into the magazine. The magazine cut-off is located at the base of the magazine, just in front of the receiver. There are two positions on the magazine cut-off, S (single-shot) and R (repeating). 

• When the magazine cut-off is in the S position, the carrier remains locked in position, preventing the shell stop from releasing a shell from the magazine into the chamber, while allowing you to easily load a shell into the chamber through the loading/ejection port. Ejection is also slowed in this position, allowing trap shooters to easily control fired hulls on ejection. 
• When the magazine cut-off is in the R position, your BPS operates normally as a repeater.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING CLEANING PROCEDURES, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN DISASSEMBLING AND CLEANING YOUR SHOTGUN TO PREVENT SPRINGS, SPRING-LOADED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY.

KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR SHOTGUN WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

NOTICE: SOME CLEANING SOLVENTS, LUBRICANTS AND OTHER STRONG CHEMICALS SUCH AS THOSE FOUND IN INSECT REPELLENTS, SUNSCREENS, ETC. MAY DAMAGE THE FINISHES OF YOUR FIREARM. USE CARE TO PREVENT CHEMICALS FROM MAKING CONTACT WITH FINISHES WHEN CLEANING YOUR FIREARM.

CLEANING THE BARREL

Your BPS shotgun will function better and more reliably over a longer period of time if it is properly maintained and kept clean. You should clean your shotgun after every day of shooting, and more often if it becomes excessively dirty. The barrel should be cleaned and the action wiped clean and oiled after every day of shooting. 

Normal maintenance can be accomplished with the barrel still attached to the receiver (oiling and wiping down). More thorough cleaning requires removal of only the barrel from the receiver (cleaning the barrel). 

If a malfunction occurs, perform a thorough cleaning to see if it solves the problem before seeking the services of a Browning Recommended Service Center, the Browning Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith.

1. Place the “safety” in the on safe position. Open the action and inspect the chamber and magazine to make certain they do not contain any shells. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

2. Remove the barrel as explained under the “Disassembly” section.

3. Using a shotgun cleaning rod with a slotted tip or cleaning jag and a patch large enough for a snug fit in the bore, insert the rod and a lightly oiled patch into the breech end of the barrel and run it back and forth through the bore several times. Remove and wipe the choke tube, threads and barrel threads with a nylon brush and lightly oil. 

Browning offers a complete line of products to make cleaning your firearm fast and easy. Be sure to follow all instructions when using any product to clean your firearm.

4. Inspect the bore from both ends for leading and plastic residue that often remain in the bores from the shot cups in modern shells. Leading and plastic residue will appear as longitudinal streaks and are usually more predominant near the muzzle and just forward of the chamber. A normal amount of either is common and not serious.

5. If leading or plastic residue seems excessive you can remove it by brushing the bore with a brass brush. Soak the brush or spray the bore with a powder solvent first. Scrub until clean. To prevent bristles from breaking off, push the brush fully through the barrel each time before pulling it back through.

WARNING: MOST SOLVENTS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. WEAR EYE PROTECTION AND PRACTICE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES WHEN WORKING WITH SOLVENTS TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY.

6. After all leading and plastic residues have been removed, run a clean, dry patch through the bore. Follow this with a final, lightly oiled patch.

7. Reassemble the shotgun and wipe all exposed metal surfaces with an oiled cloth making sure to wipe away all finger marks where moisture could accumulate.

8. Inspect the barrel and chamber to be certain no patches have inadvertently been left in them. Remove any that remain.

9. Lightly oil your firearm at the points described under the “Periodic Oiling” section below. Regular, light oiling is extremely important to the durability and reliable operation of your shotgun.

10. The wood surfaces can also be wiped with a quality, lightweight gun oil or they can be polished with any quality furniture wax (but not both).

NOTICE: NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES. IF FURTHER DISASSEMBLY FOR SERVICE OR CLEANING IS REQUIRED, TAKE YOUR FIREARM TO A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH, OR CONTACT OUR ARNOLD, MISSOURI SERVICE FACILITY AS EXPLAINED UNDER THE “SERVICE OR REPAIR” SECTION.

Some BPS models feature a ported barrel that reduces recoil and muzzle jump. Reducing recoil not only increases comfort when shooting, but increases accuracy because it is easier to pick-up the second clay target faster due to decreased recovery time following the first shot. Carbon can build up in the ports after shooting. To clean them, use a good quality powder solvent and pipe cleaners to scrub away debris from the ports. 

Keeping the oil-finished wood surface on your firearm looking its best requires only a small amount of maintenance. When the surface becomes spotted or dull, the affected area(s) can be treated using rubbing alcohol on a soft, lint free cloth and allowed to dry. A small amount of a linseed oil-based finish, such as Watco® Danish Oil Finish, Deft® Danish Oil Finish, or Formby’s® Tung Oil Finish should then be applied to the surface of the wood with a soft, lint free cloth according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To treat the checkering, a small amount of oil-based finish can be applied and then distributed evenly using a toothbrush or other soft bristled brush.

As with any firearm, the only way to preserve its pristine condition and collector appeal is to never handle or fire it, which in turn would deprive you of much of the enjoyment that comes with owning a fine Browning firearm. 

While special finishes such as engraving and gold plating greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your shotgun, please be aware that they are no more durable, and in some cases may even be slightly less durable than more common firearm finishes. 

As you use your shotgun, you can expect special finishes to wear in much the same manner as any other firearm finish. These marks are the honest product of the hours spent enjoying your firearm and each scuff and scratch will probably have a good story to go along with it.

If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center.  

To locate a service center visit browning.com, contact our Customer Service Department or your Browning firearms dealer for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our Service Department in Arnold, Missouri. 

Parts listings, Firearm Service Center lists, service procedures, service/repair form and general product information are also found on the internet at browning.com. For technical questions about your firearm or service, contact:

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following:

1. Be sure it is completely unloaded.

2. Remove any optics, optic mounts or other accessories.

3. Package it securely in a cardboard container.

4. Enclose the service/repair form available at browning.com or a letter that clearly describes the trouble experienced, the ammunition used and the repairs desired. Also include your name, e-mail address (if possible) and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

5. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.