Poll: Upland bird hunting....your gun choice?

[MrMillspecer]

When I was a kid I always wanted one of those old Browning hump backs. Of course could not afford one but would always drool over them when I was in a shop.

I didn't get the B5 until high school, with hay buckin money.The Rooster was shoot with my .22/20ga or my dad's Browning B2000 12ga. We missed his Wingmaster he traded in as the 2000 would jam. The B5 ran great.

 

[Alexx1401]

I didn't get the B5 until high school, with hay buckin money.The Rooster was shoot with my .22/20ga or my dad's Browning B2000 12ga. We missed his Wingmaster he traded in as the 2000 would jam. The B5 ran great.

When I was in school even used they were WAY out of my budget. Bought a used Stevens Pump 16 that was a Browning patent that I had for a LONG time. After adulthood I got married and started having kids right away so the A5 was a no way. Got to shoot one many times and I just loved the damned things. Got to shoot clay with one several times and it made me look like a better shot than anything else. It was a lot of just plain fun. One of these days I may buy myself one just to go shoot some clay again. Have not done that in a long time. It would be a kick in the pants to do it again.

 

[DirectDrive]

I didn't get the B5 until high school, with hay buckin money.The Rooster was shoot with my .22/20ga or my dad's Browning B2000 12ga. We missed his Wingmaster he traded in as the 2000 would jam. The B5 ran great.

The B2000 was a beautiful gun.
Built like a Swiss watch which was its downfall.....jamomatic.
The B-80 was the solution.
B2000 skin over the Beretta gas system.

I like the slight receiver bump (B2000) over the big squareback of the A5

 

[bbbass]

When I was a kid I was working in the city once a week or so. Would always stop at the Fredrick and Nelsons on the way home. Pick up some .22 ammo and drool over the gun case. They always had a few hand engraved Browning O/U's. They ran as much as a NICE new car then so of course there was no way it was going to happen but they were fun to look at and dream

Yeah baby!!!

 

[MrMillspecer]

My Browning A5 was used, with a poly-choke installed. Adjusting your pattern in the field was almost like cheating. I'm pretty sure I traded in a 700adl 22/250 on it also. I purchased that with money from a rent a kid program. It was overkill for the Nutria in the canals. The B5 is one I miss but doubt another would truly replace it. My parents were fine with me having firearms , and reloading .38s for my DW .357 with a Lee Loader at around 16 years old. Some nice memories of simpler times.

 

[Blowgunner]

My favorite is the Browning BPS Upland Special. Can't shoot 12's anymore, so had to give it up.
To me a bottom ejecting, English stocked, pump, with a short barrel, is bliss when wing shooting, or chasing rabbits.

 

[Argonaut]

My favorite is the Browning BPS special. Can't shoot 12's anymore, so had to give it up.
To me a bottom ejecting, English stocked, pump, with a short barrel, is bliss when wing shooting, or chasing rabbits.

View attachment 461404

Those are very slick, one of the few oriental built guns I ever owned was a SKB 9000(?) pump, very slick and a great shooter. I have always liked the M37's (being left handed) and rebuilt an earlier version built on the same Browning pattent Remington M17 20 gauge for my wife. It weighs something like 5 lbs and points like a laser. Was made in 1928. It is the only 20 gauge I own but always liked the Ithaca ultra feather lights in 20 gauge too.

 

[MrMillspecer]

The local gas station/sporting and gun shop in Lewiston Idaho would have contests for the longest Pheasant tail feathers. It cost $5 or so to enter and you could win a nice shotgun. That was fun but I never did win.

 

[bbbass]

http://enews.cdnnsports.com/q/KgUQv...M0B5YWhvby5jb23DiAwnC_oAsNd5cL7qrMPb_PgR8Zwvw

CDNN has a Gunbroker.com notice on two Ruger Red Label shotguns up for auction. One a 28ga 26", and the other a 12ga 30".

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/7703...302790&utm_campaign=CDNN Auctions Ending 5-20

Current bid on the 28ga is $2525

 

[DirectDrive]

Weren't those about $1000 when in production ?

 

[bbbass]

IIRC, yes!!!

Good investment, huh?

 

[Jamie6.5]

Old Ithaca 37 featherlight in 20 gauge.

^That's the one^
I use an 870 and have for years.
But if there was an Ithaca Featherlight in my safe you can betchurass it would be my go-to on any/all upland game.

I borrowed one from someone back in the day, but never could talk him into selling it to me.

 

[DirectDrive]

^That's the one^
I use an 870 and have for years.
But if there was an Ithaca Featherlight in my safe you can betchurass it would be my go-to on any/all upland game.

I borrowed one from someone back in the day, but never could talk him into selling it to me.

I have a 1964 in near mint condition.
Sadly, the original 1967 that I learned on was stolen.

 

[Jamie6.5]

I have a 1964 in near mint condition.
Sadly, the original 1967 that I learned on was stolen.

I really ought to see about acquiring one again.
I used that gun twice on pheasants and IIRC I never missed a bird.
Four shells, four birds.
Two VERY tasty meals.

 

[DirectDrive]

I really ought to see about acquiring one again.

A lot were made, so the used market is good.
There is a cut-off point of SN 855,000 where the early barrels don't interchange with the newer model.

 

[Blowgunner]

The Ithaca 37 is the reason i gravitated to the BPS. I need to find another Upland Special, but in 20 guage.

 

[bbbass]

I used my 37 to hunt pheasant and for 16yd trap. It was the 2nd shotgun I bought. Great gun! Had to sell it during the divorce.

 

[DeanMk]

Not sure if anyone else caught that, but Alexx1401 used to buy his guns and ammo at FREDERICK & NELSON....that's been a while ago......downtown Seattle Alexx?

The poll is coming along nicely. Thank you everyone for participating, so far.
I don't think I've ever done one of these before, so I'm very happy with the response I'm getting so far.
Seems most (so far) prefer autos with pumps a close second and O/U's a close third.
Nothing really surprising there, although I figured the SxS would trump the O/U for popularity (sign of the times?).
Great stories you guys are telling, too. =)


Dean

 

[Ura-Ki]

I gotta go O/U for all upland hunting!
My work horse, a Remington Peerless .12 gau! This gun doesn't miss! Has both eject modes, auto and manual for a perfect upland set up!

 

[Blowgunner]

Not sure if anyone else caught that, but Alexx1401 used to buy his guns and ammo at FREDERICK & NELSON....that's been a while ago......downtown Seattle Alexx?

The poll is coming along nicely. Thank you everyone for participating, so far.
I don't think I've ever done one of these before, so I'm very happy with the response I'm getting so far.
Seems most (so far) prefer autos with pumps a close second and O/U's a close third.
Nothing really surprising there, although I figured the SxS would trump the O/U for popularity (sign of the times?).
Great stories you guys are telling, too. =)


Dean

I'd love to swing a SxS, however, o good American or English piece is far out of my realm price wise haha.