Browning BPS Field Grade I 12 Gauge Pump-Action Shotgun, 30-Inch Fixed-Choke Barrel, 1978 Production
This 1978 Browning BPS Field Grade I is a first-year example of Browning’s bottom-loading, bottom-ejecting pump shotgun. Built by Miroku in Japan, it features a 30-inch ventilated-rib barrel with a fixed choke, a forged steel receiver, and Browning’s signature gold-tone trigger. Collectors will note the low serial number range (under 10,000) tied to the BPS launch year, while shooters will appreciate the ambidextrous loading and ejection design.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: Rust is forming on the receiver and barrel, and the buttstock carries noticeable surface scratches.
What’s Included
- Browning BPS Field Grade I 12 Gauge shotgun
Manufactured in 1978, this early BPS bears the RP date-code suffix and a sub-10,000 serial sequence, placing it firmly within the first year of production. Early guns like this one predate the Invector choke system, so the 30-inch barrel carries its original fixed choke, maintaining factory integrity.
The bottom loading and ejection system keeps hulls and spent shells out of the shooter’s line of sight and works equally well for right- and left-handed users. A tang-mounted safety further supports ambidextrous operation without altering grip.
The forged steel receiver and barrel wear a polished blued finish that was standard for Field Grade I models. Walnut furniture features cut checkering, a pistol grip, and a glossy finish, complemented by a ventilated recoil pad and matching slide-handle forend.
The long 30-inch barrel with a ventilated rib and silver bead front sight offers an extended sighting plane, aiding consistent swing and follow-through on clay or field targets. Combined with the 14.1-inch length of pull, the shotgun balances well for most adult shooters.