Shadow boxing: a limited edition Browning B525

The B525 - one of two of Browning’s over-and-under actions - is built for reliability, solidity and durability. The action is machined from a single forged piece, so it is hard-wearing, and the large bolt surface and over-sized recoil surfaces give strength and help to extend the life of the gun. Even the extra-large hinge pin is designed to give confidence. But with the B525 Shadow the workhorse gets its coat brushed and its mane plaited, and is allowed to be a show pony for a bit. 

B525 Shadow Hunter

The name - Shadow - is derived from the unusual black action which is certainly striking. The depth of the ‘shadow’ is enhanced by highlights of gold on gold trigger, trigger guard and the underside of the action. The light scroll engraving is understated and elegant with plenty of dead space - a touch I particularly like. It would have been very easy to go too far and create something gaudy.

However, the fun doesn’t stop there. To compliment the stylish black metalwork, the B525 Shadow has some pretty good looking timbers too. The pistol grip stock and the tulip fore-end are made from oil-finished Grade 5/6  American walnut with beautiful dark figuring. The stock is fitted with an interchangeable recoil pad that can be swapped out to adjust the length of the pull.

There is no doubt that this gun's looks are arresting. The muted tone of the metalwork and light engraving combined with the ever-so deft touches of gold works really well, hinting at sophistication and elegance, like a gold watch chain against a dark waistcoat. As that simile might suggest, despite the unusual (at least in game guns) black metalwork, this gun has an almost classic quality to its looks.

The Shadow comes with interchangeable Invecta chokes, ¼, ½, ¾ and full, and the blued barrels have a 6mm rib. It is available in 12, 20 and 28 bore versions for both right and left handed shots, and with a choice of barrel lengths for the 12 and 20 bores - 28 and 30”. 

Hand finished

Like all 525s, the Shadow is entirely hand finished, by expert gunsmiths. The fitting of important parts like the barrel, action frame and forend is done by hand using traditional methods to ensure clean fits and further improve the overall reliability and feel of the guns. 

While it won’t be to everyone’s tastes, this is a good looking gun that will appeal to those looking for something that will stand out from the crowd without breaking the bank. At under £2,000, you’ll be hard pushed to find a shotgun that will catch the eye as much as this at a better price, and because it is a Browning B525 in every respect, you know it will handle well, and last ages. 

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