Why are Browning shotguns so popular?

Ever since 2013 we have been using the Game Shooting Census to gain an understanding of the thoughts, likes and habits of the UK shooting community. Over the years we have tracked guns’ changing views on a wide variety of topics, from bag sizes to general licenses, but in all this time there has remained a constant: the ongoing popularity of Browning shotguns.

The exact market share has fluctuated a bit, but Browning has consistently remained the UK’s second most popular brand of shotguns, and according to the 2021 Game Shooting Census, sponsored by Lycetts, the company enjoys a market share of more than twice that of third-place AYA.

But what are the reasons behind Browning’s continuing popularity? To get a clearer picture, I spoke to David Stapely of International Sports Brands, the UK distributors of Browning. “Of course, there are lots of reasons why UK game shots love Brownings,” David said, “but I think there are a few key factors.”

Built to last

“One of the most important things that people value about Browning shotguns is that they’re so dependable,” says David. “Even the entry level guns are built for reliability over a long period of time.” This is in part down to the engineering of the actions, but also the rigorous testing process that Browning guns undergo before being launched onto the market. This is known as the B.A.C.O (Browning Arms Company) test. Each new product is subjected to having thousands of cartridges fired, and any sign of excessive wear or broken parts will see the product fail and be returned to the R&D department.

Browning also test their guns in extreme conditions, from -30C to +50C, and they expect their guns to function perfectly at these temperatures. Sure, you’re unlikely to encounter either of these in the UK, but it does give peace of mind. Guns are also subjected to “torture tests” that far exceed the CIP requirements, overloading and obstruction tests, as well as drop tests. As it states on the Browning website, “the legendary solidity and reliability of Browning firearms are largely due to their successfully passing all these tests.”

As David mentioned, even Browning’s entry-level offering, the B525 Game One, comes with a 10 year warranty on the action frame. This is made from a single block of forged steel, and has a wide, flat bolt that gives a greater surface area, again giving the gun a longer life. Chromed barrels and chambers allow for easy maintenance and prevent rusting. 

Attention to detail and quality

Even at this entry level, all guns are hand-finished, and the barrel, action frame and forend are fitted by hand. “The level of care that Browning take over this kind of thing is right up there than anything you’re likely to find at this price point,” says David. 

Throughout the manufacturing process the guns move from gunsmith to gunsmith for hand finishing, taking advantage of the gunsmiths’ years of expertise. Although many of the mass-production guns are manufactured in Japan, at higher price points these are finished at Browning’s ‘custom shop’ in Belgium.

Heritage, innovation and invention

Speaking of which, Browning can trace its roots back to 1897, when one of the directors of the Fabrique National in Belgium acquired the manufacturing rights to a pistol with a new locking mechanism that John M. Browning had invented. Over the years John M Browning was responsible for a wide variety of innovations and patents, but from a game shot’s perspective it was his creation in 1925 of the B25, the first ever over-and-under shotgun, a development that would change the face of shooting forever. 

A modern B25

Choice

“Browning offer four main shotgun ranges for the game market,” explains David. “The B525, the B725, the B15 and the B25, which are part of the luxury John M. Browning collection.

The 725, while retaining many of the key features of the 525, has a shorter, faster and lighter mechanical trigger system and a low action frame giving a more comfortable shooting postion and greater "pointability". The key difference between the B15 and the B25 is that the B15 is manufactured in Japan but the engraving, stocking chequering and oiling is done in Belgium, whereas the B25 is entirely made in the custom shop in Belgium.

Within each of these ranges there are a huge number of variants, from lightweight options to ladies’ models, as well as a variety of different wood grades, engraving designs and finish qualities. There’s also a choice of barrel lengths, stock lengths and styles. “This level of choice means that the probability of finding a gun that meets your exact needs and aesthetic requirements is pretty good,” finishes David.

Value for money

“One of the biggest reasons that so many people use a Browning for their game shooting is that they represent excellent value for money,” says David. This is particularly true for those just getting into game shooting or buying their first gun; a new B525 Game One can be yours for somewhere around £1,500, and can be relied upon to serve you well for years to come.

They also make a sensible investment when bought second hand, thanks to that famous build quality, and can be acquired for less than a grand. This also means that the resale value is extremely high for those looking to move on from their first gun.

The striking B525 Shadow

David adds: “The fact that they are so reliable, and shootable, means that people often stick with Browning when they come to replace their first one - they know that they are getting quality, which is something people value when they’re buying something a bit more expensive.”

So there you have it - a name with history, a reputation for quality and reliability, a dizzying range of options and choice, and brilliant value for money - what more could you ask for?!

See the full range of Browning shotguns