Browning BPS

What Makes the BPS Bottom-Ejecting Design Special?

Most pump shotguns eject spent shells to the right side, creating a problem for left-handed shooters who get shells ejected across their face. The BPS loads from the top (like a lever-action) and ejects straight down, completely eliminating the ejection direction issue. Left-handed shooters find the BPS genuinely natural to operate without any modification. The top-load design also means the shooter never loses sight of the target to load—shells drop into the receiver from above rather than requiring the shooter to look down at a side loading gate. The downward ejection does mean spent shells go straight to the ground, which some clay target shooters find inconvenient for brass collection.

BPS Configurations: Hunter, Field, Stalker, and Trap

Browning offers the BPS in several configurations. The Hunter features a polished blued finish and American walnut stock for traditional hunting aesthetics. The Field is a more affordable synthetic variant in matte finish. The Stalker is the weather-resistant configuration with matte blued steel and synthetic stock for waterfowl and hunting in wet conditions. The Trap model has a high-rib barrel and Monte Carlo stock optimized for clay target work. All configurations share the same bottom-ejecting action and top-load system. The 10-gauge BPS is one of the few quality pump guns produced in 10 gauge and is a popular choice for goose hunters who want maximum pellet payload.

BPS vs. Mossberg 500 and Remington 870: How Does It Stack Up?

The BPS, Mossberg 500, and Remington 870 represent three different approaches to the pump shotgun. The 500 and 870 are simpler, more affordable guns with much larger aftermarkets. The BPS is more refined—its fit and finish are noticeably better than either, and the steel receiver is stronger than the 500’s aluminum. The BPS lacks the extensive aftermarket of the 500 and 870 for stock upgrades and tactical accessories, but it doesn’t need them: it’s a hunting and sporting gun first. For left-handed shooters, the BPS is the strongest choice in the pump-action category. For right-handed shooters who value quality and traditional aesthetics over aftermarket options, the BPS is compelling.

BPS in 28 Gauge and .410: Smaller Bore Options

Browning produces the BPS in 28 gauge and .410 bore, giving it gauge coverage that the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 don’t match. The 28-gauge BPS is an excellent upland and skeet gun—28 gauge is enjoying a resurgence in sporting clays circles for its light recoil and pleasant handling characteristics. The .410 BPS is useful for introduced youth shooting and pest control. The smaller-bore BPS variants use the same fundamental action architecture as the 12 gauge and maintain the same ambidextrous character. For a shooter who wants a matched pair of pump guns in different gauges that handle identically, the BPS family is the best option available.

BPS Choke System and Maintenance

The BPS uses Browning’s Invector choke system (not the newer Invector-Plus from the Citori and A5)—verify which system your specific BPS uses before purchasing aftermarket chokes, as the two systems are not interchangeable. The BPS action is known for durability and smooth operation; the steel receiver and solid construction mean it will last for generations with basic maintenance. The downward ejection requires keeping the bottom of the receiver clear during operation. Browning’s reputation for long-term parts support means the BPS will remain serviceable well into the future.

Related Pages

Browse all Browning firearms, compare with the Browning A5 for a semi-auto alternative, or explore our full pump-action shotgun selection.