Browning currently has several million high-quality weapons in its arsenal. These are rifles, rifles and carbines for hunting and sports. In addition, the brand first invented a semi-automatic shotgun and weapons with vertically arranged trunks. Consider the brand’s history, its advantages, the Browning hunting rifle model, application features, and what documents will be required to purchase the product.
History of creation
American John Moses Browning, born in 1855, and after whom the brand is named, first created a single-shot rifle at the age of 14. Throughout his life, he has patented more than a hundred of his inventions. The workshop where weapons were manufactured and repaired was opened by his father a few years before the birth of his son.
For the first time, Winchester became interested in young talent and its designed rifle. During the collaboration, several original weapons products were created. At the beginning of the 20th century, Browning began to produce pistols in large numbers for different countries, which markedly differed in quality among the analogues on the market. He worked mainly in Belgium.
Many models invented by Browning continue to be produced to this day. But the most popular creator was the invention of the automatic rifle in 1918 under the name BAR, which was recharged on the principle of a gas vent mechanism. This model has existed on the market for more than eight decades.
For a long time, the Browning shotgun was used in the American army. Colt 1911 was especially popular. A year after the death of the gunsmith, in 1927, the Browning Arms Company was created. She is now part of FN Herstal (Belgium's leading arms company). The company's plants are located in the United States, Europe and Japan. The brand’s weapons are of high quality performance, the excellent operation of all mechanisms and good operational mechanisms.
Technical characteristics of "BAR"
Hunting rifles "Browning BAR" (Browning automatic rifle), which began to be mass-produced back in 1966, are divided into two main models Affut (suitable for hunting from shelters) and Battue (for hunting with a round-up). They may have a standard or magnum cartridge type.
For the standard Affut cartridge type with a barrel length of 550 mm, the caliber 243 Win, 30-06 Sprg, 270 Win and 308 Win are suitable. The weight of the structure is more than three kilograms, the store is designed for 4 rounds. Distinctive features of the design are the rear sight, which can be adjusted, a closed front sight in the form of a drop and a plastic rear applicator. The gun is suitable for hunting small rodents and a larger animal (roe deer, deer). Designs are distinguished by high accuracy of shooting and are in demand among shooters, regardless of age and skill level.
In Affut, a magnum with a barrel length of 600 mm and a weight of almost 4 kg, the store is designed for three bullets with a caliber of 300 Win Mag, 7 mm Rem Mag and 38 Win Mag. The butt plate at the apparatus is rubber.
The Battue model is designed for hunting from the raid. Cartridges with caliber 270 Win, 30-06 Sprg are suitable for the standard type. The gun has a barrel length of 550 mm, magazine capacity is 4 rounds. For the cartridge type magnum of this model, 300 Win Mag, 7 mm Rem Mag and 338 Win Mag bullets are suitable. The length of the barrel of the gun is 550 mm, almost 4 kg, the store is designed for 3 bullets. The butt plate for this model is plastic.
It is worth noting that the capacity of the store may be limited, depending on the requirements of other countries. Also, the technical specifications are only indicative, since the company is constantly working on improving its products, and the basic equipment of the Browning shotgun may vary. It all depends on the needs of the country for whom the goods are manufactured.
Despite the fact that the BAR carbine is in demand among hunters and has many modifications, there are also disadvantages. It is inconvenient and difficult to clean the carbine, especially the gas unit. You can clean the barrel only from the back, while the chamber is much more difficult to clean. With prolonged use, problems may occur regarding cartridge extraction and accuracy of shots.
Smoothbore guns "Browning"
Shotguns are used to effectively shoot any game at a distance of up to 70 meters. The company produces different models of smoothbore weapons.
Browning B525 Hunter (double-barreled shotgun with a vertical arrangement of trunks). This is the fifth generation of the B25 (or Superposed), but, despite the serial production, parts and assemblies are adjusted manually. Such a gun can be shot both with a classic shot and with environmentally friendly lead. The block has a guarantee of 10 years of uninterrupted operation. The device is in demand for a great balance of performance and sophisticated exterior design.
On the Russian market it can be purchased in the following modifications:
- Browning shotgun, caliber 12 B525 Hunter Classic 12M (3.15 kg, barrel length from 66 to 81 cm);
- B525 Hunter Classic 20M (2.9 kg, barrel - 71 cm, caliber of cartridges 20);
- B525 Hunter Elite 12M (barrel - from 71 to 81 cm, there is an aim bar 6 mm wide, ventilated);
- B525 Hunter Elite 20M (almost 3 kg weight, 20 caliber bullets, barrels - 71 and 76 cm).
"Browning Special GTS" (double-barreled barrel with a vertical arrangement of trunks). It is ideal for both sports and hunting. Five replaceable chokes and a special key are included. It is delivered to the Russian market in the following modifications: Browning Special GTS 12M (caliber 12/76, weight 3.5 kg, there is an option for left-handed people and a model with a shortened stock), Browning Special GTS Elite 12M (caliber 12/76).
"Browning Cynergy" - double-barreled gun with a vertical arrangement of trunks. The model was introduced in 2004. It features a low-profile block, due to which the time for re-aiming at the target is significantly reduced. Thus, you can better aim and more accurately shoot again. The durability of the design is ensured by the connection of the barrel of the weapon with the receiver. For this, the integrated MonoLock ring joint system is integrated.
It is delivered to the market in the following options:
- The Synergy Hunter Grade 3 12M is a classic with a 12/76 caliber.
- “Synergy Hunter Grade 3 20M” - similar to the previous model, but bullets caliber 20 (weight 2.9 kg).
- “Synergy Hunter Light Grade 3 12M” - weight 3.1 kg, caliber 12/76.
- The Synergy Sporter Inflex 12M is a 12-caliber Browning sports shotgun.
- Synergy Composite Black Ice 12M.
- Synergy Pro Sport Adjustable 12M.
Elite models include the Browning Heritage Hunter. The block here comes with artistic engraving, fitting parts manually, caliber 12, weight - a little more than 3 kg.
Semi-automatic smoothbore rifles
In the assortment of the company there are several varieties of smooth-bore semiautomatic devices that are popular with both experienced hunters and beginners. They note that it is convenient to use such rifles regardless of the size of the game, in addition, the designs have good performance characteristics.
The following types of semi-automatic rifles are delivered to the Russian market:
- Browning Maxus. Shotgun "Browning Maxus" has enhanced technical characteristics. There is a Speed Loading system, which greatly simplifies the process of reloading and changing the store. The design uses the Back Bore drilling, which minimizes the possibility of abrasion of grains on the barrel wall. The following models of this series are available to the Russian consumer: Maxus Standard 12M (classic with 12/76 caliber), Maxus Composite 12M, Maxus Camo Duck Blind 12M khaki (for careful hunters who are in wait for game and do not want to bother it ahead of time), Maxus Hunter Grade 2 12M (engraved on hunting themes) and Maxus Premium Grade 3 (for aristocratic hunters with gold inlay on the cover).
- "Browning Fusion Evolve." It features an elegant design and ease of use. The gun is made of modern light alloys. On the Russian market you can find the Browning rifle, a semiautomatic device in one modification - Fusion Evolve II Gold 12M. This design is engraved with gold inlays from selected walnuts. Her weight is 3 kg.
- "Browning Phoenix". A simplified version of the previous model, which affects the price. The following modifications are available on the Russian market: Phoenix Hunter 20M (classic with a caliber of 20/76), Phoenix TopCote 12M and Phoenix Composite 12M (all-weather construction).
Rifle rifles
A rifled gun is a more serious type of weapon. Permission to it is issued only after five years of use with a smoothbore gun. Browning presents a large number of these models that will satisfy the tastes of both experienced hunters and beginners in this matter. It is worth remembering that rifled rifles differ in flight range and cannot be used near settlements.
Varieties of rifled rifles:
- "Browning X-Bolt." Hunting classic design with manual reloading. Differs in accuracy, safety and usability. In 2009, the National Rifle Association of the United States, this modification was recognized as "the best." On the Russian market are available: X-Bolt Composite (caliber - 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield), X-Bolt Stainless Stalker (for hunting in extreme conditions) and X-Bolt Hunter.
- Browning T-Bolt Sporter. This is a magazine rifle for small-caliber cartridges, which is used by hunter craftsmen and professional athletes. Magazine capacity - 10 rounds.
- "Browning BAR Acier." The sales leader of the Browning shotgun is a semi-automatic machine. Models that are available to Russian consumers: BAR Acier Affut (weight 3.5 kg), BAR Acier Battue and BAR Acier Affut BOSS (there is a Browning BOSS muzzle brake, which reduces returns).
- Among the varieties of “BAR” there is also the Browning BAR ShortTrac / LongTrac model, which differs from its predecessors in elegance and beautiful appearance. Browning BAR Match (FNAR) - a rifle for snipers, characterized by accuracy and reliability. There are 5 rounds in the kit, but there are models more capacious for 10–20 ammunition.
- The Semi-Auto 22 Browning rifle was developed back in 1924 and has remained virtually unchanged since then. The weapon can be used both on the right and on the left shoulder.
- The Browning BuckMark Sporter Rifle is designed for sport shooting. Its weight is only 2 kg, a magazine with a capacity of 10 rounds, the total length is 850 mm.
Pump models
In Russia, hunters rarely choose this type of gun. All due to the fact that such a design needs a little "get used to." Such weapons appeared on the territory of the Russian Federation about 30 years ago, although they have been used by European and American hunters for a long time. Despite this, Russian hunters were seriously interested in this design, especially those who noted its advantages. The gun can be used both when hunting for birds, and for larger game.
The Browning pump lineup, called the BPS, includes dozens of different options. They have different barrel lengths, caliber, a variety of muzzle devices, magazine capacity, decoration and other operational characteristics. At the moment, pump-action designs are produced and available to the Russian consumer in three calibers: 10, 12 and 20. The barrel can be from 508 to 813 mm in length and weigh about 4 kg.
Most of the models in the Hunting modification, there are even highly specialized trunks. Users in the reviews note that the guns have high durability and high-quality assembly. In hunting options, "Browning" is often found shooting up to 30 thousand without the need for repairs.
The creator John Browning himself participated in sports, which helped him to test his weapons in action and bring to the required performance in the future. It is noted that he could smash up to 98 out of 100 plates, not only thanks to his skill, but also with the help of properly designed weapons.
Today, there are two options for drilling the barrel of the Browning pump action weapon. In the first embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical part of the barrel is 18.5 mm, in the second - 18.9 mm. The latter option is considered suitable for Magnum ammunition, as it optimizes the trajectory of the bullet and improves firing performance. All guns are still made according to the designs and models of their creator. They can differ only in color and appearance.
Hunting rifles "Browning Gold"
Golden Browning is a structure made in the 70-80s of the 20th century. This is a modern semiautomatic device that meets all the requirements of a hunter. A feature of the device is a self-regulating gas vent system. This allows you to use not only standard cartridges, but also magnum models in any order.
The "Gold" gun is considered universal, as it is suitable for different types of hunting, it can be used in any weather conditions. Experts advise to pay attention to the care of weapons. The process of disassembling and assembling the Browning Gold Fusion shotgun does not take much time. It is better to use quality oils for lubrication after the cleaning process. But it is worth remembering that an excessive amount of lubricant can lead to the accumulation of unburned particles of gunpowder, and thereby provoke contamination of the weapon.
Before going on a hunt, the masters advise to "shoot". At least release 50 rounds per booth to feel the machine in operation.
New models of guns for sports and hunting from the company Browning
The Browning company is constantly working on creating new designs or modifications to the existing range of weapons. The latest updates received the line of semi-automatic rifles "Silver", where four new models were added.
Novelties of the Browning shotgun: Silver Black Lightning, Silver Matte Hunter, Silver Matte Hunter Micro Midas are made for professional athletes who are engaged in trap shooting. The Silver Rifled Deer Matte is designed for hunting. It is suitable for both experienced hunters and beginners.
All rifles are made of natural wood (walnut), polishing can be matte or glossy. They can use calibers 12 or 20. Their cost varies from 76 to 88 thousand rubles.
What documents do I need to submit to obtain a purchase permit?
In order for a hunter to obtain a license for a smoothbore weapon or to extend its validity, for example, on a Browning A5 shotgun, a lot of papers will have to be prepared.
Documents required to obtain permission for smooth-bore:
- medical certificate (form 046-1);
- photos as a passport - 2 pcs.;
- an application for the purchase of a gun (in paper and electronic form);
- extract from the district police officer stating that a safe for storing weapons was installed at home;
- receipt of license payment in the amount of 1 minimum wage;
- copy of the passport;
- hunting ticket;
- identification code.
To obtain permission for a rifle, you will need to submit:
- a certificate from the Permit system of the district stating that a hunting rifle has already been registered (experience of more than five years);
- a petition from a hunting cooperative registered by the hunter;
- medical certificate, photographs, hunting ticket, photocopies of passport and code;
- an application for the purchase of weapons on paper and electronic media;
- Act on the inspection of the premises where the gun will be stored (signed by the owner of the weapon, the district police officer, instructor or authorizer);
- receipt of payment in the amount of 2 minimum wages;
- characteristic from the place of work.
To purchase a weapon, for example a Browning 425 rifle (smoothbore), in a specialized store you must present the original license, a copy of your passport and a power of attorney from a notary. When buying ammunition, you need to provide a copy of your passport and permission to carry / store weapons.
Features of use
According to reviews, the Browning shotgun is distinguished not only by build quality, but also by ease of use. Before you start using it, it is worth examining the precautions.
Safety regulations:
- Before you start using a weapon, you should make sure that it is not charged.
- The gun must always be on the fuse, even if not charged. It must be removed immediately before the shot.
- The finger should be on the trigger only when the person is about to shoot.
- Handle an unloaded gun as if it was a loaded one, and never point it at people.
- Taboo on shooting at water and hard surfaces. Beware of the rebound.
- Ammunition should be used only in accordance with the caliber of the gun.
- Shotgun and ammunition should be stored in different places and away from children.
