The Browning BPS Upland Special is a highly regarded over-and-under shotgun, renowned for its reliability, balance, and elegant design. This article delves into the specifics of this popular firearm, exploring its features, strengths, weaknesses, and overall suitability for upland bird hunting. We'll also examine its place within the broader Browning BPS lineup and compare it to similar shotguns on the market.
Understanding the Browning BPS Upland Special's Design
The BPS Upland Special is designed specifically for the demands of upland bird hunting. This means lightweight construction, exceptional handling, and a focus on swift, reliable operation in the field. Key features contributing to this include:
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Lightweight Construction: The receiver and barrels are crafted from lightweight materials, minimizing fatigue during long hunting days. This often utilizes aluminum alloys to achieve this balance of lightness and strength.
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Invector-DS Choke System: This allows for easy interchangeability of chokes, enabling hunters to optimize their patterns for various bird species and shooting distances. This adaptability is crucial for upland hunting, where shot placement is paramount.
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Stock and Forend: The stock and forend are typically made of a high-quality wood, often walnut, providing a comfortable and secure grip. The design often incorporates a slightly slimmer profile for better maneuverability in tight cover. Variations in stock dimensions accommodate a wide range of shooters.
Comparing the BPS Upland Special to Other Browning Models
The BPS Upland Special sits within Browning's broader BPS (Browning Pump Shotgun) lineup, specifically designed for upland game hunting, setting it apart from models geared towards waterfowl or other disciplines. While sharing the robust pump-action mechanism with other BPS models, the Upland Special differs in features like its lighter weight and more refined stock design, making it better suited to the quick handling necessary in upland hunting.
| Feature | BPS Upland Special | BPS Waterfowl | BPS Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier | Moderate |
| Stock Design | Slimmer, refined | More robust | Standard |
| Barrel Length | Typically shorter | Often longer | Variable |
| Choke System | Invector-DS | Invector-DS | Invector-DS |
Performance and Handling in the Field
The Browning BPS Upland Special's success hinges on its performance in the field. Hunters praise its:
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Reliability: The pump-action mechanism is renowned for its simplicity and reliability, even under less-than-ideal conditions. This is critical when quick follow-up shots are necessary.
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Balance: The lightweight design contributes to exceptional balance, making the gun swing smoothly and quickly to targets. This is essential for acquiring targets rapidly in challenging upland environments.
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Pointing Characteristics: The gun's design makes it intuitive to point, contributing to rapid target acquisition. This natural pointability is a significant advantage in fast-paced upland hunting.
Case Study: A Hunter's Experience
"I've hunted with my BPS Upland Special for five seasons now, and it's never let me down. The lightweight feel and quick handling have made a huge difference in my success rate, particularly when flushing birds in thick cover. I've also appreciated the Invector-DS choke system, which allows me to fine-tune my shot patterns depending on the situation," said seasoned upland hunter, Mark Thompson.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While highly praised, the Browning BPS Upland Special does have some potential drawbacks:
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Price: It's positioned at a higher price point compared to some competitor shotguns.
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Recoil: Although manageable, recoil can be more noticeable in lighter-weight designs, especially for less experienced shooters.
Conclusion: Is the Browning BPS Upland Special Right for You?
The Browning BPS Upland Special is a premium upland hunting shotgun that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Its lightweight construction, balanced design, and smooth action make it a favorite among experienced hunters. While the price might be a barrier for some, its performance and lasting quality justify the investment for serious upland bird hunters. If you're seeking a reliable, well-balanced shotgun for upland hunting and value quality and dependability, the BPS Upland Special is certainly worth strong consideration. However, be sure to weigh the price against your budget and consider the recoil aspect if you are a novice shooter.