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Been offered a Browning A1 Trap, any advice?


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Hi,

 

I went into the local Gunshop near my parent house looking for a Trap Gun. He had in a Browning A1 and another Browning I can't remember what but it was a little dearer at over a grand.

 

The A1 was Belgian made in 1969 chocked 3/4 and full. Looked to be in pretty decent nick for the age and had quite clean bores. He was after £900 for it. I know sod all about trap guns and was wondering if this was a good deal or not.

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A1s are okay, but they did not have chrome lined barrels and spares and not as easily obtained, as the more modern equivalent. For example, if you broke the stock or forend.

 

had quite clean bores.
You should be looking for spotless bores. If they aren't - walk away.

 

For that money, you could get a very recent Miroku MK38.

Edited by Gordon R
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Cheers gents. There were very slight marks in the bores near the breech but that was all. The action was tight but he himself admitted on a gun of that age it probably will have been re-tightened at some point. The wood was lovely and the blueing was all original.

 

He admitted himself he doesnt do much in Trap guns so isn't sure himself how fair a price it is. He's selling on behalf of a customer. I'm off to Bolton tomorrow so i'll ask around the DTL shooters there what they think. Trouble is it's so bloody far away I cant take one of the more experinced lads up with me for a second opinion.

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If its 'so bloody far away' and youre asking us your opinion then you should not buy it. If it goes wrong you would have to travel however far to get it fixed, The guy selling it should have a good idea as to what its worth even if its not his gun. My opinion would be to find a gun you are 100% sure of more local to you.

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If you want a Browning buy a new 525, you get £75 back from Browning at the mo

 

Should add thats on the not scrolled models, I was gonna get the game one as it was £200 cheaper new than the second hand Citori GTS Elite

 

But for the money the GTS is better value for money given that they're something like £2389 online new

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Yes I know the B25 is hand made and a lovely gun, the shop near me has two handmades in store both with huge price tags but in excellent condition

 

 

However I'm saying the 525 is a better buy at the moment especially with the money back offer, its multichoke too so he can choose a choke setup to fit rather than fixed

 

And although it might not be the same grade wood or worksmanship on the wood the mechanism is still rock solid and thats the main point, plus it'll be steel proofed if needed and you know its not gonna be worn out

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Hi,

 

I went into the local Gunshop near my parent house looking for a Trap Gun. He had in a Browning A1 and another Browning I can't remember what but it was a little dearer at over a grand.

 

The A1 was Belgian made in 1969 chocked 3/4 and full. Looked to be in pretty decent nick for the age and had quite clean bores. He was after £900 for it. I know sod all about trap guns and was wondering if this was a good deal or not.

 

 

You don't mention the barrel length, if it's 28" resale would be difficult, if 30" which is most likely then it's worth £900 no question, it's a near classic status Belgian Browning, hardly comparable to a factory Miroku and I'm a fan of the latter. Don't think they produced the A1 in 32" but if it is then it's underpriced by about £300. Obviously condition and tightness etc, matter a great deal but can't judge that from my sofa :lol: .

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If its 'so bloody far away' and youre asking us your opinion then you should not buy it. If it goes wrong you would have to travel however far to get it fixed, The guy selling it should have a good idea as to what its worth even if its not his gun. My opinion would be to find a gun you are 100% sure of more local to you.

 

I go up there every month or so anyway as that's where my parents live so no bother for me. I just meant I cant exactly take one of the local shooters along with me for a second opinion like I would be if it was a local shop. Been around a lot of the local shops and all the guns I seem to find that are in my price range are very tired looking guns that I'm definately sure arn't worth the money.

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Thanks for the opinions guys. I know it's nigh on impossible to give a decent answer without looking at the gun yourself. At least i'm slightly better prepared than I was before. I shoot a Grade 1 Browning 325 at the moment and love it, just its far to flat shooting for DTL. I have to block out the clay with the barrel and no matter how hard I try I just can't get a decent score with it. As soon a I borrow a trap gun for a detail my scores jump up dramatically.

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Thanks for the opinions guys. I know it's nigh on impossible to give a decent answer without looking at the gun yourself. At least i'm slightly better prepared than I was before. I shoot a Grade 1 Browning 325 at the moment and love it, just its far to flat shooting for DTL. I have to block out the clay with the barrel and no matter how hard I try I just can't get a decent score with it. As soon a I borrow a trap gun for a detail my scores jump up dramatically.

 

 

I'd hazard a guess it isn't necessarily the POI that's affecting your scores. DTL guns sold in this country do not as a rule throw particularly high. I too shoot much better with traps guns as opposed to sporters but it's the pitch and the low comb which is the main reason. The more upright picture certainly helps and the higher comb reduces the chance of head lifting. :yes:

The other thing is that trap guns tend to also be a bit heavier which may help your swing.

 

PS. what is the barrel length of the A1 you're considering?

Edited by Hamster
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