Gun

Browning XS

XS PERFORMANCE

Browning have made some tweaks to the X-range competitions guns for 2001. Richard Rawlingson has been trying out a sporting model with 32 inch barrels.

Doesn't time fly? When I heard that Browning had brought out second generation versions of the X series guns it seemed strange - why make changes to virtually new models? Then I checked my records and saw that it is over two years since we first tested an XS sporter; time enough in the increasingly fast moving market we have now to warrant a facelift. The range has grown too. From just the XS (sporting) and XT (trap) models at launch, we now find six different variants shown in the new 2001 catalogue, although it is not certain whether all will find their way into UK retail outlets on a regular basis. Browning, under their new management, take a pan-European approach to marketing that does not always translate into products on the shelf, leaving customers with a tantalising glimpse of what others are getting.

I can tell you however that the subject of this month's test is available. It is the XS Sporter with 32 inch barrels - the longest you can get on a current Browning.

Technical Overview

Although still based around the same tried and tested action, Browning are keen to develop the X series as the separate range for the serious competition shooter. The B425 'Grade 1' guns are being positioned as the entry-level models, whilst the higher grades (with their posh names rather than the old numbers) appear in the catalogue as hunting and all-round guns rather than for out-and-out competition use. One of the main differences seems to be that only the X series will now feature back-bored barrels and the associated longer choke systems.

Let's look first of all at the elements of the new gun that are different from the original XS we tested back in 1999. The most obvious - because they protrude from the barrels and have bright gold ends - are the new 'Midas' chokes. Clearly deciding that 'if you can't beat 'em, join 'em', Browning have turned to choke experts Briley for help in designing this new system of extended multi-chokes. Based on the longer Invector Plus system, these new tubes extend a further 18mm from the end of the barrels, with a knurled area for grip and a gold band carrying the choke designation. This gives an effective length of 80mm (over 3 inches). Only four were supplied with the gun (quarter through to full) but presumably more are available.

It finally tackles an area that I feel has been Browning/Miroku's Achilles' heel for some time. I have commented often enough on the moderate finish and erratic performance of Browning's Invector tubes and the various purveyors of high-tech replacement chokes have done very well out of Browning owners in the last few years. With Beretta really pushing their own new system on the 682 and DT10 models, Browning obviously felt it was time to act.

Made of black oxide finished stainless steel, the Midas tubes certainly look and feel a quantum leap better than the old ones. The company claims that a special high resolution finish to the inner bore reduces fouling and therefore improves shot-to-shot consistency.

The profile is interesting. There is a big step out from the bore, followed by a taper down to the marked constriction over the first half of the length of the tube. The remaining section is parallel. My bore gauge showed accurate measurements for the marked constriction on all four tubes.

The second significant change is at the other end. The now almost obligatory adjustable comb is included, but this is a totally different design, both to the old one and to any other on the market. It has no visible holes in the woodwork itself and instead uses a single locking screw, accessed with an Allen key through a hole drilled in the butt plate. Slackening this off allows the cheek piece to be raised by up to 10mm. Pushing it sideways allows adjustment of the cast and the maximum deflection I could achieve was about 6mm.

The mechanism works well and is certainly very securely locked once set. The only problem I can see with it is the access through the butt - fine if you retain the standard plate (that feature with its sharply pointed toe that long-time readers know I love to hate) - but not so convenient if you have some form of recoil pad fitted. In this case an access hole would have to be bored out.

Other features of note include what Browning calls an 'asymmetric grip'. This is less pronounced than a palm swell and very comfortable. It does mean of course that the stock is not ambidextrous. The nose of the comb is also less pronounced than on earlier Browning sporters, allowing more room for larger hands. The usual three position adjustable trigger is present, along with a choice of three trigger blades, so most people should be able to get a comfortable position with the trigger hand. 

At the business end the barrels have both mid and top ventilated ribs, the top rib being my personal favourite, the tapering variety with centre channel. A variant called the XSH has a free floating top rib. Another variation on the theme, the XS Sporter Ported appears in the catalogue and should theoretically be available if ported barrels are your thing.

Cosmetics

My how things have changed. Not so long ago a new Browning came supplied in a cardboard box. No longer because the X series guns are now supplied in a very handsome aluminium travel case with double locks and latches, suitable even for air travel. It has a cut foam fitted interior and provides an excellent first impression on what is after all a premium priced piece of kit. Also included in the freebie package is a neat trigger lock to provide an extra layer of security - again useful when travelling. The only notable omission is that there is no carrying case for the long choke tubes (Midas owners take note: Tom Young of Continental Shooting Supplies has one that is perfect for them).

The gun itself is very nicely presented, the quality of the machining of the action impeccable and the greyed steel finish very smart. I remain as lukewarm about the graphics as when I first saw the new designs, but I could quite happily live with them.

The stock and fore end are in dark stained Turkish walnut, with a decent oil finish that will repay further attention and look better as time goes on. Our particular example was not the most highly figured piece of wood you will find, but this is all part of the natural variation. Be prepared to look at a few different examples if dark swirly stripes are important to you. The chequering (22 lines per inch) is a little bit on the coarse side, more noticeably so on the fore end.

Overall this is a good looking gun; modern and purposeful without being gimmicky. Take the gold detailing off and it would look even better.

On Test

This is the first 32 inch sporter I have been able to get my hands on from the XS range. My immediate impression as I assembled it out of the box was how nicely balanced it was. Then I realised that it did not have any choke tubes fitted. These are quite heavy - about 10g more each than the standard and fitting them did noticeably alter the balance. It is still not excessively barrel heavy however, indeed it may be just to many people's taste. With the trend in sporting towards longer targets and a lot of narrow quartering angles, longer barrels and some weight forward will be an ideal sporting configuration for many.

For those who prefer slightly livelier handling, I note with interest the inclusion in the new catalogue of a model called the XS Sporting (not Sporter) that appears identical with the exception of fixed choke barrels. It would be interesting to try them side by side. As ever personal taste and shooting style will be the main factor in any choice.

At 1600g the barrels are not that heavy for a 32" and the whole gun weighs in at almost dead on 3.6kg (8lbs). This is, in my book at least, a sensible minimum for a competition gun and a good reason for choosing this model over the slightly lighter B425. You can actually get those long barrels moving surprisingly quickly as I found out on a pair of low driven birds. A slightly more aggressive style is needed to overcome the initial inertia, but once moving they don't slow down in a hurry.

Time pressures prevented me doing any comparison test of the new Midas chokes compared to the old types, but I was more than happy with the quality of the kills I was getting. With three-quarter fitted I let some trap targets get out a long way and got superb breaks out at 50 yards range.

Of the triggers I need say no more than 'absolutely typical Browning/Miroku'. The factory's consistency from gun to gun is really remarkable and a tribute to the quality control. I can't remember ever measuring the pull on a Miroku-made gun that varied from standard by more than half a pound or so.

Browning have made some worthwhile improvements to an already sound gun and presented it as well as they have ever done with a model in this price range. The competition between them and Beretta for supremacy in the mainstream market is proving very much to the benefit of the buyers. The natural competitor for the X series is of course Beretta's 682E and it is fair to say that there has probably never been clearer water between the two makers in terms of the handling philosophy. You will I suspect strongly prefer one or the other. Both however are excellent guns in their own right and great value. Only you will know whether you prefer Italian pasta to Belgian chips and mayonnaise.

More information: Browning Sports UK Ltd 01235 444101