Icon Logo Gun Mart

Browning B25 D4G

Browning B25 D4G

Originally manufactured in 12, 20 and 28-bores it’s taken until 2005 for Browning to add a 16-gauge to their B25 line-up. It is without doubt one of the most legendary over & under shotguns ever conceived and is often referred to as the ‘superposed’, that’s one barrel above the other. Regrettably, John Moses never saw his final design go into production, the great man passing away due to a heart attack in his office at the Fabrique Nationale factory in Belgium. His son, Val, finally oversaw the launch and progression of one of the most famous shotguns in history. 

British Gold

If further proof of the B25’s eventual legendary capabilities are needed, cast your mind back to the 1966 Olympic Games in Mexico. It was there that a lad from the north of England called Bob Braithwaite beat the best in the business and brought home England’s first Olympic Gold Medal for shooting. Interestingly, back then Bob became a national hero, the entire country celebrating his success, Browning gifting him with a presentation B25 and inlaying the Olympic rings into the action of his winning gun. 

Back to the plot! Built to D4G specification, that’s D grade level 4 Germanic, this prototype 16-bore exemplifies why these guns have such an enthusiastic following. Quality and depth of the walnut was exceptional as was fit and the fine, hand-cut chequering. In respect of the action, Browning has reinforced that of a 20-bore to accommodate the larger barrel set. As with all B25’s, a full width hinge pin provides for a far stronger, longer lasting pivot. The quilting effect around the action, chambers and ejectors, besides adding to the aesthetics, allows for oil retention so enhancing the lubrication and silken sensation when operating the gun.

Alongside the deep scroll and acanthus that decorates every available part of the action, plus detailed game scenes on either side, it’s the base that is of most interest. Where a spaniel’s head would be more usually found, those using this particular gun will be left in no doubt about the fact it was built in 2005 by the Custom Workshops.

Sharp & Slide

As with most single trigger Browning’s; barrel selection is via the manual safety catch, gold inlays indicating firing order and position. My only minor concern is the trigger blade! Nicely cross cut to provide grip even in the foulest weather, the actual piece of metal is narrow and pointed. For me, it’d have to be the full sized, wider and more rounded 12-bore style.

For those unfamiliar with B25’s it tends to be the fixed forend that is of greatest interest. Where most come away to allow for the barrels to be removed or attached, this guns does not! When assembled, by pushing the end of the latch rearwards and allowing it to hinge down, the forend then slides forward so allowing the cocking lever to vacate its indent. When this in turn hinges down the barrels complete with timber can then be removed in the usual fashion. Reassembly is the reverse but you must make sure the forend is in the forward position and the cocking lever is parallel to the action before sliding it all back towards the action.

The Reason Why

Why a 16-bore after all this time? This is an extremely popular gauge in both America and Russia as a ‘walked-up’ gun. Not quite so much over here, although it does have its devotees. The premise being; you have a shotgun with all the weight and handling qualities of a 20-bore with the stopping power of a 12.

This new B25 is an exemplary illustration of the gauge’s benefit. The downside is that the available selection of 16-bore guns is quite restricted compared to 12s. Also and at times ammunition can be prohibitively expensive and slightly more difficult to acquire especially in smaller quantities. Perhaps better to order a season’s worth at a time to avoid disappointment…

story continues below...

Same But Different

Now unless you’re in the fortunate position of being able to commission FN Browning’s Custom Shop to produce an exact replica of this 16-bore, irrespective of the grade, the production versions will weigh and handle marginally differently. Weighing a tad over 6lbs this B25 feels instantly purposeful. The game-orientated stock has a drop at heel and comb of 1 7/16” and 2¼” combined with a length of pull measuring 14½” with a crisp pull weight of 5lbs 1oz.

Barrel-wise, the 26” monobloc, deeply blued tubes are capped off with a traditional, 6mm, solid, cross-cut top and mid rib, a small brass bead and 2¾” chambers. Please note that the production version will actually have chopper lump barrels measuring 30”. Choke-wise, the chamber markings indicate ¼ and ½ the resultant tight patterns indicated the true restrictions erred towards 3/8th and 5/8th bottom and top.

Obvious Benefits

Loaded up with Express’ new 30-gram game load, it was a combination of the B25’s handling and lack of weight that became obvious. Ideal as a second barrel round, 30- grams are a fraction heavy for general use, a box of 27 grams is far more preferable. Ammunition selection aside, the feel, rapidity and stopping power of this 16-bore is a revelation. To such a degree that the effort required to locate the target and turn it into vapour seemed to take on an almost slow motion sensation. Everything about this gun elevates the actual process of shooting.

Balancing ½” behind the hinge, the format ensures weight and balance are distributed perfectly between the hands so eliminating any vices or fore and aft characteristics. This B25 reacts when you do, points where your eyes are looking to a degree it seems to almost dial in the required lead. As much of a pleasure to use as it is simply to look at, once you’ve picked up one of the new 16-bore B25’s I guarantee you’ll want one.     

Money Back Guarantee

Whilst the prototype seen here will eventually make its way back home to FN Browning’s private collection, only to be used on rare occasions, it’s the production versions that’ll provide years of pleasure combined with investment potential. Whether it’s the entry level B2G at around £11,000, a £45,000 M2, a Chenonceau or E1 sideplate, after two or three years ownership the gun is more than likely to give you your money back if not a few thousand pounds more… should you for some reason feel the need to sell it.

Where the 16-bore will generate the most interest is in the fact that for the foreseeable future they’ll only be about 50 of the production versions out there and its human nature to want to own something different and desirable. Equally, with the slightly longer barrels, the extra length and marginal weight increase adding to the B25 proficiency as a driven game gun.

Regrettably most of us can only look on and hope our numbers come up when it comes to B25 ownership, especially one that we’ve been able to commission to our own specification. That said, by talking to the dealers who specialise in these shotguns and giving them an idea of how much you can afford, although it mightn’t be of the grade you’d prefer, for the cost of a shiny new, medium level Italian job, a B25 could just be yours. The difference is your Browning will already have that delightful patina of age, demonstrate the fact you have good taste in shotguns and most importantly be a fully functional asset. No matter how you look at it, when John Moses Browning passed away, he didn’t so much leave a legacy more a lasting icon. 

We Reckon:
• A new chapter in the ultimate over & under story
• A design icon with legendary abilities
• An investment that’ll actually pay dividends

PRICE: £22,500 srp production version

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Browning B25 D4G - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

gun
features

  • Name: Browning B25 D4G
  • Calibre: 16 – bore
  • Barrels: 26”
  • Action: Break – barrel boxlock
  • Stock: Walnut Sporter
  • Weight: 6lbs 4oz
  • Chokes: ¾ & ¼
Arrow