Browning B725 Hunter

Since its launch just over twelve months ago Browning’s new range of B725 shotguns has received varying reviews, many of the comments levelled at them in my opinion being unjust. Based heavily on the preceding and still in production B525, where the B725 initially differs is in the fact that Browning have slimmed down the action’s profile by what is ostensibly removing metal. It’s mainly for this reason others have been quick to criticise, stating that the removal of metal has unbalanced the gun and reduced the overall integrity of the action.

Let’s get it straight from the off then shall we! Irrespective of barrel proofing, all guns have to undergo strict and rigorous tests to verify and confirm that they can constantly withstand the tremendous amounts of pressure generated each and every time you pull the trigger; chamber pressure is measured in tonnes. If not then that’s it, the design is either significantly reworked or scrapped off. So if the B725 of whatever model even hinted at this form of failure, Browning themselves would cease manufacturing the action well before anyone else got involved.

I’ll also say that I was one of the first professional shooters to be invited to test the B725’s when they first arrived in England and was more than impressed by how Browning had evolved the B525 action, the B725 S1 Sporter being an excellent piece of clay breaking kit.  Unlike the Cynergy, the new action retains the familiar overall profile of what went before, so ensuring existing Browning enthusiasts keep the faith, none of this radical thinking to be found here, thank you very much!

Fit For A Prince

The B725 seen here is unusual in that whilst the gun is described as a Hunter Grade 1 it’s also known as the ‘Prince of Wales’ (POW). Announced at the launch as one of the B725 models that would follow in six or seven month’s time, this 12 bore was more or less conceived for the UK market, with small but signicant changes to the standard B725 Hunter making this particular shotgun more appealing to English buyers. The most obvious change being the Prince of Wales grip – a type of semi-pistol grip that is a sleek, elongated compromise between a straight English style and a full pistol grip

As with all Brownings this Hunter arrives in the B725’s distinctive shaped travelling case that comfortably contains the gun, a full set of cased Invector DS flush-fit choke tubes, accessories plus some spare cubbies for additional pieces of small kit.

Described as Grade 1 the stock comes with extremely nice, straight grained, semi-oil finish walnut, the quality of which I’d expect to find on a higher grade gun. In POW form the forend is of my preferred deeper, hand filling ‘London – style’ rounded end complete with a Deeley & Edge latch whilst the stock’s grip provides the shooter with a far more curvaceous, open relaxed radius, both grip and forend displaying neat, close cut machine chequering.

Attached to the butt is one of Browning’s new Inflex II recoil pads. Available in three thicknesses of 12, 20 and 25mm to facilitate length of pull adjustments although in POW form you only get the one as attached. The soft rubber material includes a smooth insert at the heel to assist in mounting, whilst the remainder of the pad incorporates an internal pod system that deflects potential felt recoil and the stock itself downwards and away from the shoulder and cheek.

Sun Up

The mechanical semi-satin finished boxlock, that is home to the 725’s new super quick lockwork, has taken Browning’s top of the range B25 B2G spec engraving for its influence although to my mind it would benefit from being cut slightly deeper. However, with pheasants on the left, partridge to the right with deco-like scroll work on the floor, the rather unusual sweeping sunrise stylisation carries onto the forend irons to complete the effect. The fences and trigger-guard are plain as is the smooth, fi xed, gold plated trigger-blade although the short in length and short throw top-lever continues the period ornamentation. The remainder of the top-tang occupied by Browning’s familiar manual safety and selector slide.

Inside the action you find Browning’s familiar and strength proven full width hinge pin and the flat-bolt locking mechanism that locates in the slot underneath the 3” chambered monobloc, gloss black 30” barrels although personally speaking I’d opt for the shorter 28” tubes. But whichever length you go for, externally you’ll find a solid mid-rib and a low vented top-rib complete with a 7 – 5mm tapering game rib and a short, squat muffin shaped bead. Inside the bore you’ll find Browning’s extended VectorPro rear forcing cones that allow the cartridge crimp to open wider so improving the passage of the shot. This in turn leads into the now familiar back bored inner bore section before progressing into the forward forcing cones and the all new Invector DS choking system.

Sealed Bid

The DS choke system means the actual flush-fit tube is actually as long as the previous extended models. Thinner and lighter, so as to reduce the trombone or flared muzzle effect, the DS chokes are threaded at the muzzle and not at the cone with a slotted brass ring that locates against the forward forcing cone. Replaceable should the need arise, this ring allows for expansion and as a seal to restrict the build up of the detritus that usually builds up in the small space between the choke tube and the inner barrel wall. This sealing system also ensures gasses go where they’re meant to namely out of the muzzle in a controlled fashion. The system also means the chokes are easier to change whilst the extended design now means the 725 has a more refined and uniform pattern distribution.

Smooth Operator

Even before the Arrow Laser Shot was inserted my reason for suggesting the shorter barrels became obvious from the moment the POW was assembled. Although the weight of 7lbs 8oz balances a quarter inch or so in front of the hinges, the overall length of 47 3/8” gives the POW a distinct weight forward attitude placing the physical bulk most definitely in the leading hand. Not particularly detrimental, especially when it comes to driven shooting, the POW swinging in a gentle controllable arc but one that makes the gun initially slow moving.

The POW’s overall attitude is flat, a trait that suits my own personal style, whilst the 1 13/32” and 2 5/32” drops at comb and heal allied to a 14¾” length of pull are proof positive that Browning have put a great deal of effort into ensuring the POW’s dimensions and angles are right especially for the game shooter. Similarly the weight of pull on both barrels, a crisp break of just under 6lbs to my mind the perfect break for the gloved hand of the cold weather pheasant shooter.

Pigeons, Pigeons

Although a game gun, it was clay pigeons before the feathered variety. Loading up with 28g Eley VIP Sporting fibres along with ¼ and Cylinder chokes, fifty sporting targets awaited, the first stand’s five pairs vaporising under the POW’s close attention, over seventy-five percent of the remaining targets succumbing to the Browning effect. On crossing birds the gun isn’t the quickest, with momentum slower to generate although once moving the swing is smooth, even and continuous even after the trigger has been pulled. But whilst this Browning 12 bore’s physical movements may be a little slower than usual the performance of the trigger mechanism is superb. Speed to transfer to the second barrel is as fast as any shooter could wish for which means the second shot is virtually instantaneous.

Switching to a few woodies and crows along with 30g Eley Pigeon and ¼ and ½ chokes, the POW proved its worth around the Huntroyde copses and roosts. With the birds flighting in as the daylight faded and with the gun held vertically as per a driven stance, the reaction of the Browning as each bird presented itself was excellent. All I would say is that whilst the 30” barrelled version was more useful, the no extra cost shorter 28” tubes would, to my mind make the POW a far more usable 12 bore. Reason being the weight will shift rearwards towards the shooter, the balance and overall dynamics making for a far more neutral handling and ultimately more responsive shotgun. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing at all amiss with the longer barrels, the weight and length in conjunction with the Inflex II recoil pad ironing out the effects of heavier loads but less metal will actually add to the overall abilities and general pleasure of using what is still an excellent gun. 

Game On

With purse strings being tightened and an increasing number of shooters looking for a 12 – bore that does everything, Browning’s B725 Hunter Grade 1 in ‘Prince of Wales’ form is about as near as you’ll find for £2,041, no doubt a fraction less if you search about for a competitive deal. But even at full price, you’ll have yourself a more than competent all-rounder, the gun on test equally capable on both types of pigeon be them blaze orange or feathered, whilst a few high flying crows were more than sufficient when it came to simulating driven pheasants, the gun’s slight weight forward attitude promoting smoothness and control. GM

PRICE: £2,041 srp