Browning Ultra XS Prestige

Even the most occasional clay shooter can’t fail to have seen or handled at least one example of a Browning Ultra. This gun being one of the company’s most successful models to date. But whilst some thought it was getting a little long in the tooth, it seems Browning had other ideas, as the new look XS Prestige more than justifies their faith and investment.

Oh Look At That!

The first thing that hits you is the new, fully lined, silver, Negrini travelling case, a definite step up from Browning’s more basic fare. Likewise what’s contained within; deeply grained, oiled grade four woodwork, a satin-finished action, superbly blacked barrels and a small box of tuning and adjusting accessories, all in for £2900, none to bad a price for a top end competition shotgun.

Still one of the deepest in production, the 525 action’s silver satin finish with gold inlays demonstrates just how elegant this trap door inertia mechanism can still be. As usual the action locks the barrels into battery, courtesy of the familiar underbolt that engages with the lumps beneath the lower of the two 3” chambers whilst the 32” barrels are of Browning’s usual high standards of finish and striking.

Room to Breath

Featuring Browning’s now almost universal back boring system, the bore of each tube is slightly wider than normal so allowing for more pellet freedom whilst travelling towards the muzzles whilst detracting from the overall felt recoil effect. Both ribs are vented whilst the raised top one is more than reminiscent of the old ‘motorway’ format. Being 10mm wide over the entire length quickly tapering down to 9mm over the top chamber, the cross-cut centre groove is still one of my more favoured arrangements. 

From the moment you assemble the Ultra and bring it to your shoulder it offers a most purposeful feel. Similarly, although this particular example is a sporter, Browning have been able to build in certain Trap format aspect. These traits most definitely add to the gun’s sense of intent and multi-discipline abilities.

The comb is fully adjustable, being altered to suit through the butt plate with an Allan key (supplied), but for me the factory set up proved ideal. Though the comb can be very easily repositioned by over ½”, the basic dimensions were a drop at comb and heel of 1½” and 2 5/8”. The cross-cut trigger can be quickly altered or exchanged with either of the two alternatively profiled blades as supplied, but for this test was left intact and in position at a pull length of 14¾”. The pull weight offered an average of 5lbs 8oz over both barrels irrespective of firing order.

Ample Butt!

The butt is more than ample for a sporter as are the hand-filling dimensions of the semi pistol grip, palm swell, Schnable forend and the fine cut panels of chequering. Likewise, the 32” barrels continue to echo the Trap connotations with vented ribs and fore and mid rib white beads. While the bronze-tipped Briley ‘Titane’ multi-chokes add to this top spec Ultra’s overall stylish appearance. Even the balancing point of this 8lbs gun is an inch or so in front of the hinges positioning the bulk of the Ultra in the lead hand.

Shot over two layouts, namely Bond & Bywater’s 30-birder along with Rishton SG’s far more demanding Compact, the Ultra never failed to deliver. Choked up ½ and ¼ and loaded up with Express Supremes, the over riding sensation is of a 12-bore that flatters the shooter’s abilities. Like all weightier sporters, the Ultra XS smoothes out the swing whilst still switching rapidly between fast opposing targets, all the while the mass noticeably eliminating a significant amount of felt recoil.

All in all, although a sporter by definition the Ultra proved itself to be a genuine pleasure to shoot displaying true efficiency irrespective of the targets or discipline. If it has a downside it is heaviness, as certain shooters will find the weight a tad too much for a sporter irrespective of the gun’s refined handling characteristics. 

Well Worth a Look

For many the prospect of buying a new competition gun based around one of the older actions doesn’t appeal, to a degree that many close their minds to even picking up the Ultra. However, if you choose to dismiss Browning’s Ultra XS especially in Prestige guise in either 12 or 20-bore you’re missing big time. As this well built classic design has proven itself as a competition gun that’s the equal of any of the modern offerings including Browning’s own Cynergy.

OK the gold swirling clay decorations aren’t to my taste, but you only have to pick up this latest incarnation of the Ultra to feel the gun’s almost instinctive sense of balance and quality of construction. From the moment you pick up this Browning it nigh on inspires you to head down to the layouts, the great thing being that once there it will unfailingly deliver time and time again.

We Reckon!
• A competition 12-bore the equal of anything out there
• This Browning should last you a lifetime
• An extremely versatile clay breaker

PRICE:
£2,900 srp (as tested)