Browning B525 Heritage Hunter

Two years ago we tested the then new Browning Heritage and whilst the looks and quality impressed, the kindest possible way to describe the gun’s handling was lifeless, with crossing targets an energy sapping experience. But whilst Browning weren’t exactly enthusiastic about the comments they did at least listen, especially when it came to the game version, as the Heritage Hunter now embodies their famed handling characteristics.

Wooden You Just

Since the Heritage Hunter is a high grade gun, as you’d expect it comes complete with a custom fit Negrini case along with the usual accessories, which is guaranteed to impress from the off. Next step is to put it together and you’ll be hooked! The gun exudes serious class and style, the oiled finish of the selected high grade walnut positively glows. The deep extended sideplates alive with Italian-designed pheasants, partridge and deep scroll engraving, every aspect is positively inspirational.

Setting it apart from its lesser brethren is the rounded semi pistol grip and fine rolled chequering, the selected walnut is attractively grained yet obviously robust. Finished with a traditional smooth black butt plate, the sporter stock and grip flow trimly and fit effortlessly around the sideplates, neat drop points add to the Heritage’s modish objectives. Although well sized and of a good, sensible length, it might have been better if Browning had adopted a London-style forend over the Schnable as fitted.

Back To Front

Starting from the muzzles that show an almost imperceptible flare, each one is regulated by one of Browning’s short, Invector multi-chokes. A proven design, the set of five provides you with sufficient restrictions to suit all circumstances. Crowned with a low, vented, 7mm rib complete with a squad silvered bead, the 28” solid, mid rib barrels boast a best – blacked finish and are attached to the action courtesy of the familiar 3” chambered monobloc. All fully hand fitted and assembled, so adding to the Heritage Hunter’s unique status within the Browning range.

The action is Browning’s easily recognisable and exceptionally durable 525 ‘trap door’ design that’s stood both the test of time and untold abuse from ham – fisted shooters throughout the world. Where it differs on the Heritage is in the finish, the satin greyed side plates offering a far larger canvas on which to display the engraver’s art. Taken from a Cesare Giovanelli design, game scenes intertwine with arabesque and scroll that extend over the base of the action, forend irons, trigger guard, fences, top tang and top lever. If there is a downside it’s that the sideplates rather emphasize the depth of the 525 action.

Chalk and Cheese

Compared to its clay breaking equivalent the Heritage Hunter couldn’t be more different. Unusual in weighing 3oz more than the competition version, the Hunter tipping the scales at 8lbs 3oz. The additional ounces plus a balance point no more than a quarter inch beyond the hinges has resulted in a shotgun that reacts to the shooter’s input. In other words it moves and responds like a quality game gun should do, whilst the narrowed radius and lightened dimension of the forend and semi pistol grip give this Heritage a tangible fluidity, the angle and drop of the stock head is one of the best we have seen!

Measurement wise drops at comb and heel are 17/16thand 23/16th respectively with a 14 13/16th length of pull. Add to this a predictive 5lbs 1oz trigger weight from the non – adjustable, gold-plated blade, plus the traditional game gun’s propensity to shoot slightly high and you have a 12-bore ideally suited to any form of driven game. The interchangeable chokes allowing for instant ‘cock boring’, the perfect format for grouse.

Now all shotguns take a little getting used to and the Heritage Hunter was no different. Loaded up with 28g Express Supremes, the first five stands were a mixed affair. Driven and going away targets were no problem whatsoever, the crossers a different tale, once again confirming the gun’s driven game orientations. Flatter than might be anticipated, by the time the last five stands were shot, the Heritage Hunter’s foibles had been overcome. The gun quickly becoming a pleasure to shoot, emphasizing the point that although based on what is now quite an old design, irrespective of aesthetics Browning’s 525 is still one of the best guns on the market. Similarly, the well timed ejectors throw the empties high and wide whilst sensibly and even though it’s a game gun Browning elected to retain a manual safety – catch, which we feel is better.

Add to this the fine tuning Browning have carried out on the Heritage Hunter, the handling, balance and compliant yet active attitude between the hands and not only do you have a class act shotgun when it comes to looks, fit and finish you also have a 12 – bore that’ll hold its own in any situation. Similarly, even when loaded up with some serious 36g pheasant stoppers, it’s still comfortable to shoot over extended periods, something not every game gun can lay claim to.

Cash Alternative

You really can’t knock anything about the Heritage Hunter, Browning putting some serious effort into this gun’s fit, finish, presentation and performance. Whilst we’d be more than delighted to have this gun ready and waiting for the next game season to get underway, we are a bit sensitive about the cost. As the euro exchange rate drives the price tag higher, the end result is that for £4,947 you can just about start to knock on the door of a used, lower grade B25. And whilst the Heritage is a tremendous gun a used example of its big brother would be a seriously tempting alternative.

We Reckon:
• Browning’s fine tuning has got it right
• Nice gun but still not a B25
• Just a tad pricey

PRICE: £4,947srp