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Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 -

Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 -

As regular readers will know it was only recently that we took a close look at Browning’s new B725 Hunter G1 20g.
An elegant little shotgun that handled like a dream; if there was a slight negative it was the modernity. And whilst the inherent looks of the gun remain the same the new Black & Gold version elevates Browning’s latest 20g into a gun you’ll want to be seen with. Likewise, based around the B725 action, the benefits of the new Browning design such as the lower profile, slimmer outline and more responsive lockwork are all there for the advantage of the shooter.

Combined with a richer, darker more lustrous walnut that far exceeds the G1 grading, the new Black & Gold version is more than likely to become the sub-gauge of choice for numerous game shooters. With the 20g constantly gaining in popularity year after year, this new Browning is tangibly proof that to own and shoot with a deft, elegant shotgun you don’t have to re-mortgage the house in order to purchase one of the supposed must have makes.

Ready To Go

Packaged in one of Browning’s now familiar grey plastic travelling cases, apart from having to decide which of the five flush-fit Invector DS chokes to fit, the Black & Gold is ready to go. When it comes to the looks department, the gun is ready to go anywhere, the rich, semi-oiled walnut of the Prince of Wales style stock finished off with one of Browning’s Inflex recoil pads. With stunning walnut, if the gun on test is anything to go by, the stock flows effortlessly into an open span, rounded semipistol grip and precision fitting stock head, the darker hue of the walnut blending perfectly with the black of the action.

Move forward and the black latched London-style forend continues the quality looks and finish of the stock. With the softer lines and more malleable qualities of this forend style, not only does it add to the Black & Gold’s looks, it enhances this 20-bore’s shooting pleasure. Both finished with matching panels of extended close cut checkering, the furniture alone elevates this gun above the competition.

Gold Standard

As a game gun the gloss black barrels come with a solid midrib and a low vented stippled 5mm top rib that culminates in a small, squat silvered bead. Flaring almost imperceptibly to accommodate the Invector DS chokes, the tubes in turn run into 3 inch monobloc chambers that incorporate Browning’s familiar under bolt or bar locking mechanism.

Finished in what’s probably best described as a semi-matte black, the steel action is more or less identical to the standard B725 Hunter G1 20g. Built from steel with mechanical lockwork, apart from the dark finish the decoration actually remains the same. The difference is that the game scenes and rising sun effects are now far more subdued whilst the flighting partridge are picked out with gold inlays. Almost leaping from the surface of the sides of the action, the birds along with the gold B725 logo embossed in the base and the gold trigger and gold Buckmark in the guard all elevate the looks and style of this already elegant sub-gauge.

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Elsewhere, more delicate engraving has been applied to the lesser seen surfaces of the action whilst the plain top tang’s only form of decoration is extended stippling along the left side of the short top-lever. Interestingly, whilst this verbal description might depict a far less attractive action than the standard gun, the gold partridge actually bring it alive, the detailing and contrast are proof that an already attractive shotgun can be made even better with what ostensibly is little work.

Slightly Different

Physically, the Black & Gold has been configured to encourage fast handling. Weighing 8lbs and 47½ inches overall length with the 30 inch barrels fitted, drops at comb and heel are 1 13/32 inches and 2 5/16 inches with a 14 13/16 inch length of pull and 5lbs 8oz average breaking weight over both barrels. All in all, from the moment you heft the Black & Gold for the first time, you have an immediate sense of handling a shotgun with true purpose. Be it a walked-up 20g, a task this Browning excels at or an unsurpassed smoothbore for partridge, you have an overwhelming sensation that you’ll shine with this B725 in your hands.

Fast - Not Furious

Fitting of ½ and ¼, the most likely combination for most shooters and loading up with a selection of Eley CT20, VIP Game and Winchester Double-X, the wand like characteristics of this new Browning were at once to the fore. Mounting, swinging and connecting with the target, be it clay, crow, magpie or squirrel was little more than a train of thought. Equally, even with the more potent loads chambered, the sensation of recoil verged of nonexistent to a degree it was only the shattering clay or falling bird that confirmed the detonation process had actually occurred.
Whether you’ve used a 20g before or are considering your first, the Black & Gold will stun you as to just how fast and controlled it actually is. The gun mounts and comes up the same time after time to a degree if you miss it’s definitely your fault, this little B725 presenting the perfect sight picture every time, the butt sliding into your shoulder as if it was part of your anatomy.

The Price

Interestingly whilst testing the Black & Gold over two extended occasions, I was constantly asked the price. My initial answer was to let them take an educated guess. To a man and a woman to keep things equal, all of them pitched in with a price at least £1000 more than the actual on-the-shelf cost. Irrespective of whether you opt for the 30 inch barrels as tested or the slightly shorter 28 inch version or need a right or left hand model, the Black & Gold cost just £2276 which has to be some of the best value out there.

The mistake everyone made was to value the Black & Gold off what they saw, how it felt and the efficiency with which it shot and handled. You could actually say Browning have undervalued their new B725 but keeping it financially close to the more standard Hunter G1 20g, the fact the Black & Gold cost just £278 more ensures the shooter walks out of the dealer with the exact B725 20g they want, not the financial compromise many makes inflict upon their new owners.

Granted as the interest in the 20-bore continues to expand, the number of shotguns will grow accordingly. And yes, there are some exceptional models to be had at a whole cross section of styles and prices. But unless you have unlimited funds, its highly unlikely the sensible money will be aimed anywhere else, especially after said money has looked at and handled this genuine gem of a 20-bore

 

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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  • Browning B725 Black & Gold Hunter G1 - - image {image:count}

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