Browning B25 trap guns

I shoot a modern Japanese Browning, but one of the most popular trap guns on the stands down here is the Browning B25. Most if not all of these guns are very old, but for the most in very good condition. I have seen some really nicely engraved models and others plain also have seen and shot the famous Carrega  150. One thing slightly puzzles me though and that is the price these guns command second hand many of the going for more than €4000 for a gun that is in some cases way more than forty years old ! Were they an expensive gun to buy new ? I see B25 thirty odd years old being sold for more than a 15 year old Perazzi ? What is the allure and are these models still popular in the UK ?
 
look at this one it has an action looks so worn it may have been used in the Crimea ... yet offers over  € 4.5k

   http://www.naturabuy.fr/Browning-B25-Trap-deux-canons-item-959689.html

Not as popular here as they were in the 80's. They are hand made guns and now cost from about £15000 new as far as I know, they were never cheap though. I used quite a few over the years but I never actually owned one.

As Paul120 said, if you could keep one gun for the remainder it would be a B25.

I have seen some nice examples on this site but some of the prices are very high given the age of the guns. I can understand what Kentskeet is saying though, wanting to own some thing a little bit different I suppose its a bit like owning a classic motorcycle. I have seen some with really nice engraving and it makes you think mmm. I like that but is it going to be a loose as well worn welly and what about the barrels no chroming on them ! I can believe they were expensive to buy when new though.

There was an era when the best ones were made and your french mates probably started in that time.

40UP said:

As Paul120 said, if you could keep one gun for the remainder it would be a B25.

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Really I think I might start looking for one! Just for the feeling of having something well made, old and still functional.

Condition is everything as they only deteriorate with use, unlike ourselves.

When I owned the "Willows" gun shop in Wincanton Somerset, I specialised in B25 Brownings especially  206 sporters and 32" broadrib trap guns. 

 I scoured America for them and found a brand new A1 206 sporter at $1200.00 + shipping +8% import duty and sold it to a fitasc shooter.

You won't find any 206 30" sporters for sale but there are a few 30" broadrib trapguns around (I still have one) if you look at £1000.00 or so.

Belgian B25's have a feel of their own that Miroku could never match? but their biggest problem is RUST! they will rust in the chambers and on the engraving of B2G's etc., also they wear the hinge pins badly and becombe sloppy and bear on the flats.  If you have "rusty hands" leave them alone!

The prices they are asking in France are a joke! the gun shown on the website is pre 1970 (pin through the fore end) with trap and skeet barrels would struggle to find a buyer here for a grand.

Guru Gun prices in France are definitely higher than in the UK even for new guns, but prices for old guns such as these are scary... I could buy a nice second hand MX8 for what the guy is wanting for that B25 but then you get a nicely engraved one like shown below and think that looks nice.

http://www.naturabuy.fr/BROWNING-B-25-TRAP--item-1095600.html

I had a "custom" B25 with the same engraving as a Browning engraved 9mm auto pistol, I had French walnut stock and 3 piece forend and inlaid butt pad. It was bored 1/2 & 3/4 with 1/2" rib, the biggest mistake was having it left handed! a Somerset gun dealer sold it for me

and it made £6900.00. A truly beautiful gun but I never kept photos of it! :fie:  

It should look crisp like this, not renovated

Yes 40up, That looks like a nice example!

I think the best handling B25 I ever shot was a John Moses Trap, I think they were a limited edition,not even seen one in about 20 years I guess. Very plain gun with a black action and a rib that looked as though it should be covered in tarmac it was so wide!!!

Well Les you are in luck !

http://www.naturabuy.fr/B25-John-Moses-special-item-1536933.html

that's £2415 to you plus P&P

40UP said:

It should look crisp like this, not renovated

BrowningC1 005.JPG

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How much 40UP looks great!

jwpzx9r said:

Well Les you are in luck !

http://www.naturabuy.fr/B25-John-Moses-special-item-1536933.html

that's £2415 to you plus P&P

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If I lived in France I would go and have a look at that! It's a real classic of a trap gun,so long as it's all original. As Fred said,they deteriorate with age and heavy use,but if its not shot loose and in good nick it could be a good buy mate. Why don't you check it out John?

Hi Les if it was more local then I probably would have a look but for me it would be a 650 mile round trip with about £50 worth of motorway tolls ! Looks quite good though, although there is mention of a bit of light rusting on the action.

York guns have one listed under their premium gun section £2850. Possibly would send it to a dealer closer to home or if you don't fancy the drive to the wild north.

I've my eye on a C grade. Just can't decide if I want to swap anything else I've got.

Paul120 said:

York guns have one listed under their premium gun section £2850. Possibly would send it to a dealer closer to home or if you don't fancy the drive to the wild north.

I've my eye on a C grade. Just can't decide if I want to swap anything else I've got.

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Just e mailed them some questions about it