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Browning Bar II in .300 Win Mag Review
I recently had the opportunity to purchase and test the Browning Bar II rifle chambered in .300 Win Mag, and I’d like to share my experience with this piece of equipment. Overall, the rifle offers a unique blend of design, functionality, and performance, but there are a few aspects that users should consider before making a decision.
Pros:
Quality Build: The Browning Bar II showcases excellent craftsmanship typical of Belgian manufacturing. The attention to detail is evident, with a solid wood stock and a well-finished metal receiver. It feels robust and durable, built to withstand various hunting conditions.
Semi-Automatic Action: This rifle features a gas-operated semi-automatic action that allows for quick follow-up shots. This can be a game changer in hunting scenarios where time is of the essence, especially when dealing with larger game.
Accuracy: When properly zeroed, the .300 Win Mag cartridge offers impressive ballistic performance, and the Bar II does not disappoint in terms of accuracy. I found it capable of tight grouping even at longer ranges, which is essential for any big game hunter.
Recoil Management: Despite the .300 Win Mag’s reputation for heavy recoil, the Browning Bar II manages it relatively well. The rifle is designed with a recoil pad that helps absorb some of the impact, making shooting more comfortable over extended periods.
Customization Options: The Bar II provides various options for customization, including various stock designs and the possibility to add optics. This flexibility allows shooters to tailor the rifle to their preferences.
Cons:
Weight: One of the downsides I found was its weight. Weighing in on the heavier side for a semi-automatic, the Bar II might be cumbersome for long treks through rugged terrain. Hunters should consider their physical capability and the length of trips before investing.
Price Point: Given its high-quality construction and performance, the Browning Bar II comes at a premium price. While it represents a top-tier rifle, some may find it challenging to justify the investment, especially if they are new to hunting or shooting.
Limited Magazine Capacity: While the semi-automatic feature is a plus, the detachable magazine only holds four rounds. In situations where rapid fire is needed, this can be a limitation compared to other rifles that offer higher capacities.
Maintenance: Keeping the Bar II in peak condition requires regular cleaning and maintenance of its semi-automatic system. While this isn't unique to this rifle, the complexity of the mechanism may deter some new shooters who prefer simpler manual actions.
Availability of Parts: Depending on your location, sourcing spare parts can sometimes be a hassle. This is especially true if you live in an area where Browning products are not as commonly found.
In summary, the Browning Bar II in .300 Win Mag is a well-crafted rifle that excels in many areas #BrowningBarII
Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate 30” Review — Limited Edition Clay & Hunting Shotgun Worth Owning.
1. Introduction Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
2. Design & Build Quality
3. Technical Specifications
4. Performance in Clay Shooting & Hunting
5. Choke System & Accessories
6. Available Modifications
7. Price & Value
8. Pros & Cons
9. User Feedback
10. Final Verdict
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1. 🎯 Introduction
The Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate 30” is a limited-edition over-and-under shotgun designed for competitive clay shooters and precision-minded hunters. Manufactured by Browning Europe and built on the proven 525 action, this model combines modern laminate aesthetics, adjustability, and competition-grade performance. With only a limited number available, it’s a collector’s piece that’s also a serious tool for the field and range.
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2. 🪵 Design & Build Quality
• Stock: Black laminated wood with a satin varnish finish, offering enhanced moisture resistance and stability.
• Adjustable Comb: Browning’s Pro Fit system allows precise adjustment of drop and cast.
• Action: Brushed silver finish with minimalist branding; forged steel frame with nitrided coating for durability.
• Grip: Full pistol grip with laser-cut checkering and Browning Buckmark logo.
• Fore-end: Trap-style beavertail, designed for control and balance.
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3. ⚙️ Technical Specifications Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
• Gauge: 12 bore
• Chamber: 76 mm (3”)
• Barrel Length: 30” (762 mm) — also available in 32”
• Barrel Type: Back-bored, blued matte finish
• Rib: 13–10 mm ventilated top rib
• Choke System: Invector Plus Midas Extended (8 included)
• Trigger: Olympic adjustable, single-selective
• Safety: Non-automatic
• Weight: Approx. 3.65 kg
• Recoil Pad: Inflex II (20 mm standard, optional 12/25/32 mm)
• Stock Length: 14¾”
• Drop at Comb/Heel: 36 mm / 56 mm
• Packaging: ABS Browning case with spare chokes, trigger blades, comb tool, and accessories
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4. 🏹 Performance in Clay Shooting & Hunting
While primarily designed for sporting clays, the Ultra XS Black Laminate also performs well in upland bird hunting and trap disciplines. The back-bored barrels and extended chokes deliver tight, consistent patterns with reduced recoil. The adjustable comb and trigger allow shooters to fine-tune fit and response, making it ideal for long shooting sessions or competitive events.
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5. 🔧 Choke System & Accessories
• Included Chokes: 8 Midas Extended chokes — X-Full, Full, Light Full, IM, 2x MOD, IC, Cylinder
• Choke Key: Included
• Additional Accessories: Spare trigger blades, comb adjustment tool, rod for auto safety, spare sight beads
• Case: ABS travel case with foam inserts and compartments
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6. 🛠️ Available Modifications Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
• Trigger Blades: 3 styles included (swept, straight, wide)
• Recoil Pads: Optional Inflex II pads in 12, 25, and 32 mm
• Stock Weights: Pre-drilled for counterweights
• Barrel Weights: Optional for balance tuning
• Left-Hand Version: Available
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7. 💰 Price & Value Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
• Retail Price: Approx. £2,599–£2,695 (≈ $3,300 USD)
• Warranty: 3-year Browning warranty + 10-year action warranty
• Value: Exceptional for a limited-edition competition-grade shotgun with full accessories and adjustability
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8. ✅ Pros & ❌ Cons Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
Pros:
• Excellent build quality and finish
• Adjustable comb and trigger for custom fit
• Comes with full set of premium chokes
• Moisture-resistant laminate stock
• Ideal for both clay shooting and light hunting
Cons:
• Slightly heavy for some shooters
• Beavertail fore-end may not suit all hand sizes
• Laminate aesthetics may divide opinion
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9. 💬 User Feedback Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
Shooters praise the Ultra XS Black Laminate for its balance, recoil control, and customization options. One user noted the gun’s performance in clay competitions was “exceptional,” and appreciated the straight stock for left-eye dominance. Gunsmiths recommend regular servicing and checking firing pins, which may wear over time. Overall, it’s considered a high-value, high-performance shotgun for serious shooters.
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10. 🏁 Final Verdict
The Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate 30” is a top-tier shotgun for those who demand precision, durability, and style. Whether you’re smashing clays or stalking game birds, this limited-edition model delivers performance that matches its premium look. With full adjustability, a complete accessory kit, and Browning’s legendary reliability, it’s a standout choice for hunters and competitive shooters alike.
Game Fair 2025 : Animations à ne pas manquer
Du 13 au 15 juin 2025, le Parc Équestre Fédéral de Lamotte-Beuvron accueillera la 43e édition du Game Fair, le plus grand salon dédié à la chasse et à la nature en France. L'une des principales caractéristiques du salon est la présence de diverses animations qui offrent une expérience unique aux visiteurs de tous âges.
Le plus grand ball-trap éphémère de France
Chaque jour, dans le Village Ball Trap, les visiteurs pourront s'essayer au plus grand stand de tir temporaire de France, mis en place par la société Laporte. Avec 80 lanceurs, 50 pas de tir et 120 000 cartouches, différentes disciplines seront proposées, telles que le tour, le tir de battue et le "Rabbit".
Test de carabines sur sangliers courants
Chaque jour, dans la zone "Sangliers courants", les participants auront l'opportunité de tester les dernières carabines des marques renommées telles que SAUER, BROWNING, WINCHESTER, MERKEL, HAENEL, WEATHERBY et STEEL ACTION sur sept cibles mobiles représentant des sangliers.
Tir à l'arc
Dans le Village Chasse à l’arc des instructeurs de l'Association des chasseurs franciliens donneront tous les jours des cours de tir à l'arc pour petits et grands. Une occasion unique de découvrir cette discipline ancestrale.
Show de Raniero Testa
Ne manquez pas le show impressionnant de Raniero Testa, champion du monde de ball trap et ambassadeur Winchester, qui se déroulera le vendredi à 15h, ainsi que le samedi et dimanche à 14h, dans la zone Ball Trap Browning Winchester.
6e Grand Prix du Chien de Chasse
Organisé par la Société Centrale Canine et l’ACTCVL, en partenariat avec Nature Dog, cette compétition rassemblera plus de 700 chiens. Il se tiendra le samedi dans la carrière du Village Chien.
21e Open de France de sanglier courant
Ouvert au grand public, cet événement, organisé conjointement par Sellier & Bellot et la Sidam, permettra aux participants de s'initier ou de perfectionner leur technique de tir sur sanglier courant à balle réelle. Il se déroulera le samedi et dimanche dans la zone Sanglier courant Sidam-Sellier & Bellot.
Tir à air comprimé
Tous les jours, dans l'aire de tir à air comprimé, les visiteurs, grands et petits, pourront découvrir les joies du tir ludique avec des carabines Gamo (Simac), Diana et Bsa (Ammotec).
Animations au Village Pêche
Chaque jour, le Village Pêche, en partenariat avec Spro et L’Empire de la Pêche, organise des activités sur le bassin, telles que des séances d’initiation à la pêche des carnassiers en utilisant des techniques de lancer et des leurres modernes.
HikMicro: tunnel d’essai d’optiques de vision nocturne
Dans le Village Chasse, les visiteurs pourront tester diverses optiques de vision nocturne HikMicro, incluant des monoculaires thermiques, des jumelles thermiques, des clips on thermiques et des lunettes de tir thermiques, dans un tunnel d’essai spécialement aménagé.
Spectacle aérien
Le samedi soir, les visiteurs pourront assister à un spectacle aérien passionnant de la patrouille Tranchant, en partenariat avec AiretNature.com. Des avions survoleront les allées et les stands du salon.
Baptêmes poney pour enfants
La Fédération Française d’Équitation propose des baptêmes poney pour les plus petits dans les allées du salon, une activité idéale pour initier les enfants à l'équitation.
Rencontre avec des champions chasseurs
L’Association des sportifs chasseurs (Aspac) invite les visiteurs à rencontrer une belle brochette de champions qui partagent leur passion pour la chasse, dans le Village Chasse.
SIA: informations sur le compte armes
Dans le Village Chasse, huit conseillers du Service central des armes et explosifs du ministère de l’Intérieur seront présents pour répondre aux questions des visiteurs et les aider à ouvrir leur compte SIA. N'oubliez pas d'apporter votre permis de chasser (document vert), une pièce d’identité et un justificatif de domicile de moins de 3 mois.
Conseils sur l'assurance chasse
La Fdc du Loir-et-Cher, en partenariat avec Monceau Générale Assurances, sera disponible dans le Village Chasse pour fournir des informations et des conseils sur l'assurance chasse et d'autres aspects liés à la pratique.
Découverte des métiers de la chasse et de l'arme
La Fédération professionnelle des métiers de l’arme et de la munition (Fepam), les écoles d’armureries de Saint-Étienne et Liège, ainsi que les Maisons familiales et rurales (MFR), seront présentes pour informer les visiteurs sur les formations et carrières dans les domaines de la chasse, de l'armurerie et de la nature.
Le Game Fair 2025 promet d'être un événement riche et diversifié, alliant tradition, innovation et passion pour la nature. Ne manquez pas l'occasion de participer à cet événement unique!
