Browning Gold 10: Final Review and Thoughts

[@tripplebeards3427]

Good review! I hate the giant bead on the front of mine. Took the turkey sights that came on mine and found a bead that looks as wide as a semi truck at 50 yards. Still trying to find a smaller replacement bead. I installed a scope saddle on mine when I first bought it decades ago. Run a green dot for turkey hunting. It has just enough see through under the B square mount to see the huge bead. It saved me on a couple of turkeys and a red fox when my optic batteries failed.

[@thanielsommers4500]

I bought a used 90s version 10 years ago love all 11.5 lbs of it it no issues. It’s my go too goose and turkey companion

[@dougplommer9961]

My Benelli Super Black Eagle has been my goose gun for 12 years, Love it

[@Devil515151]

Well done! One of the best gun reviews I've seen in a while. Excellent

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@jareksheetz9187]

Another great video bud. Can't wait to see you try out the loads we've been talking about 😬

[@waterfordabrams8412]

Excellent review, thank you for your thoroughness. Been looking for a 10ga good to know what to expect.

[@nighthawkrandy]

Thanks for the great helpful video and important things to watch for! 😊👍

[@materazipelates]

Great review and pretty good video explain important info of shotgun... 👍👍👍

[@sled_neckx9972]

I just got a BPS 10 for dirt cheap. ($250) It should serve me well.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Congrats. That's a good find. Thanks for watching - Drake

[@andrewclark2463]

You never addressed how flat the stock is.. And how that hideous tall rib has you shooting 28" pattern center high of the target at 40 yards. The ten bore throws a beautiful pattern. Browning is effectively killing the ten gauge off with their pitiful configuration-They need to make available cast and drop shims, and eliminate the rediculous high rib! I'm your neighbor to the south in Kansas. I absolutely love the 10 gauge, if you start loading your own you'll love it even more!! 1 3/8 oz #F is nothing short of astonishing on large honkers! Thanks for the content!!

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

I do not mind the stock dimensions or the ramped vent rib design. The execution of the vent-rib is not as well done as it should be (the post and C-channel method is cheaper to produce than a one piece design and that's all it has going for it), but it is not inherently a bad design. I do understand not liking it aesthetically, though. Stock shims would be handy on the G10 and should be incorporated into any sort of update to the design. You do have to take into consideration though that the design has never gone through generational improvements and is mechanically and dimensionally the same as it was when debuted in 1993. Regarding high patterning, the G10's typically shoot 55/45 to 70/30, depending on load. I have actually squashed my bead to allow for a minimal reference point while aiming and simply float the bird like I do with my Benelli's and other 60/40 to 70/30 patterning guns. Predominantly, my G10 patterns most all loads at about 60/30 to 65/35. It sounds like you may have a high patterning example that's bit outside of the norm. Many older 10ga Magnums were regulated to shoot about a 60/40 split at 40 yards with FULL and Extra FULL chokes. The idea being that since you are using the bore to pass shoot more often than not, it will place the pattern on the optimal trajectory with 50 plus yard shots and still be usable for decoy work (just keep the bird over the bore(s). In fact, the Mag-10 and SP-10 are the only 10's I am aware of that were intended to shoot 50/50 pattern splits. I have not used F shot yet, as I prefer a significantly greater pattern density than that shot size can offer, but I do know it does well. My top10ga load is the BOSS 2-1/16oz 1,300 FPS load of #2 or #1 Copper Plated bismuth. When you set honkers in the pattern, it puts them down. I do hand-load for the 10 bore (see the other 10 gauge videos on the channel) and I load steel shot to 1-5/8oz using Vit. 3N38 powder and the PR TUPRW105 wad. 1-3/8oz is a bit light for such a large shot size; is that correct? Thanks for the comment and the viewership. - Drake

[@mariuso4879]

I got a brand new 2020 model and it jams with Remington Sportsman 3.5" BB's. I tried it against the longer format Federal Black cloud 3.5" BB's which run flawlessly. I was told by an official Browning Repair center that this Gold Light despite being a gas operated system still needs to be firmly shouldered like an inertia system. I was hunting from the laydown blind for snow geese( the simple one with no doors) and that's when the jammings occurred ( ejecting issues). But only with the Sportsman shells. I suspected the shooting position since at the patterning session before hunt I had no jams. Also in between the morning and the evening hunt I tried the Gold 10 with the same problematic Rem Sportsman and out of the approx. 20 test shots, some of them in rapid succession, not a single jam; this time the gun was firmly shouldered from a standing stance. Have you guys heard of this shouldering issue with a gas operated gun? After the hunt I took the gun apart and clean the heck of it( like I did when I first got it home, to clean the factory grease) and I went a step further and opened up the stock, did not take the action spring out but I squirted oil( gun oil in conjunction with dry lube) in a little hole in that tube and worked it around the spring. I also used a dry lube in some areas of the gun, again, along with the regular gun oil, so I won't have carbon deposits. It's called Superlube 11 oz. Dri-Film Aerosol (www.homedepot.ca/product/superlube-11-oz-dri-film-aerosol/1000736239). It sprays wet but dries and it's not sticky like the reg. oil but still has good properties- as described in the link. Do you think it's a good idea? By the way, the barrel is firmly seated when the nut is tight, no movement at all. I could not tell if the chamber is properly honed but it looks good with the naked eye. I don't know what else to do beside taking the gun out for some clay shooting and test it more from the properly shouldered position and also from the not so firmly laydown scenario. I'm also going to deliberately fire it from the hip to see if that repair center gunsmith was right. After that I have another hunt coming and if it still fails to eject then I'll send it to Browning to take a look at it. Any thoughts would be really appreciated. Thank you.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Thank you for the comment on your experience, Marius. Regarding the malfunctions you experienced, I am assuming that they were failures to extract and or eject. This CAN happen with a brand new gun especially when not firmly seated in the shoulder, however the G10 (when built and tuned properly) can be reliably fired from a loose stance or the hip. I hate to say it, but the Browning service department is full of it and is not beyond saying things to get you off the phone or to stop emailing them (in my opinion). It's no secret that auto-loaders have to have a "firm" backing to reliably cycle so that inertia is not robbed and the bolt retarded to the point they can not cycle. However, especially in properly manufactured and tuned gas operated shotguns, the reliability will not be affected from shooting stances in normal field conditions. The fact you were shooting from a layout position should not affect the reliability of the shotgun. I can not comment on how "firm" you were or were not holding your G10 in that field shooting position as I was not there to witness, but I can say that having shot my G10 in many precarious positions while in the field I have yet to have a malfunction due to "loose" handling or awkward body angle lacking firm backing on the butt stock. The Remington Sportsman loads you were using are a very good 1-3/8oz load with a LOT of gas volume. This is particularly notable as the only areas that will cause failures to cycle due to short-stroking in the G10 with a load like this with ample gas volume are: 1) Rough, excessively dirty, or out of spec chamber Solution - Clean chamber with steel wool on a bore brush and a hand drill (Dirty or frosty chamber), Hone/Polish (Rough or out of Spec Chamber) 2) Debris, excessive lubricant/grease in the action spring tube Solution - Completely clean, remove all liquid and grease based lubricants out of the action spring tube and off of all components within. 3) Improper install of the gas seal ring Solution - Ensure that the convex top of the gas seal ring is going into the gas block/Barrel ring Excessive spring tension from fresh springs is also a possible reason for short stroking issues in any auto-loader, but after 100 to 200 firings these will take a set and reliability should increase and cycling become more consistent. Regarding lubrication, I have never used a dry lube on firearms. I will say however that I do not lubricate the action spring tubes of my shotguns. My best method for proper maintenance is to wipe down all components with a LIGHTLY lubricated rag and clean out the tube of debris. Prior to reassembly, I wipe down all components in the tube with a dry rag to remove any remaining debris and lubricants. The only reason for the light film of oil remaining is corrosion resistance. While I do not see a problem with your method of taking care of the action spring tube, I do not know that it is helping you any. My solution for all issues related to the stock G10 action spring system is replacement with the Sure Cycle BRN03 kit that is all stainless steel and does not require lubrication. The spring tensions are perfect for the G10 and it is well worth the price tag for the upgrade. I would continue to shoot and break in your new gun. The G10's can be a little cantankerous out of the box, so fighting past the "break-in period" should prove whether or not the firearm needs to be serviced. I hope this reply helps you and please keep us appraised of your G10's performance. Thanks! -Drake

[@driftlesshunter9200]

This is an honest evaluation of the Browning Gold 10. For the price, I am not impressed with the quality of the gun. The fit of the stock & barrel are not impressive for a $1,500+ shotgun. I sold a couple 12 gauge pumps (one won on a gun raffle) a few years ago, & I picked up the used Browning Gold 10 at the time. My 26" barrel with an Indian Creek Diamond Strike choke has been a phenomenal turkey gun. The weight & gas action of the gun really tames the recoil of turkey loads. A good friend of mine bought a Browning Gold 10 for goose hunting before my purchase of one, & it has become his primary turkey gun, too. He has the 30" barrel with an Indian Creek at the end, & he has taken some Toms at extremely long ranges. Both of us have bought our Browning Gold 10 used. He has the older model with a steel receiver, & mine is the newer receiver style. There are times when I still use my 3" chambered Remington 870 for turkeys, but my Browning Gold 10 has become my primary turkey gun when hunting from a blind. Is the Browning Gold 10 a perfect gun for every situation? No way! If you have an interest in a 10 gauge, however, your options are quite limited. Outside of a single shot, Browning is the only company producing a pump & semi-auto 10 gauge. Shooting a 3.5" turkey load out of a 12 gauge pump gun is somewhat unpleasant. I'd much rather shoot larger 3.5" loads through my Browning Gold 10, & it throws a really nice pattern. When Toms are being stubborn, a Gold 10 is nice to have in hand!

[@danieldigiuseppe7912]

I have the gold 10 and bps 10

[@michaelmcjilton9333]

Outstanding! Many thanks!

[@guycarlton201]

I love mine. 2022 model. Sad they quit making it. I hope someone picks up the auto 10 slack. Maybe a re design is coming from browning, but it doesnt seem likely

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

I am glad you enjoy your example of the G10. They have stopped production 2 or 3 times since the Gold 10 was introduced in 1993. It’s nothing new, and there is no reason to be concerned over it. The slack will be picked up eventually when the demand is high enough. Browning, like most manufacturers in the firearm space, is lazy and cheap. I do not expect them to actually make any changes to the design or manufacture. While the Gold 10 is enjoyable and can be a great working shotgun in 10ga, the more time I have spent hunting with, shooting, and working on it, it is a mediocre scattergun at best. Compared to most properly maintained examples the Mag-10, it falls short in quality and shooting experience time and again. The action is short and violent, it suffers from bad QA/QC and can experience random cycling failures from a myriad of different reasons. If there is a malfunction that the G10 can experience, I have seen it. Failures to feed, failures to eject, failures to extract, dead trigger, double feeds, bolt slack, stock failures, barrel fit slop, short cycle, bolt lock with a round on the lifter, etc. Pattern potential is good, as it is a true .775” 10 bore barrel, and magazine extensions are available. However, these benefits don’t out-way its faults.

[@big10hunter42]

Used all 5 shots in my BPS 10 this past season when hog hunting. Shot one hog, got charged by two of the hogs in the group and shot both of them also. Three hogs down. When leading one of the pigs I shot a bamboo stalk so one round wasted and one hog I gave a finishing shot. The 10 gauge is excellent for hunting hogs with 00 buck. Definitely want to take that magazine limiter out and load all 5 rounds and have some spare shells in your vest or pocket.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

You can always add +4 with the Briley Magazine Tube extension

[@big10hunter42]

@@AmericanArmsChannel that’s great! Think I will order one!

[@swampfoxman]

Have you tried Briley Magazine Tube extension on the G10 lite?

[@big10hunter42]

@@swampfoxman I only have the BPS 10. I did get the Briley magazine +4 extension but the follower won’t go into the extension tube. The stock magazine spring stop is a ring clamp. I think the stock magazine tube is rolled in on one size for the spring clamp retention. Just need to bevel out the magazine tube near the cap to remove that area and the follower will slide into the extension. I’m not sure if that is needed on the Gold or not since I don’t have one.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

@@swampfoxman Not yet, but I have ordered one and I am waiting for it to arrive! I will be doing a video or two on it specifically.

[@MegaREBEL60]

Are the 2014 production years known for being less problematic? I have the opportunity to buy a 2014 model and I stumbled upon this video. Great video!

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

It’s hit and miss. Best years were ‘93-2008 by most accounts. Getting a misbehaving G10 is not terribly hard, but it does take a little work.

[@thaddeusglenn4153]

Where can I get the best deal on those boss 10 gauge loads?

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

They are only available customer-direct through Boss's website or over the phone. You may be able to find someone selling them second-hand for a reasonable price, but unlikely. As of August 2024 they are $3.85 a round by the box of 20 and a little less by the case of 100. Other Bismuth 10ga offerings are $3.50 to $4 a round by the box of 25, but the payloads are 1-3/4oz rather than 2+ oz and they lack the copper plating. They still work, but they are not as good. If you are rolling your own, as I do with the "Devastator" loadings, you can save further with re-using hulls and reducing your overall cost on other components - Bismuth shot is still the cost driver on the loads. Thanks for watching and the question. - Drake

[@josephtufts7649]

Yeah the lifter I’ve had issues with it doesn’t wanna pop up when cycling

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Inspect the shell lifter/carrier dog for damage or excessive wear. Also examine the corresponding notch in the bolt carrier. If there is excessive wear or damage one or both parts needs replacement.

[@riverrivers250]

Does the 10 gauge give you more range and power Vs the 12g 3.5” shells ????

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

The 10 bore better handles larger shot Pellets and typically can carry an higher payload for greater pattern density.

[@swampfoxman]

Great review. I’m already having my G10 receiver and barrel cerakote burnt bronze. I hope to not to have to change the springs and all. Could you please put a list for all the springs and other parts needed to upgrade the function of the gun? Thank you

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Follow the link in the description to the blog article reviewing all things about the G10. The latter 3rd of the article covers malfunctions and solutions as well as accessories and upgrades.

[@joekaven6599]

I have ejection problems, any help would be greatly appreciated .

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Please email the channel with details about the malfunctions/stoppages you are having and I can assist from there. [e-mail]

[@Shotguner]

Would you recommend picking up a browning gold 10 in 2021, I have a bps 10 was wondering if you think there is that much as an advantage is the semi for the big price jump from the bps 10? Thanks love the Chanel

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Considering the enormous price jump older used G10’s, SP10’s and Mag10’s have taken in the past 10 months (as of end of March 2021), if you want a semi-auto 10ga shotgun of any particular make/model/vintage (there are only 3 models ever made commercially) then you will be spending anywhere from $1,000 to $2,200. That does not mean that is what they are worth, but that is what the market will bear and guys who just HAVE to have a semi-auto 10ga have decided they are willing to pay. That said, only the G10 is currently produced and has a significant supply of factory new parts to maintain the model. At $1,800 MSRP, I personally do not feel that the G10’s quality and Browning’s customer service warrant that price. But, again, it is the only new manufacture 10ga semi-auto on the market. There are measurable recoil and weight savings in the G10 over the BPS-10, but effectiveness and handling is very similar if not identical. They share the same stock dimensions and the same “sight picture” with identical vent rib profiles and front bead sizes. The BPS when in proper working order will reliably cycle any 10ga factory or hand loaded ammunition, whereas the G10 will be more picky and require attention to detail when hand loading specialty ammunition. The G10 when properly tuned will be ultra reliable and make shooting heavy loads much more pleasant. Ultimately, if you decide you want a G10, do so knowing and understanding it’s potential faults and weaknesses. Do that and you will have a much better and enjoyable experience with the shotgun. Hope this helps answer your question. -Drake

[@Shotguner]

Appreciate the reply, I think I am going to just stick with my bps 10 for now being I know it’s reliable and I know it goes bang every time. Im not saying the gold 10 doesn’t when in proper running order but I’m just not sure I want to go through the process being I have a 10 gauge in working order right now, thanks for keeping it real!!

[@sheepdog94]

I own a browning gold in12 it is supposed to be loaded from an open blot. and will automatically load the round from the tube. Load from the bottom not the side.

[@jarrodwemhoff7270]

Got a gold 12 and 10. They’re a couple different animals.

[@11Bulletstopper]

I should load you up some 3oz tss they only go 850fps

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

That would be a crazy load for sure.

[@patricebinet7916]

It's a 4 bore Reloading ! 😁

[@dougplommer9961]

What should a gold 10 value be, about 15 years old, lightly used

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Prices are all over the board right now due to the demand in the firearms market, however most good to very good examples of the G10 are worth between $800 to $1,300 right now. If it has the Duratouch finish it is worth less due to that finish needing to be stripped and re-done (Duratouch models had issues with becoming "sticky" and the stocks needing to be replaced.) Black synthetic models are also on the lower end of the scale, with very nice examples typically selling for around $900-1,200 depending on market. Camo finished models are worth between $1,000 - $1,300 , again depending on market. New 2020 models (updated stock sets) are still coming into the US once or twice a year and can be had for between $1,450 and $1,800 so the pricing is still reasonable on used examples. You will see a drop in the sale price of used models occur when new shipments hit the market each time as well (about 15% on average). I hope this helps. -Drake

[@dougplommer9961]

@@AmericanArmsChannel My G10 has been put away for 10 years, switched to Benelli Super Black Eagle.

[@swampfoxman]

Have you had any updates on any accessories? I just got my gold 10 back.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

The accessories I discuss in this video and the blog article are current as of 4/2021. The primary missing aftermarket items for the G10 is the lack of bolt handles and magazine followers.

[@swampfoxman]

@@AmericanArmsChannel I know just didn’t know if you had heard if any followers or bolt handle has came out.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

@@swampfoxman no, not yet. Grumpy Duck is supposed to be producing one this year, but no updates on that as of yet.

[@meclay4671]

I have a few things too say! 1st the one you have sorry to say is junk big junk!! 2. My 2020 bg10L she’s 🔥 1 malfunction in 16 degrees the gun was wet and frozen ! 3. This gun is absolutely amazing she eats anything I throw in her “ haven’t tried $$$ boss for the 10 yet” bc in 12ga I saw 0 performance difference between them and federal. 4. So for 1800$ I can say I’m pissed 😤 about one thing .RUST bolt handle and underneath where the shells go in is RUSTING !!! Like underneath a dodge 1500 rust!! Not happy one bit !! 5. The fit and finish if your a bigger guy like drake and myself 🏆 , 6. The kick back or recoil with waterfowl loads and Turkey loads through my 2020 model my 10 year old handles it like a 12ga he says “ it’s just a little heavy “ 7. 00buckshot for coyotes 💨 ed 75yrds and under 8. I have an a300 a350 a400 + beretta Winchester sx4 ,Remington 1100 tristar o/u supermag and a Franchi 20ga the “gold 10light has replaced all of them for waterfowl and Turkey “ sx4 with kicks highflyer Turkey choke is a very very Deadly combo “ but 10ga pellets are bigger and Turkey where I hunt stay in the woods! 9. The browning gold 10 light “2020” I feel is balanced very well also the chokes that come with the shotgun are very thick and sturdy 10. Overall I’m impressed 1800$ well spent I feel like I have an perfect reliable firearm for my hunting situations the 26” barrel swings and points like Berry Bonds I personally wouldn’t buy 1 used bc of the issues you went through but straight out the 📦 she was solid 9/10

[@megan6228]

I wish ithica would make the mag 10 again. Probably never gonna happen but who knows

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Just buy a used example of the Mag-10. You’ll be happy you did.

[@jadenphair-williams9800]

Been waiting for a good pump or semi 10 gauge shotgun to be in stock since the pandemic began…starting to think 10 gauges don’t exist anymore lol

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

There are plenty available at online retailers. Gunbroker has new and used for reasonable prices.

[@jadenphair-williams9800]

Gonna get my first 10 gauge. Thank you for the tip.

[@doug1123]

Fucking great review and all of the fundamentals go with every shotgun/gun in general.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Thanks!!!

[@doug1123]

@@AmericanArmsChannel I do love that gun. I'm only 5,6 and 140lbs but I do love artillery.

[@davidemontini8298]

I bought one 15 plus years ago ...the best shotgun I bought ....no problems none what so ever ....browning the best there is ...I sware by this shotgun....I beg to differ on people who put it down ....and will go toe to toe when it come to hunting with it Browning the best there is !!!

[@donaldbaker1135]

Well I have had it finally with my Inertia driven shot guns they are not the most Reliable no matter what any one has to say I been hunting Water fowl for 38 years and have had a lot more problems with inertia driven guns a lot more and the guy’s I hunt with also Especially when it gets cold gas Operated guns out work them by far and recoil a hell of a lot less my last inertia gun is one it’s way out the door and I will never buy another

[@raybishop3176]

You aint lying about Browning service 😡😡😡

[@twincam103]

Just heard Browning is exiting the 10 gauge market. No more Gold 10, I went to the local gun shop and picked one up

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

Browning has gone through waves of discontinuation of the BPS10 and G10 for years now. It will typically leave the market for 1-4 years then come back in minor to moderate batches. The last hiatus was from 2017 to 2020. I would not panic buy a G10 or BPS10 just because someone said they were going out of production.

[@Devil515151]

Well done! One of the best gun reviews I've seen in a while. Excellent