The Status of the Mighty 10 on the Market in 2020
The 10 Gauge bore holds very little share in the shotgun market, with many hearsay and general industry estimates reporting that it holds right at 1% or less of the total market share for wingshooting in the United States. None the less, the market is there, and ammo manufacturers continue to produce enough loads to supply the needs of the Mighty 10 owners. Those that own or are interested in delving into the realm of the Mighty 10 will eventually become frustrated with the overall lack-luster performance of many readily available loads and the limited number of quality loads on the market. This will serve to encourage many serious Mighty 10 owners to undertake the endeavor of hand loading their own 3-1/2” candle sticks for the big bore.
This market offers much more flexibility to the 10-bore shooter and allows for the full potential of the bore size and shell capacity to be utilized. Although there is a minuscule number of different wads and hulls in current production and available on the market when compared to the 12 bore, the flexibility of the components and the carry-over of filler wads and powder types for 12ga shells offers great versatility. From clay games and dove hunts, to the heaviest of large ball and solid slugs for dangerous game, handloading offers the Mighty 10 owner true versatility. When an owner is able to squeeze every bit of potential out of their favorite big bore, it becomes one of the top shelf picks in their respective arsenal for chasing game.
The firearms market, however, holds very few options for those collectors of the big bore and those who are interested in a new and modern 10-bore fowling piece. As of Fall 2020, the choices available on the used market range from simple and rugged single shots once made by H&R, to a myriad of heavy European made doubles. When it comes to repeaters, those that search around most often find the almost legendary Ithaca Mag-10 and its “modernized” Remington manufactured equivalent in the SP-10. Also available on the used market for repeaters are the Browning offerings; the BPS-10 and the Gold 10 (in both steel and aluminum receiver variants). In 2020 though, there are only two “factory-fresh” options available to the fowler who wants to throw heavy patterns of large shot at deserving birds, the Browning Gold 10 Field and BPS-10.
For 2020, Browning “updated” both offerings to give them fresh new looks. That in and of itself has a bit of a mute point, as the updates are just for looks. The aesthetics have been modified in the fore-ends and buttstocks, and the guns offered in more modern camo patterns to better match both the Browning and Winchester offerings in the Super-X series (SX4 and SXP) and the Browning Maxus and Silver. Outside of that, both designs remain unmodified from their introduction to the market in 1993. With the BPS-10 this is not very much of a problem, by many accounts, but the Gold 10 has a different story to tell.
Design and Handling
The Browning Gold 10 is not a stranger to the US and Canada market, but it has not been a consistent offering from John Moses’ namesake. Over the past two decades it has gone through intermittent production, especially so in more recent years. This sporadic production has been propagated by a significant enough demand that it has kept Browning manufacturing it and the BPS-10 by Miroku in Japan, but not high enough to encourage sufficient production to make them a common staple on big box store shelves. In essence, it seems the two models are now produced in batches that are only ran when their absence is noted by the Might 10 community.
The Gold 10 was introduced in 1993 with a steel receiver giving it a hefty but standard weight for a magnum 10 gauge at 10 plus pounds unloaded. However, by the turn of the century the Gold 10 went on a diet following the modern trend of aluminum-alloy receivers for modern shotguns, garnering itself a nearly interchangeable “Light” and “Field” designation by Browning. The material change in the receiver dropped its weight in the 28” barreled variant to 9 pounds 9 ounces. Shorter 26” wing models and the 24” Turkey models drop weight further to just over 9 pounds, respectively.
The Gold 10 is a hefty shotgun when compared to its closest 12 gauge magnum and super-magnum fowling cousins, however its length matches many 28” barreled 12ga super-mag models with standard length stocks. The true 10 gauge frame and barrel provides for a solid feel, and the slightly longer and larger stock is sized nearly perfectly for larger frame shooters, which is appreciated personally being of larger frame myself. I will take the time here to comment that out of the box, the BPS-10 and Gold 10 are intended for shooters of larger stature and stride; this is not a gun intended for individuals less than approximately 5’11” in height and 6’ wingspan, weighing less than 180 pounds. This not to say that the stocks can’t be cut down for smaller stature shooters or that “smaller” users cannot handle the firearms effectively, as my 5’6” mother can effectively handle the big 10 if necessary. Simply put, this shotgun is a true 10 gauge magnum and is intended for a specific sized shooter who is more apt to handle the significant recoil of stoutly charged shells. In short, the Mighty 10’s by Browning are big guns meant to be used by big boys and girls. That said, if you are of smaller stature and are looking into the G10, I would recommend a 24” or 26” barrel variant and having the stock cut approximately 1” shorter, as the weight and length would balance out nicely in that situation for those individuals.
The design of the Gold 10 is both unique and familiar to those who have ever shot, owned, or simply handled any of the Winchester Super-X Series (original Super-X included) and Browning Maxus, Silver and Golds (12 and 20 gauge models). In essence, the bolt is an enlarged version of the original Winchester Super-X. Feeding is most similar to the original Auto-5 however, as a shell feed control tab is located on the bottom of the bolt head. This stop not only controls the rate of feed from the magazine with the rearward travel of the bolt, but also acts as the active shell stop, as the shell stop latch only interrupts the magazine tube when a cartridge is seated all the way to the rear on the lifter and the action begins to feed the new shell. Not a modern design, but very functional when executed properly.
The bolt may be an enlarged version of the original Winchester Super-X and its modern variations, but the gas piston and operating rod design is much simplified when compared to the active valve gas piston systems found in the 12 and 20 gauge models also derived from the original Super-X. This is important to consider, as it does not as effectively or consistently regulate the action velocity across powder types and charges. Unlike its smaller bore cousins, the Gold 10 is not expected to cycle lighter “short” target and field loads, as it is intended for 3-1/2” magnum loads only. While this gas system design is justifiable, it is not ideal, as the action’s balance to decelerate an over-driven bolt group is to buffer it with a large metal plate and expendable hard rubber buffer at the rear of the receiver. As the action springs take a set or loads with very fast burning powders are used, the secondary recoil of the bolt slamming itself into this buffer system is more and more noticeable as shooting experience grows with the scattergun.
The control layout on the Gold 10 is traditional for a semi-auto with the only operating quirk being that, like pre-mid 50’s Auto-5 shotguns and their Remington manufactured cousin the Model 11, the design requires that the bolt release be depressed to raise the shell lifter and charge the magazine tube. While not as immediate to master the reload as with a “free-moving” shell lifter, some practice will provide for smooth dominant and non-dominant hand reloads and magazine top-offs. The shell lifter will remain in the upward position if the bolt release is left untouched while the lifter is all the way against the bolt, assisting in ease of reloading. The lifter does not have to be released with a press of the bolt release prior to firing, but it can’t hurt to do so; I have not had feeding malfunctions from leaving the lifter in the up position over numerous firings doing so.
The safety is placed forward of the trigger on the trigger guard, and the size of both it and the bolt release are generous. In fact, if placed on a 12 or 20 gauge frame they would be considered and marketed as “oversized”. The charging handle, while sufficient, could use an upgrade in size and shape in order to match modern trends in oversized controls. I prefer large safeties and large charging handles on my fowling pieces to handle easily with gloves and manipulate with cold hands if a malfunction is to occur, and while most all current production shotguns have an ample aftermarket for these components, there is no such offering as of the Fall of 2020 for the Gold 10. The slight resurgence in the Mighty 10’s market in 2020 due to a number of factors, primarily the availability of high quality and full potential loads from Boss Shotshells and War Wolf Ordnance, hopefully will bring about at least some interest for aftermarket support.
Many accustomed to 12 and 20 gauge gas operated semi-autos will find the action incredibly stiff, but it is nothing one does not become accustomed to in short order. In fact, when the action cycles, the stiff springs propel the bolt back into battery with such speed that one does not always sense the cycling of the action at all. Only when the large mass of the bolt locks back on an empty magazine does one notice a difference in the cyclic feel of the shotgun, much like an AR-15 or AR-10 pattern rifle. The action spring tube houses a dual nested spring arrangement that utilizes a large diameter primary spring and a smaller diameter secondary spring. The secondary spring acts to assist in decelerating the bolt’s velocity as it approaches the apex of its rearward travel, as well as to assist its initial velocity to pick up the next shell and return to battery. This set-up works, but its maintenance is not the simplest or something someone who is not mechanically savvy will want to tackle. The action spring tube is terminated by a threaded cap that doubles as the nut in which the stock bolt secures to. While slightly awkward in and of itself, its over-complexity is compounded by the fact that the action spring tube’s threaded plug is retained not by a stop or milled-in shoulder, but a set of two ¼” long roll pins. These roll pins must be removed in order to access the inside of the tube, the action springs, and bolt plunger/follower. While it works, it is not a design that lends itself well to cleaning and maintenance in a gun that by its nature will require it, being that it is after all a waterfowl piece. My best bet as to the continued complexity of the set-up and the quality of the components utilized is at its core, expense; none of the components are of any particular difficulty to manufacture and likewise of little expense in the context of modern manufacturing techniques.
Compared to the action springs, the magazine tube spring is moderate in tension and not hard to overcome while loading; I would say it is on par with many factory 12ga mag springs. While it works amply fresh, it does seem to struggle to send heavier loaded and longer length shells with sufficient vigor to feed with utmost reliability; a must when utilizing a feed system akin to the Auto-5 and the duty of dispensing heavy 10 gauge magnum hulls onto the lifter. This is an easy fix by replacing the original spring with an enhanced power 12ga magazine tube spring from Wolff Springs, but something to consider if one is looking to purchase a Gold 10 and utilize the heaviest and meanest 10 gauge magnum factory and hand-loads they can get their hands on. The magazine follower is plastic and works, however a machined aluminum variant powder coated or anodized in a bright color would be a significant upgrade. The capacity with limiter plug removed is identical to the BPS-10 at 4 rounds, and like the BPS-10, is an open-ended design allowing for a plus-4 magazine extension tube offered by Briley Manufacturing. This increased capacity over the Mag-10 and Remington SP-10 in and of itself is a big plus. It allows for a lot of potential to have ample firepower during spring Snow Goose conservation seasons and busting brush for deer with heavy loads of 00 or 0000 Buckshot. There is always the fun factor to consider, too.
Handling is superb for a scattergun topping the scales at over 9.5 pounds and, with appropriate waterfowl loads, the felt recoil is no worse than heavy 3” magnums in light sub 8 pound 12 gauges. In fact, while the original stocked models were equipped with a classic cushioning rubber butt pad and not the closed cell hard foam pad of the 2020 models, recoil is more of a big push instead of the sharp, filling loosening impulse of the high velocity Supermag loads in a lightweight 12ga. The weight, gas operated action, and large footprint of the butt pad spreads out the recoil energy, making shooting the big loads pleasant at best and mildly uncomfortable at worse. I find that with 1-3/8oz and 1-1/2oz steel loads, I can shoot boxes upon boxes at a time without feeling beat up. On the other side of things, I personally can withstand the punishment of nasty 2-1/4oz to 2-1/2oz turkey and deer loads in excess of 30 shells before my noggin begins to feel a little rattled and my shoulder starts to feel well exercised. Everyone’s mileage will vary, but my 6’3” 240 pound frame agrees quite well with the shotgun.
The checkering of the stocks offer sufficient grip, and the drop of comb and length of pull of the stock make a natural mount for my larger frame. I have found that the raised ramp and sight picture of the Gold 10 is classic in nature and truly feels and looks good. For some reason, my example tends to shoot 60/40 split patterns with almost all loads, but this does not bother me very much being that I am accustomed to Benelli shotguns and like to “float-the-bird”. The fore-end is comfortable and the raised ledge down its length is ideal for a steady grip. That said, some may find that grip-tape could be a plus on the fore-end in wet conditions. On the 2020 models, a new fore-end akin to that of the Winchester SX4 has been utilized and should offer ergonomics very similar to that of the aforementioned. Some may also not find the new style to offer sufficient grip, but this is easily modified to the user’s preference being the material is synthetic; grip tape or stippling is an option.
Overall, the design of the Gold 10 is dated, however it is solid in operating principles. One has to wonder though: after 27 years in production, why have the powers at be at Browning not sanctioned an engineering update to the design. The saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, but I see that as the moniker of those who do not seek innovation and betterment in their work. The Gold 10 may or may not be broke overall, but it has fleas, and they need to be washed out.
From Bad to Ugly – The Hideous Monster Discovered
When it comes to detailing my journey with my example of the Gold 10, I will start with a heavy sigh. As you may have garnered from the introduction and overview of design and handling, I am sufficiently critical of the shotgun. There is good reason, and objectively, there are solid points to consider when looking at a fairly dated design. My true contention with the Gold 10 comes down to the manufacturer’s quality control and service more than the actual design of the firearm.
There are an ample number of owners of steel and alloy receiver Gold 10’s that have had zero issues with their examples. Conversely, with my own experience included, there are a significant number of accounts of owners having all sorts of issues with the guns. Furthermore, there is an astounding number of people who have vocalized having had incredibly poor experience with Browning’s service department regarding not only the Gold 10’s, but all manner of other models. These experiences stretch from the early 2000’s through more recent years.
(Please see links to forums related to problems with the Gold 10 and Browning’s Service Department at the end of the article.)
Out of the box, I noticed that the quality of fit and finish of my 2018 produced model did not match either of my Benelli Shotguns or other higher end firearms my wife and I own from multiple manufacturers. In fact, I would say that my $1,350 purchase with the Japanese produced Gold 10 was out of the box objectively worse in fit and finish than that of my wife’s $800 Portuguese manufactured Winchester SX4, made a year before. I shrugged this off and accepted that because it was a 10 gauge semi-auto, and the only currently manufactured one on the market at that, it could demand a premium for a lower overall presentation. I immediately set to cleaning the packing grease out of all of the components and lubricating with Safariland CLP, per my standard procedures with new firearms.
Out of the first 60 plus shells, I experienced no less than 11 failures, primarily with Federal ammunition and the majority of which being failures to eject. Not good. I emailed Browning’s service department and asked them if they did not expect the Gold 10 to reliably eject the Federal fold crimp and roll crimp hulls due to their over all length being in excess of 3.40”. The response was as to be expected, the Gold 10 should cycle all SAMMI spec ammunition and it sounds like the firearm requires service. They promptly sent me a ship ticket to send the shotgun to their service department in Missouri. Thinking that this was a good sign that they would take care of me, I sent it in with haste; what a mistake I made.
After numerous emails, I finally was able to get an estimate of the turn-around time: 4 to 6 weeks, maybe 8, AFTER someone looks at it. At that point, Browning had already had the firearm at their service department for approximately 2 work weeks and no one had even so much as opened the box and logged it into their system. I go into full detail in on my interactions with Browning’s Service department HERE on the American Arms Channel Youtube channel. Long story short, Browning wanted to take on a warranty issue with no accurate projection of time to make corrections, did not consider my predicament of needing the shotgun to at least test and evaluate ammunition for a manufacturer, had no concern that I as their customer was upset with their treatment of me, and refused to replace the shotgun or refund me for the purchase price. The excuse when I called them and urged them to return the shotgun to me after two or more requests? They had a lot on their plate and were short-handed due to the year 2020’s boogieman, COVID-19.
Granted, being that it was March of 2020 when I had this interaction with Browning’s Service Department, I can completely understand the lack of hands on deck with the initial concerns of the Kung-flu. However, how does one of the largest and well known firearm companies on the US market not able to manage a service department in a fashion that provides proper service and transparent interaction with their customers, or with expedient turn-around for the majority of service issues? The answer: They don’t care.
That’s a pretty bold statement, however, based on my research and anecdotal experience in dealing with them, I can’t say it is unfair in the slightest. Excessive turnaround times, lack of transparency, and even the practice of accepting work they know they cannot handle efficiently or effectively are trademarks of a piss-poor organization that has little care for it’s end consumer, and only its margins; the opposite of what Sportsmen and women look for in a company. In fact, if you venture far enough on the not so easily navigated Browning website, you eventually find references to send your POS, excuse me, troubled Browning firearm to a “Certified Browning Service Center” (or language to that effect). There are few of these service centers, but the top of the list is most certainly Midwest Gun Works out of Missouri. MGW is also the sister organization to Sure Cycle (more on why this is notable in a moment) and I would trust them to be a significant step above Browning’s own service department, especially since the bar is not set that high.
With as many functional issues as I experienced with my G10, many would have simply considered it a lost cause, sold the gun, and moved on to another 10 gauge firearm on the used market. Not me though. I had a bug to fix the shotgun and come hell or high water, I would by God do so.
(A perceptive reader will read between the lines that I am a stubborn ass and extremely competitive. An astute observation to say the least.)
Modifications to improve Function and the Ghosts in the Machine
As previously covered, my G10 is a 2018 production gun I bought brand new in February of 2020. The functional issues it has given me have ranged from basic failures to eject and feed, through just about every silly thing a semi-auto shotgun can do to gum itself up. After a long road of fix-this-now-that, I have just about straightened the poor thing out enough to run my *handloads, all steel shot loads, *Boss Shotshells, and War Wolf Ordnance shells reliably. The exception being ejecting hulls with fired lengths exceeding 3.435” in over-all-length, which is limited to roll crimped long Remington and Federal hulls that have not been cut down prior to first firing. Both the full length polymer base wad Remington and paper base wad Federal hulls will stretch out the calipers to an impressive 3.480″ (Fed) to 3.520″ (Rem), respectively. This is great for maximum capacity, but not so much for the cycling in the Gold 10. I will note , however, that if the action is in proper working order, all fold crimp Federal hulls should and will eject with vigor, even if they meet or exceed the “troublesome” length for the G10 of 3.435″ in OAL.
Now, before those of you familiar with the Gold 10 start feverishly typing, “YOU’VE GOT THE GAS PISTON SEAL RING IN BACKWARDS!!!” as to the end-all be-all reason for my G10’s malfunctions, I assure you that every single time the shotgun has been used the seal ring has been in the proper orientation each and every time.
*Notes: Loads that utilize the Cheddite hull (including the 2020 production run by Boss Shotshells, some War Wolf Ordnance loads and many of my handloads) may experience failures to extract and or to eject. While the Cheddite hull’s Over All Length (OAL) is perfect for the G10 in roll and star crimp at an approximate 3.35” average, the rims of the hulls are shallow and slightly rounded when compared to Federal and Remington hulls, but on par with Winchester hulls. The difficulty comes in the expansion rates of the hull and the condition of the chamber and extractor tension. More below.
All in all, however, much of the G10’s issues are resolvable with a little bit of know-how, patience, and some elbow grease; all things a gunsmith worth his/her salt, or a determined DIY-guy, can accomplish. Continued bellow are the malfunctions experienced with my specific example and the method of correction:
Failures to Extract – Rough Chamber: If the chamber is excessively dirty or simply has a rough finish this issue will surface, regardless of manufacturer or model. Once I polished the G10’s chamber, it started extracting properly and reliably. I can still see small imperfections and do experience issues with Boss Shotshell loads, so it needs a hone, but both honing and polishing will eliminate these issues (especially with high pressure handloads). This process will also help alleviate or completely eliminate issues with extraction of Cheddite hulled loads, as Ched hulls tend to expand the most of all 10 gauge hulls available on the market today, gripping any roughness and imperfections in the chamber and making that extractor work extra hard to pull it from the chamber. Combine this with a slightly more rounded and shallow hull rim, and you have a perfect recipe for Failures to Extract.
UPDATE NOTE AS OF 12/20/2020: Post chamber honing and mirror polish, the G10 has resumed reliable and proper function with ALL loads using Cheddite hulls. “Slow-motion” video review of the action has revealed that extraction is smooth, in-time, and the hull is firmly held against the bolt face until ejection is initiated as the bolt reaches the apex of its rearward travel. You can find the video of this fix HERE
Failures to Eject – High Bolt Velocity and/or Extractor Jump: As previously stated, the G10 Is in essence a scaled up Super-X Action, but lacks the modern active valve gas system of its relatives. This works fine but it does not perfectly regulate the amount of gas cycling the action, causing the bolt to be overdriven on fast powders and high pressure loads. If you don’t have the proper spring tension resisting the Bolt group’s mass and velocity you are going to over-drive the bolt and create a cycling and ejection issue, regardless of the operating principle, being gas or inertia.
Out of the box, my gun had ample spring tension, but did not hold that tension for more than 500 shells. The springs took a set, and only when they and the action spring tube had rusted and gunked up with debris did the issues with ejecting from an over-driven bolt subside. The solution was to completely ditch the OEM action spring system and install a Sure Cycle BRN03 Kit. Super simple to do, stainless steel to eliminate rust issues, easier to pull the stock off after install, and higher quality springs. While it does not quite slow the action down enough to completely eliminate the issue of high bolt velocity, it does so enough to make a difference, especially when paired with a honed/polished chamber and the following extractor correction.
The ugly twin sister to an over-driven bolt on the G10 causing failures to eject is extractor jump. This failure is where the extractor itself “jumps” partially or completely off the case rim during cycling due to a shallow case rim (like those on the Cheddite hulls) or during firing as inertia from recoil takes over. I noticed this happening the most with 1-1/2 oz high velocity Steel loads, Boss Shotshells’ 2-1/16oz Copper plated bismuth loads, and my personal recipe for 2-1/2oz turkey loads. The solution is very simple and was to install a much higher tension (about 2x the OEM spring weight) extractor spring. Since I could not find a proper spring in my parts boxes, I actually nested an AR-15 detent spring I cut to length inside the OEM G10 Extractor spring. The issue of extractor jump has been resolved with no signs of trouble. I will run this spring set-up for as long as it will hold out, but I highly recommend that if you are performing this correction on your own firearm to purchase a spring set from Wolff Springs and find the correct size and tension, cut to proper length, and install that instead of my redneck science-based correction.
Failures to Feed – Double Feed: This issue emerged with my G10 in Early Goose Season of 2020, when on hunts I had several double feeds from the magazine tube that would lock the gun up. Two shells would try drop onto the lifter at once, locking the bolt back and requiring remedial action that stopped me from taking more birds. I was using the Boss loads (Cheddite Hulls) and thought there may be an ammo issue at first. Recalling how many Cheddite hulled hand loads had fed through the magazine without issue and the history of the gun suffering malfunctions due to manufacture/parts quality, I thought better of blaming the ammunition. After exploring the action for a short time, I discovered that the shell stop latch was not engaging the hull bases fully during cycling, regardless of hull type. I pulled it out and what do you know, another spring that had taken a set and was doing next to nothing.
I searched the internet for a replacement, but no one at that time had a G10 shell stop latch spring in stock. My solution was to stretch the spring (I know, not a good idea) and install a small rubber spacer that fit tight into the springs recess, which is also the back of the bolt release button. Having re-installed the shell stop latch, in short order I cycled through around 100 shells and did not suffer a single double feed. While a G10 suffering this malfunction most likely needs a new spring, I believe the solution of a spacer to fill the excess space in the shell stop spring’s recess provides for much improved function and most likely longer time frames between issues. Just like a number of areas about the gun’s action, this area needs redesign by Browning, and at very least a better spring and some form of spacer underneath it.
General Fit and Finish corrections – Lock, Stock, and Barrel: Unfortunately, they don’t make them like they used to in this case. In regards to the barrel, general tooling marks are present in all the places that matter and not where they don’t. I had to re-profile and polish the “feed ramp” of the barrel extension in order to insure smooth feeds and prevent the roughing up of hulls. The remainder of the barrel extension on the action side shows tool marks through the finish, which I initially did not polished out as it had not been a reliability issue. Once smoothed out and polished however, a slight but notably smoother cycling was achieved with less brass markings on the barrel extension from the hull bases. Strangely enough, the external side of the barrel extension is perfect and smooth with a high gloss blue finish. What the actual hell, Browning?
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War Wolf Ordnance 0000 Buck 12 Pellet loads are serious firepower to stack into any 10ga -
The 3-1/2″ Mag. 10 vs the now nearly extinct 2-7/8″ standard 10
The receiver’s sight ramp that jumps up to meet the sighting plane of the vent rib is off kilter by a degree or two, and unfortunately there seems to be no way to correct this outside of a new receiver or taking it to a machinist for tweaking. Is it the end of the world? No, but it’s sloppy and bothers someone like me to no end. Likewise, the vent rib is also a bit sloppy, with several slightly loose points of contacts due to the C-channel and post method of install instead of a more traditional “solid” vent-rib design. Again, a non-fix item for the at-home DIY gun guy.
Something that is remediable though is the fore-end fit causing poor barrel seating. Like the original Auto-5 and many gas operated shotguns, the G10 utilizes the fore-end to set the barrel tight against the receiver and secure the gun together by engaging the barrel/fore-end nut. When sized and fitted properly, not a problem at all. When done piss poor like on my example, you end up with a gun that has enough barrel slop to cause concern. My solution: 2 washer-shims approximately .08” thick each to take up the slack between the barrel and fore-end. This provides a rock solid mating and the barrel slop to be eliminated. A new fore-arm would also most likely resolve the issue as well, but at $60 to $100 for non-matching camouflage and no guarantee of it being a correct fit to fix, I’ll take the simple fix for now.
Overall, the camo dipping on the G10 is acceptable, but not what I would expect on a $1,000 plus price-point gun. While all camo dipped firearms are subject to chipping, fading, and general wear, it has taken the G10 only 10 months of ownership and use to reach the condition my SBE 3 has in over 3 years of near constant use and 5,500 rounds. Thankfully, the gun has a solid finish underneath, but all this wear encourages me to take the shotgun to my local gunsmith and have the barrel and receiver Cerakoted in burnt bronze for a more durable finish and corrosion resistance.
When all said and done, a problematic G10 can be made to work right again. It should be obvious by now though that there are some issues that are solely attributable to quality control, and others that are inherent to the design that need to be tweaked. If someone from Browning were to read this article and want a bulleted list of my studied and highly recommended changes to the Gold 10’s design, they would be:
- Lengthen the action and ejection port by 0.20” to 0.40” to accommodate ALL 10 gauge loads and hulls on the market and provide ample ejection port size in turn, as well as provide longer Bolt travel/dwell time for deceleration and reliable feeding.
- Redesign the Action Spring Tube plug and stock securing method to provide easier user access and maintenance. Hell, just adopting the Sure Cycle BRN03 system as the factory standard would be an enormous upgrade. (A look at the Benelli Super 90 pattern would be a good place to gather inspiration.)
- Ditch the rubber Bolt Buffer system. Redesign the Bolt-tail Plug/action spring guide to double as a spring assisted buffer or a hydraulic buffer that bottoms out on the Action Spring Tube Plug. (Again, look at the Benelli Super 90 series, specifically the SBE 3, for inspiration). And again, at the very least, just issue the Sure Cycle BRN03 kit as the standard OEM action spring system.
- Increase the quality and tension of ALL springs in the gun. A BIG part of the G10’s problems are attributable to springs, therefor a simple increase in quality and tension would be enough to resolve many issues.
- Increase the “footprint” (width) of the extractor. We all know that a shotgun will see more turns at different loads and operating pressures than any other type of firearm. Make sure the extractor has every chance it can get at grabbing that hull rim and holding on for dear life until the ejector gives it the go-ahead to the spent hull get the hell out of the action. In the words of today’s youth, make sure that bitch “YEET!” the hulls.
- Reduce drag and positive ID of an empty magazine with a brightly anodized and highly sprung Magazine Follower
- Fix your damn trigger. The over-travel and sloppy feel of the trigger is unappreciated. A shotgun should not have a 3lb competition trigger for goose and duck hunting, especially in a 10ga Magnum chamber, but for the love of God it shouldn’t feel like I’m using a piece of celery for a trigger. Granted, the take-up/two-stage set-up is ok, but I would really, really, really, like to see the trigger’s 3/8” of secondary over-travel eliminated on a future iteration of the Gold 10. A melting of the edges of the trigger’s profile would also be a nice touch, as the large trigger pad is perfect, but but would be improved with the edges rounded over.
Take a hint Browning; the emperor has no clothes.
Accessories and Aftermarket Support
Accessories and aftermarket support specific to the Gold 10 is limited, but there is a presence, and all are American made. Of highest quantity will be choke tube for the 10ga Invector style. These chokes fit both the BPS-10 and the Gold 10 models. Choke tube manufacturers such as Carlson’s, Jeb’s, Kick’s, Patternmaster, Tru-Lock, Briley and Wad Wizzard all offer forms of extended chokes in ported and smooth side configurations. Constrictions range from the no constriction of total cylinder bore all the way down to an ultra-tight .680” for lead and tungsten Turkey Loads. I have only utilized the IM (.750″), .710” Longbeard XR and .680” Lonbgbeard XR chokes from Carlson’s thus far, but patterns have been excellent.
Sure Cycle, a sister company to Midwest Gun Works, offers their BRN003 kit for the Gold 10 and I highly recommend it for increased reliability and durability over the OEM parts. The product is American made, comes with succinct and clear instructions, and is entirely constructed of stainless steel. Be sure to tighten the assembly down appropriately to the receiver, however, as if it starts to back off it will undoubtedly not provide enough push forward to reliably seat the bolt group into battery. A tell-tale sign it has backed off is a slightly loose stock. The price-point of $165.00 may seem a little sharp, but it is worth every penny.
While not currently in production, as of Fall 2020 some new old stock still exists for sale of the Aimtech Mount Systems’ ASM-20 weaver rail style saddle mount for the “Gold 10 Hunter”. If you have a steel receiver model G10 from the 90’s and early 00’s this mount should be a drop in fit. If you have the more common aluminum receiver “Light” or “Field” model, you will need to make some fitting modifications to the mount itself. Once modifications and installation are complete though, red dots or scope can be mounted to the shotgun very easily and it provides for a ROCK-solid mount. Unfortunately, once installed the action cannot be disassembled for cleaning, but this should not be too much trouble as I found there to be little need to clean the gun during the non-volume shooting task of turkey hunting. With red dot mounted and zeroed, I found the shotgun to be an effective but heavy large bore boom-stick perfectly suited to put big toms flat on their ass at distance or in heavy cover . Is an optic necessary on a 10 gauge or any sporting shotgun for that matter? No. But it’s nice.
Although an accessory not specific to the Gold 10, I cannot recommend highly enough the Beartooth Products Stock Guard and Comb Raising Kit. Made in Montana of neoprene, it is an excellent guard against cheek slap and the cold of a plastic stock on frigid days. The bonus of being able to adjust the comb height to make sure your sight plane is correct, whether you are using an optic or not, only increases the value. I selected the model that has four loops for holding shotshells, but both looped and non-looped models are available for both rifles and shotguns. At less than $30 on average, it is an absolute must in my book for any Mighty 10 owner.
Briley Manufacturing made the list prior with their choke tubes for the Browning Invector 10, but they have another item to offer in their line-up specific to the Browning 10 gauges: extended magazine tubes. That’s right, as mentioned earlier in the article, you can add a quality, USA made magazine tube extension to your 10 gauge repeater! I am not sure who “needs” 9 rounds total of Mighty 10 smack-down, but I’m not in the business of justifying “needs”. For less than $200, the Briley magazine tubes should take your rack grade G10 and turn it into one hell of a personnel-mounted Anti-Snow Goose battery come conservation season. The additional weight should only bolster the smoothness and gentle recoil of delivering heavy payloads into the stratosphere where those weary white devils like to float mockingly while looking down upon your decoys. As of the writing of this article I have not bought a tube for my G10, but I see one in my future should I feel my specific example has reached a level of reliability to justify one, or I trade it off for a G10 that actually works correctly.
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The Gold 10 sends Flak at big late season Canada bombers -
Paired with the right tools for the job and a Mighty 10,this West Virginia Gobbler didn’t stand a chance
Field Report and Pattern Tests
In the field is of course where every Mighty 10 belongs, and the Gold 10 is no exception . From the toe of the stock to the muzzle, the aesthetics and large frame make a simple statement: take me hunting. While the 28” barreled version comes in at over 9.5 pounds, the weight becomes of little consequence once the time to shoot arrives. While not the fastest into action, the weight balances well and helps with follow-through on the swing and through the shot. This is extremely beneficial when staring down fat honkers cupped up over the far edge of the decoys or skirting down the opposite side of the waterway at 65 plus yards. Paired with the right loads, the Gold 10 will push the limits of what you think is possible with wing shooting. Suddenly shots that only the worst of the worst Sky-busters would take with 12’s and 20’s become a within range shot, especially when taken with tungsten or bismuth shot. With the proper lead, a heavy charge of large shot can be sent downrange to connect on passing or retreating birds. The moment may be slightly non-dramatic in nature when compared to 16lb birds in your face and back-peddling over the decoys, but when you stare down a goose at 70 yards, fire, and after a small delay the bird folds up dead mid-flight, you suddenly become a true believer in the Mighty 10.
The recoil reduction of even the heaviest of loads in the Gold 10 due to its weight and gas operated action make it all the more a pleasure to shoot. Of course before season you’ll want to grab some of the cheapest fowling fodder you can or bite the bullet and shoot a box of your favorite waterfowl load on some clays for practice, but this shotgun makes you want to shoot it all the time, and if you can afford to you will. Once cleaned up and broken in, the shotgun is a smooth operator that shucks hulls with vigor and sends heavy charges down range with great malice. Greenheads and heavy feathered sky pandas beware, this shoulder mounted anti-fowl cannon has the range and devastation to cancel flights well out past the decoys. When operating correctly, the G10 is a gun that should prove very capable of taking triples on birds from decoys to 50 yards and true doubles past that with ease for practiced shooters.
Although the gun is heavy, it is a great choice to hump into the woods for turkey and deer. In the 2020 spring turkey season, I hiked most of my season with the G10 strapped across my back. It was a noticeable weight after mornings of 5 to 8 miles and no birds to show for it, especially when compared to carrying the Benelli SBE 3. However, when the time came on the second to last day of West Virginia’s Turkey season to knock down a Mountaineer longbeard at 30 yards, it was well worth the hump. While not for everyone, hauling a Mighty 10 like the G10 around the mountains, hills and hollers of Appalachia can be very rewarding and very much the right tool for the job should that wary tom hang-up in line of sight at 60 yards or behind early spring undergrowth at 40.
Patterning with almost all loads is fantastic. From #7 lead dove and target loads hand rolled by myself, to gnarly 2-1/2oz #4 nickel plated fine and buck loads, 0000 Buck loads, and slugs, the Gold 10 will put shot where you want it with the right choke selections. In fact, out of approximately 30 plus factory and hand-rolled loads, I found only three or four that did not provide patterns I considered adequate for their intended purpose with the appropriate choke selected. The three factory chokes provided (IC, Mod, Full) all provided very tight, even patterns with steel and great patterns with lead. The Carlson’s “Clays” and Turkey chokes provided great patterns as well with Bismuth and lead. My preferred choke has become the Improved Mod choke by Carlson’s and it has provided great results on big honkers from 25 to 45 yards with the 2-1/16oz Boss Bismuth loaded with their #2 copper plated Bismuth. With steel, the IM has provided such tight patterns with steel and #4 buckshot loads that it’s just impossible to call it anything but outstanding.
The Bottom Line
The Gold 10 is a shotgun produced by Browning and carries a good name only. It is a shotgun that will work when built correctly and with quality, but its quality and cheapened operating components are a travesty to the legacy of John Moses Browning. It has fleas, and in 27 years the company has done nothing to wash them out, only smeared lipstick across its face with different finishes and now the addition of a stock change. The firearm is produced as cheap as possible, never been updated, yet commands premium modern fowling piece price points with an MSRP of $1,799.99 and an average street price of $1,450.00 to $1,550.00, an increase by about $200 over 2019 prices.
I cannot with my experience with Browning and testing and evaluation of the product recommend one purchase a Gold 10, or any other Browning product for that matter. It gives me no pleasure to report negatively on a firearm and its manufacturer. I have poured hours of work, thought, blood (literally, as I’ve cut myself 5 or more times on the damn gun), and sweat into making my example function properly. None of that should be required of a $1,400 shotgun. I would not expect that out of a $500 shotgun in this day and age. This design has so much potential and a simple overhaul of the critical components of the design and an increase in the quality control at the Miroku plant, as previously outlined, is all that is required for Browning to justify its price point.
If you are determined to buy an example, I highly recommend you completely evaluate the quality of fit and finish before you take it home. I also recommend that you come to terms with the fact that the gun may require service sooner than expected and you will have to put your own funds into fixing it, as Browning will do little to nothing for you in a timely fashion, if at all. In fact, the most reasonable avenue to approach the Gold 10 from may be to purchase a quality used example for well under $1,000 with a plan to test and tinker until it works with the loads you intend to hunt with. As previously stated, I highly recommend that loads using the Remington fold crimp hulls (Remington Steel and out of production Remington HD/hevishot offerings), Cheddite hulls (Boss Shotshells Copper Plated Bismuth Loads and select War Wolf Ordnance roll crimped loads) and all Winchester Hulled offerings, as they will offer the best opportunity for success with a properly tuned Gold. Federal offerings can and will work as well, but there is a higher likelihood of ejection issues on these shells due to the length of the hull.
With that said, the Gold 10 does well in the field if it is working and is truly a pleasure to handle and shoot. It is not the absolute cleanest in appearance or operation, but it has style and is a semi-auto 10 gauge with cool factors off the charts. You’ll want to shoot the gun more, and you’ll want to buy or make more loads to test patterns and function, break clays, blow apart milk jugs and carry on with all sorts of plinking shenanigans with the addictive Gold 10. Patterns are exceptional and the availability of big pellet non-tox steel shot alternatives like the Bismuth offerings from Boss Shotshells will leave you wanting to take it hunting again and again.
Ultimately, it is up to every individual to make their own choice on what they will take afield, and in the realm of the 10 gauge, the Gold 10 is present and the only new in box auto-loading 10 gauge option available in the fall of 2020. As consolation, I have read no negative reports on the 2020 production run of the shotguns thus far, so there is hope yet for the G10 and Browning’s production quality. However, the model must be considered with reserve and weighed risk. A downright shame for a gun with such potential and carrying the namesake of a legend.
If you have enjoyed this review and wish to consume more information and entertainment on the Mighty 10 Gauge, visit my Youtube channel American Arms Channel, where you will find all manner of waterfowl hunting related videos and firearms reviews, among other topics. As always, God Bless and keep your powder dry.
Another Gentleman having multiple cycling issues with his G10 (primarily Remington steel loads):
Video 1 – After return from Browning’s service Department
Video 2 – More problems with Rem hulls
Video 3 – … and more problems.
A random selection of forum posts dealing with poor Browning customer service and the Gold 10 Malfunctions and/or issues specifically:
G10 Problems 1 – https://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=888185
G10 Problems 2 – https://www.nodakoutdoors.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=78433
G10 Problems 3 – https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/browning-gold-10-anybody.285077/
G10 Problems 4 – https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/browning-gold-10-problem.760688/
G10 Problems 5 – https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/browning-gold-10-gauge.473514/page-2
G10 Problems 6 – https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/browning-gold-light-10-help.495648/
G10 Problems 7 – https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/browning-gold-10-light-problems.473355/
G10 Problems 8 – https://www.refugeforums.com/threads/browning-gold-10-gauge-2018-cycling-issues.1063904/
Browning Service Department Issues 1 – https://www.duckhuntingchat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=467273
Browning Service Department Issues 2 – http://www.browningowners.com/forum/index.php?threads/browning-customer-service-nightmare.4283/
Browning Service Department Issues 3 – http://www.browningowners.com/forum/index.php?threads/browning-customer-service-thread.980/
Browning Service Department Issues 4 – https://www.bbb.org/us/mo/arnold/profile/firearm-manufacturer/browning-arms-co-0734-100303446/complaints#0
There are many, many more examples of both issues with the Gold 10 specifically, and the Browning Customer Service department; these examples should suffice in getting the point across that I am not alone in my experience.
