John Moses Browning’s Shotgun Saga: A Legacy of Innovation and Mastery
When it comes to shotguns, no name echoes through the halls of firearms history louder than John Moses Browning. Known as the “Father of Modern Firearms,” Browning’s contributions to shotgun design weren’t just innovations—they were leaps forward. His work transformed the shotgun from a utilitarian tool into a masterpiece of engineering and artistry. From the groundbreaking Winchester Model 1887 to the elegant Browning Superposed, Browning’s designs have captured the hearts of hunters, sports shooters, and collectors alike. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to explore six of his most iconic shotgun designs, uncovering the stories behind their creation and the legacy they’ve left behind.
We’re going to cover a lot of territory here – part of the joy of chronicling the prolificacy of a genius. Stay tuned for future deep-dives into several of these models.
Today’s post concludes our John Moses Browning story. Keep it bookmarked and check back for additional deep-dives:
- Introduction
- Rifles and Carbines
- Semi-Auto Pistols
- Shotguns (currently reading)
Tell us your stories.
As always, we want to hear from you! What are your stories? The comment section is open below.
Image: Restored Winchester Model 1887. Explore our gallery to see additional guns of the Old West restoration examples.
Picture the Wild West in the late 1880s—cowboys, stagecoaches, and lever-action rifles ruling the plains. Winchester, already a titan of lever-action rifles, wanted to expand their dominance with a lever-action shotgun. They turned to John Moses Browning, whose name was already gaining traction as a mechanical wizard. Browning, however, wasn’t sold on the idea. He thought pump-action was better suited for shotguns. But Winchester insisted, and Browning delivered—the Winchester Model 1887, the world’s first successful lever-action shotgun.
The Model 1887 featured a robust rolling-block action and came chambered for black powder 12-gauge and later 10-gauge cartridges. With its distinctive top-eject mechanism and unmistakable lever, it was both rugged and iconic. While it wasn’t the fastest gun in the West, it found favor among stagecoach guards and lawmen who needed something reliable.
But the Model 1887 wasn’t perfect. The lever-action mechanism, while novel, wasn’t as quick or ergonomic as future pump-action designs. Nonetheless, it paved the way for Browning’s later successes and remains a collector’s favorite, with its Old West appeal cemented in pop culture – including scifi… anybody remember Terminator 2: Judgement Day?
Before Browning gave us the legendary Winchester Model 1897, he introduced the lesser-known Model 1893. Designed specifically for black powder shells, the 1893 was a solid pump-action shotgun that paved the way for its more famous successor.
The Model 1893 featured an external hammer and a slide-action mechanism that made follow-up shots faster and smoother than lever-action designs. However, the rapid shift to smokeless powder exposed its limitations—its chamber and barrel couldn’t handle the higher pressures. Browning went back to the drawing board, and the result was the Winchester Model 1897, a shotgun that would redefine the genre. Today, the Model 1893 is a rare collectible, valued as a stepping stone in Browning’s journey of innovation.
Image: Restored Winchester Model 1897. Explore our gallery to see additional restored service arms examples.
If the Model 1887 was a pioneer, the Winchester Model 1897 was a trailblazer. This pump-action shotgun took everything Browning learned from the Model 1893 and turned it into a workhorse that hunters, farmers, and soldiers could rely on.
Initially chambered for black powder and later adapted for smokeless powder, the Model 1897 offered faster firing and greater reliability. It came in various configurations, but the most famous was the “trench gun” variant used in World War I. With its heat shield and bayonet lug, the trench gun earned a fearsome reputation in close-quarters combat. German soldiers reportedly nicknamed it “the devil’s broom” for its devastating effectiveness.
Collectors today prize the Model 1897 not just for its historical significance but for its versatility. It was a shotgun that proved Browning’s genius wasn’t just about solving mechanical puzzles—it was about anticipating real-world needs.
This is just a quick overview of this iconic pump action. Stay tuned for a future deep-dive into the Winchester Model 1897.
Image: Browning A5 Grade IV, an example from our showroom’s pre-owned shotgun collection.
No list of Browning’s shotguns would be complete without the Browning Auto-5, lovingly nicknamed the “Humpback” for its distinctive receiver profile. Introduced in 1902, the Auto-5 was the world’s first successful semi-automatic shotgun, and it’s nothing short of a marvel.
The Auto-5 used a long-recoil operating system, where the barrel and bolt recoiled together before ejecting the spent shell and chambering the next round. This ingenious design allowed for rapid follow-up shots, making it a favorite among hunters and sport shooters. Browning’s patent was so effective that the Auto-5 remained in production for nearly a century, first in Belgium and later in Japan.
Collectors and shooters alike adore the Auto-5 for its reliability, aesthetics, and historical significance. From its intricate scrollwork to its smooth operation, the Auto-5 stands as a testament to Browning’s unmatched ability to blend form and function.
Before Browning gave us the legendary Winchester Model 1897, he introduced the lesser-known Model 1893. Designed specifically for black powder shells, the 1893 was a solid pump-action shotgun that paved the way for its more famous successor.
The Model 1893 featured an external hammer and a slide-action mechanism that made follow-up shots faster and smoother than lever-action designs. However, the rapid shift to smokeless powder exposed its limitations—its chamber and barrel couldn’t handle the higher pressures. Browning went back to the drawing board, and the result was the Winchester Model 1897, a shotgun that would redefine the genre. Today, the Model 1893 is a rare collectible, valued as a stepping stone in Browning’s journey of innovation.
Image: Restored Winchester Model 12. Explore our gallery to see additional restored semi-auto and side-by-side examples.
Nicknamed the “Perfect Repeater,” the Winchester Model 1912 (or simply the Model 12) was a groundbreaking shotgun that carried forward the legacy of John Moses Browning’s earlier designs while showcasing the ingenuity of Winchester engineer T.C. Johnson. Building on the foundation of Browning’s Model 1893 and Model 1897, Johnson reimagined the pump-action shotgun, introducing an internal hammer for a smoother, more reliable operation.
The Model 12 was offered in a variety of gauges and configurations, making it versatile for hunters, clay shooters, and military users alike. Its rugged construction and precise machining earned it widespread acclaim, and it became a workhorse in World War II, where its durability and performance shined in demanding conditions.
With its seamless lines and finely crafted parts, the Model 12 quickly became a favorite among sportsmen, and production continued until the 1960s. Today, it’s widely regarded as one of the finest pump-action shotguns ever made, with pristine examples commanding premium prices from collectors.
There’s so much more to explore about this iconic shotgun, so stay tuned for a deeper dive into the Winchester Model 1912 in a future installment.
By the early 20th century, Browning was working on designs that would set the stage for modern pump-action shotguns. The Remington Model 17, introduced in 1921, was one such design. This sleek, lightweight 20-gauge shotgun featured an internal hammer and a bottom-eject mechanism, a hallmark of its successor designs.
The Model 17’s influence extended far beyond its production years. It served as the blueprint for later pump-action legends, including the Ithaca Model 37 and the Browning BPS. Its streamlined design and innovative features made it a favorite among upland hunters, and today, it’s a prized collectible for those who appreciate Browning’s genius.
By the late 1920s, over-under shotguns were rare, plagued by high costs and mechanical issues. John Moses Browning, ever the problem solver, envisioned a shotgun that combined luxury with utility. The result? The Browning Superposed.
Introduced in 1931, the Superposed was an over-under shotgun that redefined the category. It featured a single selective trigger—a first for over-under designs—and an automatic ejector system. But the Superposed wasn’t just mechanically brilliant; it was a work of art. High-grade walnut stocks and hand-engraved receivers turned each shotgun into a masterpiece.
After Browning’s passing in 1926, his son Val A. Browning ensured the Superposed reached the market. Despite the Great Depression, it became a symbol of craftsmanship and innovation. Today, early Belgian-made models are highly sought after, celebrated for their unparalleled craftsmanship.
Image: Ithaca Model 37R Deluxe Featherweight, an example from our showroom’s pre-owned shotgun collection.
The story of the Ithaca Model 37 begins in the years following World War I, during a time when firearm manufacturers were experimenting with new designs to meet the demands of modern shooters. Ithaca Gun Company sought to create a pump-action shotgun that could rival the best on the market, and they turned to one of Browning’s earlier designs for inspiration.
Based on John Moses Browning’s patents for the Remington Model 17, the Ithaca Model 37 featured the same innovative bottom-eject mechanism. This design, which ejected spent shells downward rather than to the side, was a boon for both left- and right-handed shooters and helped keep dirt and debris out of the action. However, Ithaca’s ambitions were delayed by the expiration of Browning’s patents, which meant the Model 37 couldn’t go into production until 1937.
With the Great Depression dragging on and the clouds of another world war gathering, the timing for introducing a new sporting firearm couldn’t have been worse. Many sporting arms ceased production entirely during this turbulent period. After World War II, however, Ithaca resumed production of the Model 37. Offered in a wide array of configurations over the years, the Ithaca 37 would go on to achieve the longest production run of any pump-action shotgun in history, surpassing even the Winchester Model 12—the very design that had originally inspired Ithaca’s ambitious entry into the market.
John Moses Browning’s shotguns are more than just tools—they’re a testament to his ingenuity and vision. Each design solved a problem or pushed the boundaries of what a shotgun could achieve, leaving a legacy that continues to influence modern firearms design. From the rugged utility of the Model 1897 to the refined elegance of the Superposed, Browning’s shotguns offer something for every collector and enthusiast.
As you hold one of these legendary firearms, imagine the man behind the design—a genius in his Ogden, Utah workshop, sketching out ideas that would change the world. Browning’s shotguns are more than historical artifacts; they’re pieces of living history, carrying the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship into the modern age.
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