Browning 725 Game Gun

Given the reputation of the Browning 525 that’s no mean feat.

The B525 is well tried and tested. Proven by the fact that it and the other models that preceded it have needed very few modifications in the past 40 years. Get it right straight off – as Browning have done with the 525’s mechanics and actions – and it stays right.

Staying true to principles with the 725

Browning have taken this message to heart and so have made a wise move by staying true to the broad principles of the 525 design. However the company have managed to squeeze the 725 into a slightly shallower, shorter and wider action frame.

The barrels still hinge about a cross pin and lock down on a full width bolt.  However the front barrel lump is wider to get maximum contact of pin to hook. The barrels draw through the action and the shoulders of the new action have been made deeper at the back. This change creates a very strong frame.

The trigger mechanism has been re-designed to work mechanically so it doesn’t need recoil to re-set it for the second shot. As a result it ensures the gun can fire the lightest of loads.

Another useful feature imported into the design of the 725 is the option to fit an auto safety catch. For a long time Browning made guns only with manual safety. You may be used to this. I also think it makes a shooter safer as you always have to be aware of making the gun safe. On the other hand there are many gameshooters who would opt for a gun that returns to safe as soon as the top lever is pushed across to open it. A small part to make the gun auto safe can now easily be fitted by a gunsmith.

The special steel shot proof barrels are made on the monoblock principle with 3in chambers that sport extended forcing cones and tubes which have been “Vector Pro” back bored.

Military grade super lightweight stainless steel

A notable feature of the barrel assembly is the Invector DS multichoke system. This is created from a special “super” lightweight stainless steel that Browning has taken from its military side.

The choke tubes are 3¼in long and threaded at the muzzle end to ensure the outer barrel profile is as slim as possible. A compression ring at the bottom of each tube helps seal it in the bore and keep it cleaner. This makes it easier to remove after shooting for routine cleaning and the ring also helps prevent the choke tubes working loose during use.

Prince of Wales style stock

The game version of the 725 is stocked in proper “Prince of Wales” style. Rounded pistol grips are often mistakenly called POW, but a true POW grip is different in that it is swept back and kept long and shallow.

The idea behind it is to give a shooter the positive feel of a pistol grip, but with the length to allow the hand to move back for the second trigger, where one is fitted. If you have very large hands this form of grip could work much better for you, rather than a normal-sized pistol grip.

In summary, this is a game gun that handles well and is responsive in the hands. The POW grip is a nice feature, very practical and is really the whole essence of the model making it slightly different to anything else on the market.

More information at Browning