Browning B525 SL review. Better than the original?
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2019
- Finally got my hands on the new 525 SL and it is a little cracker. Reccomended!
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/ lloydyp - Sport
I've been waiting for this one... thanks Lloyd👍
My pleasure
Thank you for your time at the weekend, on your advice I bought this gun and after trying it I'm delighted.
Wahey! Glad to hear it man. There is no replacement for a gun that fits.
@@lloydyp How lucky was I? two guns that didn't fit :-)
@@robmorton345 Honestly, it's not that uncommon. A lot of folk start out like you, buying guns off club mates and that sort of thing. Not to worry, you are on the right track now.
Love the look. Caressed one at the shooting show.. After a new gun and one of these may well be It!
did you get one?
Hi Lloyd, watched most of your reviews, Like your honest opinions, On the strength of your review I bought a 525SL ,30" barrels, been shooting Berettas for 30+ years (ASE Gold sporter), Tried the Browning, pretty much fitted off the shelf with a little tweaking, what a fantastic gun!, think I actually prefer it to my ASE, Thanks for the info, much appreciated
My pleasure. Glad you like it. 🙂
Purchased one of these after trying several guns at Greenfields Salisbury open day after trying beretta 692 , guerini summit , Blaser f3 ,browning prosport and xs pro - so definitely did my research !
To shoot I preferred the 525 laminate best of all , also looks great and has fabled 525 reliability , as a bonus was the cheapest gun I tried 😊
Thanks for these videos Lloyd , I really enjoy watching them and look forward to the one
My pleasure Paul.
Good video. I bought a 525SL . I use this weapon every time now. For some ball trap and for Hunt. The only true question I asked me when I bought it , was : « how will be the « laminate » in the time ? ». We will see in 20 years ... !!!
Bought 1 as soon as they came out and love it , wish the chokes were silver on the end and not gold as the gold does look out of place.
Ive now put some Teague chokes in and it’s turned it into an absolutely devastating Clay smasher and the chokes look better as well
They do seem to pattern better and my scores have gone up , I’m a fan of them but the main reason I bought them was I didn’t like the gold on the end of the standard chokes.
I don’t change my chokes round often and stick with 3/8 and 5/8 for sporting
I’ve also switched cartridges from game-bore Blue diamond to Fiocchi black 24g and they pattern amazingly well.
Definitely recommend going on a pattern plate as you may not think paying out for new chokes is worth the cost.
Meh, a choke is a choke, if you like them use them.
Great vid and I love my normal 525. My only concern with the SL would be how durable the laminate finish is. I like the look of it even the plain action.
should be pretty hard wearing.
Lloyd I’ve just bought one from Bywell on the strength of your review
Good man.
Great video Lloyd, if you could get your hands on the kemen km4 for a review at some stage I'd like to get your thoughts on it.
If I ever see one, ill try and review one.
Lovely looking gun.
Agreed.
Great vid as always. I have to say that I don’t like the color of the wood nor the finish as much as I do the walnut wood. The 525 looks good in its dimensions and I’m sure fun to shoot.
Thanks for opinion on the shotgun
Thanks for watching man.
One question, the 525SL have the same measures in the stock than the xs pro?
Very cool and different.
I've been skeptical of laminate guns because of the many issues with the FN SC1, mainly cracking forearms. Hopefully Browning has improved on the lamination process.
I hope so too, the gun looks great for the money.
HI LIoyd fantastic review like always. Now question Which one you prefer Browning 525 SL or 725 I am leaving in US I got a problem to try you're the expert .Thank You Mark
If you are referring to the basic 725 sporter mk 2, then I would choose the 525sl all day. Sweeter in the shoulder, and more adjustability for the money.
Thanks for the review Lloyd, really enjoy your channel. Quick question, I have a 2006 Browning B525 Trap Advance, do you know if the laminated stock and for-end of this B525 SL would fit my gun?
I would need to check that out with Browning im afraid. No idea off the top of my head.
@@lloydyp I've already reached out to Browning Europe and on their Instagram page, but haven't heard back so far. I thought there might be a universality amongst the different 525s. Thanks anyway Lloyd, cheers.
Was thinking got to be Beretta 694. But had the chance to try one of these and wow. A really great bit of kit
But would I still want to move up in a few years. Or are guns like this the new norm
Do you mean laminate stocks? I think this is as much Browning testing the market as anything. Sensibly Laminate stocks should be gaining popularity with manufacturers as good wood is getting hardrd to come by and it's easier to make a nice looking gun sub 5k with laminate than finding a nice bit of timber.
Great vid! Just wondered if you’d review a beretta 686e? Not to be confused with the slightly newer 686e evo which come with extended chokes whilst the 686e has mobil chokes
As there’s no decent reviews of it anywhere they are all on 686e evo. None on 686e
No I haven't. Sorry.
Got one love it.
Glad to hear it 😊
Perfect shotgun👏👏👏
Thank you
My ONLY criticism of this gun is the inflex pad fitted as standard is way too long and has no spare. I struggled with it but my scores dropped a lot.
Once I fitted (bought) a 12mm pad it was like magic. Brilliant gun but check that size of pad.
Excellent review as always lloyd waited a long time to hear your views on it! Going a bit off topic here but have you shot a 692 black?
I haven't actually. Been waiting for one to come in second hand so I can do a review but no luck so far.
I spoke with you a couple of months ago on messenger about a 692 or a pro sport and you recommend the pro sport. I managed to shoot both and preferred the 692! I held the 525 laminate at the British shooting show and it shouldered instinctively. My question is I could afford a 525 laminate right now but my heart and head are telling me to keep saving for the 692 as I have no intention of buying a new gun after my next purchase! Would the 525 keep me progressing or is it just an entry gun
Ah well now we are into personal preference. I think the ProSport is better value for money as a objective statement. SubjectivelyI prefer the feel of the browning over the 690 series guns but that's me, not you.
If you find a gun that fits you and you can shoot well with, ignore me and go for it. You may find the 725 too bulky or heavy, and that's fine, you are a different build and shape to me.
Re the 525 as a beginner or entry gun, no, I dont think it is. I spent the weekend at the English Open and British Open All round at Doverage and by far and away the most common gun in use was Browning / Miroku. I know guys that have used the same gun for 20 or 30 years, as well as guys who have shot all manner of exotica and returned to a Browning because it works for them. As above, if you find a gun you love that fits you, buy it.
Barging I'm but I was at a similar dilemma a few months back. Was tempted to shell out more ££ to get a pro sport as I was worried about me wanting to replace the 525 once I got it but as soon as I shouldered the 525 it just felt perfect for me and I bought it.
As Lloyd said I see people using the 525 quite a lot so obviously they're doing something right. But just depends on how you feel with the gun.
The money not spent on pro sport went on cartridges and clays. Whatever you choose good luck.
@@busta87 In real terms the 525 SL now sits in between the 525 and the XS Ultra in terms of features, as I said in the review it's a serious clay gun and might well be all you need for whatever discipline you fancy. I wish they had been around a few years back when I was looking for a midrange sporter.
Heyy Lloyd! Great review as always.. which one would you choose between a 725 S1 or 525Sl??
525, I think the base model 725 is a bit too chunky in the woodwork.
I think you're spot on.
File m egorasesto 525sl?
panagiotis argyrou oxi file alla akousa polla kala sxolia
Panayiotis Hadjipavlis ok file m efxaristo,ipa na se rotiso giati den ksero kapion p na to exi dokimasi na m pi alla apoti psaxno exi mono thetika sxolia
Good day from Australia Lloyd. Thank you for your time in making these reviews. It looks like you enjoyed yourself with this one. I'm looking at a sporting gun for sporting, compak and Fitasc. What would be your choice between the Browning 525 SL or the Blaser F16?
Keep up the good mate. Cheers Trent
525 all the way. The f16 is too lightweight for serious clay work.
@@lloydyp Thanks Lloyd. I really appreciate everything you do. Cheers T
Hi Lloyd. One quick follow up question. 525 SL vs Zoli Kronos M Sport? I appreciate there is significant price difference. But I can get the M Sport second hand. But is it really a better sporter against the 525 SL? I'd appreciate your thoughts. Cheers.
@trent3443 hmmm, very different gun to shoot, more clay focussed than the SL, but better? I don’t know, honestly I would need to shoot them again. I think it’s a couple of years since i reviewed this gun.
Nice video ;) What is your idee this Browning or Beretta 690 Sporting black???? Grts from Belgium
Well there are 2 completely different guns. You might as well as which is better; french fries or motorbikes?
@@lloydyp French Browning fries than ;)
Would you recommend a brand new 525sl or pay a little more for a second hand 725 pro sport used for mainly for clays.
Tough question, personally I'd go for the 525 as I think it's more versatile. Your mileage may vary.
@@lloydyp thanks for the reply am hopefully going for a look/shopping next weekend to see what fits ill let you know how I get on
@@lloydyp don't know if your interested but I ended up buying a brand new beretta 694 adjustable with 32inch barrels
Good man. 👍
hi, in norway we get b525 game with this laminated stock in 28 inches. Someone takes how it is compared handling to this 30 inches sporter? will mostly be used for hunting, but clay training when it is out of season.
Ive never tried one so I can't say, but I suspect it will be very lively handling with short barrels and a heavy stock.
@@lloydyp thanks for the answer, lively action in a good way or bad way? hunting grouse and capercaillie, where quick shots are essential.
Lively as in good for snap shooting, but maybe too quick for serious clay shooting.
Can you make a review of the game laminaat.Greetings from Holland.
Great vid. I've got a beretta 686 and I'm looking for a new gun. I've tried the browning b525 and liked it, I've tried a prosport b725 and liked it but gave me terrible slap cheek. Which browning for clays would you recommend?
If the 725 doesn't fit then the 525 SL would be a great choice. Why are you switching away from Beretta?
@@lloydyp I'm changing guns because for some reason the comb isn't high enough. I may have lost weight so the gun no longer fits(it's not adjustable) so I'm looking for an adjustable comb gun and I do like the b525. I like the palm swell on the 725 but it's not on the 525 which is disappointing
Hey that looks a lot my FN SL 2 OU that was recalled???
never heard of it?
Got one of these on my shopping list once covid restrictions have been lifted .👍
Good man.
@@lloydyp I'm getting back into shotguns after a 10-12 year break . I've got + 2k to spend and decided to go for new and after watching and reading hours of reviews hopefully this one will fit (being a lefty) , unless you have others to recommend .
@@aeron-mw7ofs yeah they have very little to no cast so 525 is popular with lefties. would you not think of going for a used properly left handed gun though?
@@lloydyp yes ,
I would . I was looking for sh originally but lost 2 close family members in the last couple of months so thought sod it I'll get new .
@@aeron-mw7ofs fair comment, completely understand. Let me see if there is anything tasty out there used.
Comparing with Beretta 694, which one is better or do you suggest?
That's a bit like asking which is better, apple or a pomegranate? These are quite different guns, at different price points. Both are excellent for the money and both will have their fans, you need to try both to decide between them however.
First of all thank you for your answer. Actually, the question was bit awkward. In detail, I'm searching a gun with best features for wood pigeon hunting ( I mean long range hunting games). What are the main feature differences between these two opportunities?
@@merthancerli5194 The 694 is an out and out clay gun. The 525 may be more to your taste for wingshooting. However keep your eyes peeled as there are 2 new browning game guns as well as the MK11 I have just looked at coming up on the channel in the next few weeks.
Hey Lloyd
Looking at buying a B525 in Australia. You said that for 500 quid more (in the UK) the B525SL was worth it- however in Australia the SL costs well over 1000 pounds more (B525 g1 = $2400, B525SL = $4800).
Basically it is twice the price!
Do you still think it is worth that difference?
Hmm, depends on the price of other guns in the market, how much is a 694?
@@lloydyp 694 is currently about $6700 AUD
Jesus. So guns are expensive down there. Not sure if the SL is worth that much more but it's definitely am improvement on the standard 525. The next step up would be an Ultra XS and I assume that's significantly more money too?
@@lloydyp Ultra XS is not available in Australia. You guys in the UK are way better off than us in terms of what's available, the prices and especially the prohibitive and onerous licensing system (which I suspect is what limits availability and drives prices up!).
@@colinvance903 bugger. 🤷♂️
I know there is a lot of traditionalist that are shocked at this grey laminate shotgun... But I like the modern look, I would even like to make the traditionalist more offended by having the barrels in nickel plated to go with the grey stock :D
I think I should own some guns, and in the future, including Cynergy Not for self defense, but only for target practice
Balance point?
Right on the pin on the one I had.
This is not a knock on Browning at all. In fact, I own two Browning Ultra XS shotguns in 20 and 28 gauge and agree they are great guns. This action has proved itself for decades. My question is, what has TRULY changed in the Browning Citori line up of shotguns in the last 30-40 years? Model numbers change with every cosmetic tweak, but what are the significant differences between say a Browning B325 and 725 other than fancier wood and different engraving?
325-425-525, no changes really. 725 is a new action design and trigger mech.
When you talk prices, are you talking American dollars or another currancy?
Always in pounds Brian, sorry I have no prices for the US.
make a great rough or game shots all weather beater BUT its just too heavy for a carry gun ! 8 1(2 lbs in 30 barrel ! IF did it lighter like a mk60 miroku be a kin to a sako laminate and steel stalking rifle . IDEAL !
just buy a standard 525 then.
Are these beauties still available?
Why aye, there's 2 on the wall at Bywell at the moment.
The 525 is a cracking bit of kit and this one will be no exception. But £500 more! Basically the stock is made from plywood, how can that cost more than walnut? Are Browning and other manufacturers taking the p**s with these "laminate" stocks?
en.browning.eu/produits/shotguns/over_and_under/b525_sporter/A-SPRONE.html
Whilst the wood on the sporter one might technically be from a wallnut tree (and I'm not convinced) I think you will agree it's extremely plain and lacks figure and depth. I'm not defending Browning's pricing strategy, and I dont know the production and R&D costs for designing the new gun but it will have been at a cost, which the manufacturer must get back, else why bother developing a new gun? they could just keep flogging the 525 which is already the best selling gun in the UK market.
@@lloydyp As with most products to keep at the top you have to keep tweaking to stay ahead . But a laminate stock is basically plywood with the alternate layers dyed differently. I don't know the cost of this process. It would be interesting to find out. The end result is very attractive but probably won't appeal to traditionalists. Will we start seeing more laminate stocks on shotguns?
@@kirkyandka7712 Almost certainly, Browning are I know considering other models, and I can't imagine the other manufacturers will be far behind. Good quality wood grows rarer and more expensive with every passing year, and this is a significantly better solution than fully synthetic stocks.
£500 over the standard 525 and for that you get the Laminate , adjustable stock and extended chokes.
Plus it has better trigger pulls and a bit more weight which is very noticeable and soaks up the recoil. Trust me it’s the bargain of year and I wouldn’t change mine for anything
Great review. But it ain't no P gun.
it's 2 grand Tim.
@@lloydyp I realize that but, if you're going to be serious about the sport you can find second hand P guns for 4 Grand... they'll need some sprucing up though. Probably be much happier in the long run. I see used Browning firearms by the cargo ship load on the used racks in my region. I guess it's a regional thing. There's always new models on used racks within a few weeks after they come out. Don't get me wrong Browning make some great stuff but , the used racks are full of them. Shopkeepers have told me that many people Buy Browning firearms based on the name alone and for whatever reason they're back in the shop trading them within a matter of months.