Browning Bt-99 Owners Manual

							The guide pins on the butt plate run on Teflon® bushings (Figure 18).
This ensures long life and smooth action of the GraCoil recoil reduc-
tion system. An occasional cleaning and light lubrication of the guide
pins will prevent premature wear. A light oil is suitable for lubrication.ADJUSTING THE GRACOIL RECOIL REDUCTION
SYSTEMWhen making adjustments to the GraCoil
system’s compression unit, be aware that the
unit should be adjusted to the shooter, not
to the shell size or loads being fired. When
adjusted properly, the recoil from the 
shotgun will activate the GraCoil system,
effectively reducing the recoil felt by 
the shooter.
The GraCoil recoil reduction system 
features adjustable compression range from
14-70 lbs. with a 
5⁄16 maximum stroke. To
adjust the GraCoil system, perform the fol-
lowing:
BEFORE PERFORMING ANY ADJUSTMENTS,
ALWAYS MAKE CERTAIN THERE IS NO SHELL IN
THE CHAMBER.1  Loosen the butt plate by inserting a 
3⁄32
Allen wrench into the single hole on the
right side of the butt plate and turn the set
screw counterclockwise two turns to loosen the screw (Figure 19).
2 Remove the butt plate by pulling it straight out. This exposes the cen-
ter shaft where adjustments are made (Figure 20).
3 Insert the 
3⁄32 Allen wrench into the hole in the center shaft and turn
the wrench clockwise (light) to decrease the compression to the light-
est setting. Do not force the compression adjustment screw.
4 Reinstall the recoil pad by tightening the two screws with the 
3⁄32
Allen wrench.
20
FIGURE 17GraCoil SystemFIGURE 18
Lubricate here
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 20 
						

							5 To personalize the GraCoil recoil 
reduction system, bring the gun to your
shoulder as if you are ready to call for a 
target. If the unit compresses when you
perform this action, the compression of
the unit is set too light. Remove the pad
again according to Step 2 and increase the
compression ONE TURN by inserting the
3⁄32 Allen wrench into the hole in the 
center shaft and turning the wrench 
counterclockwise (heavy) to increase 
compression.COMPRESSION 
ADJUSTMENTS ARE A MATTER OF
TRIAL AND ERROR.Adjust ONE
TURN at a time until the unit ceases to
compress when brought to the shoulder.
If the compression is set too light, there
will be excess motion from the gun when
shouldering, thus affecting accuracy. If
the compression is set too heavy, more
recoil will be felt.
PROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE GRACOIL SYSTEM IS ESSENTIAL. FAILURE TO
PROPERLY ADJUST THE COMPRESSION COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL
INJURY. IF THE TENSION IS SET TOO LIGHT, THE UNIT COULD COMPRESS
ENOUGH TO PINCH THE SHOOTER, RESULTING IN INJURY.6 Once the gun can be shouldered without compressing the GraCoil
system, the system is properly set-up and will effectively absorb recoil
without affecting accuracy.
7 Reinstall the butt plate by sliding it back into the stock and tighten 
the set screws using the 
3⁄32 Allen wrench. Do not not to over tighten
the set screws.
21
FIGURE 20FIGURE 19
Insert Allen wrench here
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 21 
						

							ADJUSTING LENGTH OF PULLThe GraCoil system on your BT-99 shotgun also allows up to 1 of
length of pull adjustment. To adjust the GraCoil system for length of
pull, perform the following:BEFORE PERFORMING ANY ADJUSTMENTS, ALWAYS MAKE CERTAIN THERE
IS NO SHELL IN THE CHAMBER.1 With a 
7⁄64 Allen wrench, loosen the two set screws on the right 
side of the stock plate by turning them counterclockwise one turn
(Figure 21).
2 Loosen the butt plate by inserting a 
3⁄32
Allen wrench into the single hole on the
right side of the butt plate and turn the set
screw counterclockwise two turns to
loosen the screw (Figure 19).
3 With your fingers, turn the large, threaded
center shaft clockwise to decrease the
length of pull and counterclockwise to
increase length of pull (Figure 22). Do not use a wrench or pliers to
turn the center shaft. Damage to the shaft will occur.
4LENGTH OF PULL ADJUSTMENT IS A MATTER OF TRIAL AND
ERROR.Adjust in small increments until desired length of pull has
been reached.
5 When the desired length of pull has been achieved, tighten the two
set screws on the stock plate using the 7⁄64
Allen wrench and single set screw on butt
plate using the 
3⁄32 Allen wrench. Do not
over tighten the set screws.
6 It is possible that the settings on the recoil
reduction unit of your shotgun may have
changed after adjusting the length of pull.
Before firing your shotgun, check to make
sure your settings have not changed. If
22
FIGURE 21FIGURE 22
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 22 
						

							they have, refer to the last section and follow the directions to adjust
the recoil reduction unit to your needs.
ADJUSTING THE PAD PLATEThe pad plate on your BT-99 shotgun is fully adjustable to aid in your
comfort and the accuracy of your shotgun
(Figure 23). To adjust the GraCoil system
pad plate, perform the following:BEFORE PERFORMING ANY ADJUSTMENTS,
ALWAYS MAKE CERTAIN THERE IS NO SHELL IN
THE CHAMBER.1 Remove the recoil pad by inserting a 
3⁄32
Allen wrench into the two openings in the
recoil pad and removing the two screws in
the rear of the recoil pad (Figure 24).To
prevent damage to the recoil pad, place a
small amount of petroleum jelly on the
Allen wrench. This will prevent the Allen
wrench from grabbing and possibly 
tearing the recoil pad.
2 With a 
3⁄32 Allen wrench, loosen the two
set screws used to keep the cam locks in
place (Figure 25).
3 Both screws have a series of six holes that
can be used for a wide range of pad plate
adjustment.PAD PLATE ADJUSTMENT 
IS A MATTER OF TRIAL AND ERROR.
Adjust in small increments until the
desired pad plate position has 
been reached.
4 Once the desired pad plate location is
reached, tighten the two set screws that
keep the cam locks in place with the 
3⁄32
Allen wrench. Do not over tighten the set
screws.
23
FIGURE 23FIGURE 24
Insert
Allen
wrench
here.Adjustable Pad PlateFIGURE 25
Cam lock
Set screw
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 23 
						

							5 Reinstall the recoil pad by tightening the two screws with the 
3⁄32
Allen wrench.
INVECTOR-PLUS™ CHOKE TUBE SYSTEMNew model BT-99 shotguns feature a barrel fitted with the Invector-
Plus™ choke tube system. Older BT-99s may also have the Standard
Invector™ tube system or a conventionally choked barrel. The
Invector-Plus system is a screw in choke tube system with interchange-
able tubes. You can confirm this by reading the inscription on the
right side of the barrel.MARKING ON BARREL TYPE OF CHOKEInvector™  Standard Invector Choke Tube System Invector-Plus™  Invector-Plus Back-Bored Choke Tube SystemNo Choke Marking on Barrel Conventionally Choked Barrel 24FIGURE 26Cylinder
Full
Imp. Modified
Modified
Imp. Cylinder
Skeet
FIGURE 27A — Invector Plus™ choke tube
B — Standard Invector™ 
choke tubeA
B
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 24 
						

							The words INVECTOR-PLUS mean your shotgun uses the 
Invector-Plus choke tube system designed for use in Browning 
12 gauge shotguns with back-bored barrels. The extra length,
combined with special tube tapers, gives the finest possible patterns
for target shooters. Plus, you retain the same choke switching 
convenience of the Standard Invector system. Invector choke tubes are
all fully steel and lead shot compatible. A special choke tube wrench is
provided to remove and tighten these tubes.
CAUTION: Invector-Plus tubes are for use in Browning shotguns 
with Browning back-bored barrels only (.745” + 0 - .005), and are 
not interchangeable with 12 gauge Standard Invector choke tubes.
Do not use Invector-Plus tubes in barrels threaded for Standard
Invector tubes. Do not use Standard Invector tubes in barrels threaded
for Invector-Plus tubes. Failure to follow these warnings may cause
damage to your gun and cause injury to yourself and others.
NOTE: If your BT-99 has Standard Invector or Invector-Plus choke
tubes, carefully adhere to the following instructions.DO NOT FIRE THIS SHOTGUN WITHOUT HAVING AN INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE
INSTALLED. PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY RESULT TO THE THREADS INSIDE
THE BARREL.
25
Available 12 Gauge Invector-Plus™ tubes:
RIM NOTCHES CHOKE DESIGNATION CHOKE DESIGNATION
WITH LEAD WITH STEEL
X on side of tube X-Full Special
*
IFull
**
II Improved Modified FullIII Modified Improved ModifiedIIII Improved Cylinder ModifiedIIIII Skeet Improved CylinderNo notches Cylinder Cylinder
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 25 
						

							DO NOT USE BROWNING INVECTOR CHOKE TUBES IN ANY SHOTGUN 
BARRELS NOT SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. ALSO, DO NOT USE ANY OTHER
CHOKING DEVICE IN ANY SHOTGUN BARRELS SUPPLIED BY BROWNING.
USE ONLY THE APPROPRIATE GAUGE AND TYPE OF CHOKE TUBES MARKED
INVECTOR OR INVECTOR-PLUS. 
CAUTION: WHENEVER HANDLING ANY SHOTGUN FOR THE PURPOSE OF
REMOVING OR INSTALLING A CHOKING DEVICE, MAKE ABSOLUTELY 
CERTAIN THE GUN IS FULLY UNLOADED AND THE ACTION IS BROKEN
OPEN! NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR INSTALL A SHOTGUN CHOKING
DEVICE ON A LOADED FIREARM!TUBE REMOVAL—
1 Fully unload your BT-99.ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN — FULLY. INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO
MAKE SURE IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS.2 Open the action using the top lever as explained previously.
3 Use the Invector wrench to loosen the tube, turning it counterclock-
wise. Finger twist the tube the rest of the way out of the barrel.
TUBE INSTALLATION—
1 Fully unload your BT-99.ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR BT-99 — FULLY. INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO MAKE
SURE IT DOES NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS.2 Open the action.
3 Before installing a tube, check the internal choke tube threads in the
muzzle, as well as the threads on the Invector choke tube to be sure
they are clean. Lightly oil the threads with an oil like Browning Oil.
4 Using your fingers, screw the appropriate tube into the muzzle end of
the barrel, tapered end first, notched end outward. When it becomes
finger-tight, use the appropriate Invector choke tube wrench to firmly
seat the tube.2602-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 26 
						

							THE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED TO
ASSURE THAT IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY SEATED. BEFORE CHECKING, 
FOLLOW THE SAFETY GUIDELINES OUTLINED PREVIOUSLY.Replacement and additional tubes and wrenches are available from
your Browning dealer, or by writing:
Browning Consumer Department
One Browning Place
Morgan, Utah 84050-9326
(801) 876-2711
Canadian customers please call or write:
Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee
5617 Chemin St-Francois
St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1W6
(514) 333-7261
INVECTOR TUBE IDENTIFICATION — 
To identify individual Invector tubes, refer to the abbreviated 
indications on the side of the tube, or use the identification notches
located on the top rim of each tube. (Figures 26 and 27).
SELECTING THE CORRECT INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE — 
Although your BT-99 is designed solely for target use with lead shot
loads, the Invector choke system is fully compatible with factory steel
shot loads as well. For your information only, on the chart below we
have included steel shot information in addition to the lead shot
choke/pattern specifications you will need. Both lead and steel 
designations have proven necessary for hunters using other Browning
guns with Standard Invector and Invector-Plus tubes because in any
given tube, steel shot gives a different pattern than lead shot. In fact,
even larger steel shot diameters result in different patterns than 
smaller steel shot sizes. Each designation is inscribed on each choke
tube. Remember, you will only need to refer to the lead shot 
27
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 27 
						

							designations when selecting a proper tube for your BT-99, as your 
new shotgun is unsuitable for any hunting use.CONVENTIONALLY CHOKED BARRELSIf you have a BT-99 with a conventionally choked barrel it is also easy
to determine choke constriction. Constriction of conventionally
choked barrels is shown with a neat, clearly defined mark found at 
the chamber end of the barrel, on the left side surface of the polished
barrel lug. The coding is as follows:
MARKING ON LEFT BARREL LUG OF A AMOUNTCONVENTIONALLY CHOKED BARREL  OF CHOKE* Full Choke*- Improved Modified** Modified
To determine the choke of an Invector tube see the section titled
“Invector-Plus™ Choke Tube System” above.CLEANING SUGGESTIONSThe BT-99 is a target gun, and as such will function better and more
reliably over a longer period of time if it is properly maintained and
kept clean.BEFORE PERFORMING ANY CLEANING PROCEDURES, ALWAYS MAKE 
CERTAIN THERE IS NO SHELL IN THE CHAMBER.You should clean your BT-99 after every day of shooting, and more
often if it becomes excessively dirty. A minimum cleaning includes
wiping down the action and oiling key parts. Most regular mainte-
nance will also include cleaning the barrel. If you encounter a function
problem (tight action when closing, etc.), be sure to give your gun a
thorough cleaning to see if it solves the problem before seeking the
services of a Browning Recommended Service Center or the Browning
Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a competent gunsmith.
A light cleaning means oiling and wiping down. It can be accom-
plished with the barrel still attached. A full cleaning requires that you
remove the barrel and forearm. To clean your firearm follow the 
general outline below:2802-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 28 
						

							CLEANING PROCEDURES —BE CERTAIN YOUR GUN’S CHAMBER IS UNLOADED. ALWAYS WEAR 
PROTECTIVE SAFETY GLASSES DURING ALL ASSEMBLY, DISASSEMBLY 
AND CLEANING PROCEDURES. KEEP AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE 
CLEANING AREA. DO NOT TEST THE FUNCTION OF YOUR FIREARM WITH
LIVE AMMUNITION.1 Remove the barrel and forearm from the receiver as explained 
previously.
2 Using a shotgun cleaning rod, with tip and patch large enough for 
a snug fit in the bore, insert the rod and lightly oiled patch in the
breech end of the barrel and run back and forth several times.
3 Inspect the bore from both ends for leading and plastic residue.
Plastic residue is often left in the bore from the shot cups in modern
shotshells. Leading and plastic residue will appear as longitudinal
streaks and are usually more predominant near the muzzle and just
forward of the chamber. A normal amount of either is common and
is not serious.
4 If leading or plastic residue seems excessive you can remove it by
brushing the bore with a brass brush. Soak the brush or spray the
bore with powder solvent first. Scrub until clean. To prevent bristles
from breaking off, push the brush fully through each time before
pulling it back through.
5 If your shotgun has barrel ports, carefully clean them with a rag
soaked in powder solvent. You may need to scrape residues from the
holes with a pipe cleaner or a small nylon brush. Be careful not to
mar the blueing on the barrel’s outer surface, or scratch the inside of
the barrel.
6 After all leading and residues have been removed run a clean dry
patch through the bore. Follow this with a final, lightly oiled patch.
7 Wipe all metal surfaces of the receiver, forearm and barrel with clean
rag. Then lightly oil your gun at the points described in step 1 under
“Assembly Procedures.” Regular, light oiling is extremely important to
the durability and reliable operation of your shotgun.
29
02-260-BFA_Revised BT99 OM  8/11/03  11:48 AM  Page 29