A5 does not list gauge on barrel stamp

[jwilson.redding]

I inherited a Browning A5? from my grandfather, its in really rough shape and needs a new stock, odd thing is that the gauge on the barrel stamp, looks like an 12 gauge, but there is no info on what type of rounds it can accommodate.

Here are the barrel and receiver stamps:

[jrpowell3]

I can't really tell by the pictures what gauge it is. However, assuming it is 12ga, it can be configured to handle anything from 2 3/4" shells to 3" magnum shells. You configure it by adjusting the compression rings on the spring around the magazine tube underneath the foregrip.

[JagerDog]

IIRC a lot of early ones were chambered for 2-5/8 12g shells.

[P5Ret]

I think you have a Reminton Model 11 not a Browning Auto 5. The Remington's were made under Browning license and were not as fancy as the Browning. If memory serves. That could be a Model 11 riot gun, that's just a guess though since most of the ones I've seen had engraving on them.

[JagerDog]

Just measure the internal diameter of the bore w/a caliper to determine the gauge and then hand load a 3" round into the chamber to see if it will fit or not. If not, it'll you can assume it only takes a 2 3/4 shell:

Refer to this pic for the bore diameters:

Hmmmm...not quite.

The chamber is based around the fired length of the shell. A loaded 3" round is not 3" long.

[JagerDog]

I think you have a Reminton Model 11 not a Browning Auto 5. The Remington's were made under Browning license and were not as fancy as the Browning. If memory serves. That could be a Model 11 riot gun, that's just a guess though since most of the ones I've seen had engraving on them.

Does appear to be a Mod 11...yes.

I don't know if early 11's were also 2-5/8 chambers.

[jwilson.redding]

I think you have a Reminton Model 11 not a Browning Auto 5. The Remington's were made under Browning license and were not as fancy as the Browning. If memory serves. That could be a Model 11 riot gun, that's just a guess though since most of the ones I've seen had engraving on them.

Heh... dont know how i missed that, thanks!

[jrpowell3]

I also thought that Model 11s could shoot anything from 2 3/4" to 3" magnum shells based on the configuration of the rings on the spring.

[shovelon]

More pictures would help. I see a good amount of pitting. The patent markings make this look very early.

But here is some good info on Model 11 riot guns purchased for WW1 as trench guns. http://forums.thecmp.org/archive/index.php/t-2732.html

[Huntsprig]

Here is some more info.

All I'm pretty sure all 12 GA guns have a 2 3/4" chambers, my gun that my granddad bought about 1920 is, no 3" were ever made.

Your safety is inside the trigger guard that means it was made in 1928 or before.

They were not called a Model 11 till 1911, if yours does not say Model 11 on it, you have is what they called a Remington Autoloading Shotgun, made between 1905 and 1911.

[jwilson.redding]

Here is some more info.

All I'm pretty sure all 12 GA guns have a 2 3/4" chambers, my gun that my granddad bought about 1920 is, no 3" were ever made.

Your safety is inside the trigger guard that means it was made in 1928 or before.

They were not called a Model 11 till 1911, if yours does not say Model 11 on it, you have is what they called a Remington Autoloading Shotgun, made between 1905 and 1911.

Thanks the safety is inside the trigger guard. Sadly the stock is all but destroyed, I will take some more pictures tomorrow.

[Sicarius]

Be sure to get a stock for the Model 11, the A5 has a less aggressive angle to the grip so it will not fit correctly. Also check the foregrip for cracks. Very common on these since the barrel moves quite a bit when fired.
Kevin

[wweigle]

I see a lot of varied Remington model 11 parts on ebay. Good place to watch.

[NapalmCheese]

Here's the easy answer on finding out what your shotgun is chambered for:

Take it to a gunsmith and have them measure the chamber. There isn't much of a difference between 2-5/8ths and 2-3/4, but there is a difference and it may not be safe to shoot 2-3/4 inch ammo. Call around, find a smith that can measure the chamber, and have it measured.

Failing that (or in lieu of), do some research and find out what these old Remingtons were chambered in. It wasn't uncommon for people with 2-5/8ths chambered guns to have them lengthened out to 2-3/4 inch.

[NapalmCheese]

Also, if it's not marked 12 gauge it might be difficult to tell the difference between a 12 and a 16 gauge if you don't have both right next to each other.