Browning A-5 Police Replica

[Nihonto Chicken]

I inquired earlier about replicating a Browning A-5 Police model:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=414489

I figured it would be cheaper to use a Remington Model 11 or Savage Model 720 as the base for the build. I did in fact score a nice Model 11, born Feb., 1930. Too nice, in fact, it's all original, uncut at either end, and with most original finish intact. Too nice to Bubba. So after another hunt, I got an unexpectedly good deal on an A-5, born about April, 1930 (and thankfully without the froof engraving on the receiver), and in similar condition to the Model 11, except the barrel has been cut and a Polychoke added, so collector value is out the window.

Rather than try to make a Browning Police style extended forend, I figure I'll just go light build to start, only put a two or three round extension on the mag tube and fit a Ramline synthetic stock and forend (stock may well need additional inletting, is probably made for newer A-5 models with shorter tangs).

My question is whether there is an acknowledged excellent A-5 gunsmith that might do this work for a reasonable price to save me the frustration and heartache. Also, is it worth registering at Shotgunworld.com to assist with this inquiry (like whether better to limit the mag extension to +2 rather than +3, and retain or scrap the adjustable choke)? Would appreciate any informed enlightenment on this. Thanks!

[Bladewurk]

Good project I like the A5 and copies too. Although I would use a later belgium model with 2 Pc carrier and speedload feature and safety in rear of trigger guard. .just buy a beater and install a Nordic ext. Mag.,sights of your choice. The Auto 5 cycles faster than a stock Benelli.. Brownells has new wood factory foreends and nice plain walnut sets suitable for the Mil/LE look

[Nihonto Chicken]

Thx!

Good project I like the A5 and copies too. Although I would use a later belgium model with 2 Pc carrier and speedload feature and safety in rear of trigger guard. .just buy a beater and install a Nordic ext. Mag.,sights of your choice. The Auto 5 cycles faster than a stock Benelli.. Brownells has new wood factory foreends and nice plain walnut sets suitable for the Mil/LE look

Thanks, Bladewurk, for your response. I agree that a later model A-5 would make a better build base, given the feature upgrades, particularly a Miroku steel shot friendly model. However, I'm doing this on a shoe string, and can buy pre-'61 long guns directly (03 C&R FFL, no DROS!). Will check out Brownell's for the wood. Thanks again!

[Story]

My question is whether there is an acknowledged excellent A-5 gunsmith that might do this work for a reasonable price to save me the frustration and heartache. Also, is it worth registering at Shotgunworld.com to assist with this inquiry (like whether better to limit the mag extension to +2 rather than +3, and retain or scrap the adjustable choke)? Would appreciate any informed enlightenment on this. Thanks!

Any progress?

I've done this with a 1947 Remington and am currently doing it with a 1940 Browning.

[Nihonto Chicken]

Any progress?

I've done this with a 1947 Remington and am currently doing it with a 1940 Browning.

Not much progress yet. I did pick up an extra Savage barrel, not model marked but said to be from a 750. Whatever, it does fit my Rem Mod. 11, though a tad stickier when manually first opening the bolt (haven't tried shooting it). Then I got a military marked Savage 720 (aerial gunner training type), like the Remington too nice to hack on, but with the extra Savage barrel should be just a parts swap-out affair, maintaining originality.

How has your '47 Remington worked out? What size and brand mag extension did you use? Any problems? Synthetic stock? Pics? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Res]

Here's a pic of my project Rem M11 with an 18" barrel and mag tube extension.



the extension is for an 870 and the threads on the m11 are too long. you can either shorten the threads, or do what i did and put a metal spacer ring to tighten it up.

[Nihonto Chicken]

Looks Good!

Nice looking HD Model 11. Is that a +2 mag extension, and made by whom? Is the forend aftermarket (maker?).

[Sicarius]

I love it!! Beautiful a5!!
Kevin

[Bladewurk]

Very Nice I want to see more of these

[Homebrew2]

... do what i did and put a metal spacer ring to tighten it up.

Beautiful 11. I have one I'd like to do the mag ext. Did you make or buy your spacer? Tips on either would be appreciated

[Homebrew2]

Just bumping to see if there's any updates, info, examples ...

[Nihonto Chicken]

Dawdling ...

I have an A-5 in the pipeline, a 1957 vintage with a 30 inch vent rib barrel plus an extra slug barrel. Also got an extra Savage barrel that can fit a 720 and a Rem. Model 11. When the A-5 arrives, I'll decide which one to push through to completion. I'm leaning toward the A-5, the Mod. 11 and 720 are too nice to mess with, even if the mods are reversible. However, there are fewer pickings for an A-5 mag extension, if any. Will get there eventually, but don't hold your breath. In fact, to buy the A-5 I blew through "my" money and had to snitch a bit of "our" money, which necessitated an immediate confession to SWMBO (she watches the checking balance like a hawk) and a request for sentence leniency. I now have my birthday presents already chalked up for like the next five years.