Browning A5 Magnum question

[Yehosha]

I inherited a 1969 Browning A5 Magnum shotgun, and am wondering what types of loads it can shoot. I read elsewhere that you can set up the rings differently for it to shoot light or heavy loads, but the gunsmith I took it to disagrees. He insists it will only shoot heavier loads. I took it to him because it was not ejecting the shells properly. It will only eject them if loaded with loads that are 1300 fps or higher. I would like to set it up to shoot lighter loads since they are about half the price. Anyone know if this is possible, or maybe has done it themselves? Thanks for the help.

[Bend]

Got a manual?

http://media.browning.com/pdf/om/auto5_mag_2up_s.pdf

[FLIGHT762]

You didn't specify what gauge your Magnum is, I'll assume it's a 12 Ga.

If the barrel is roll stamped for 2-3/4 and 3" shells, your Gunsmith is correct.

The shotgun will not cycle target loads. It was designed to shoot 3" Magnum lead shells, 1-5/8 and 1-7/8 oz. loads. The light setting will shoot and cycle 2-3/4" 1-1/2 oz. Magnum shells.

It will not reliably cycle with 2-3/4" shells with less than 1-1/2 oz. of shot. You might get it to cycle with 2-3/4" 1-1/4 oz. 1330 FPS shells, but usually, nothing lighter.

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

You might call Browning and see if it is possible to change out the recoil and/or action springs to those for a Light 12. All the parts can be had from Brownells. I just don't know if it is a viable option. Seems like it might work.


Greg David
Eddy's Shooting Sports
400 Moffett Blvd.,Suite F
Mountain View, CA 94043
(660)969-GUNS

T-F 12-7 W 12-9 Sat 11-5
Closed Sun/Mon

[Sicarius]

You can move the rings to shoot lighter loads. There is a diagram glued to the inside of the hand guard if you are fortunate enough to still have it. Both of mine only have a diet of target loads. The a5 is a wonderful shotgun. Never let them go.
Kevin

[swifty]

[American_pride]

In the manual from browning it says to remove 1 friction ring and the 2 bevel washers. Take the barrel off and remove the fist 3 rings. Replace the barrel and it should work mine does.

[23's Dad]

May not be the same for all A-5s

In the manual from browning it says to remove 1 friction ring and the 2 bevel washers. Take the barrel off and remove the fist 3 rings. Replace the barrel and it should work mine does.

My A-5 Magnum 12 requires that you reverse the orientation of the rings, but they stay on the magazine tube. Better check closely before you just remove three rings.

This may or may not apply, since my A-5 is a mid 80's Japanese model. Anyhoo, double check before you do any damage.

Hmmm, just looked at the manual posted above, and I gotta say that my comment above was based on some rather dim recollection. I'll dig up my manual tonight and double check.

Sorry to confuse the issue!

[Yehosha]

Hmm lots of conflicting information. More confused now than before.

[American_pride]

Look at the manual posted by Bend. Figure 10 shows how to do it on YOUR shotgun.