Thoughts on the Browning A5

[CodyGT46]

I was goofing around my usual gunstore hangout and came across a older Browning A5 for just under $300, the wood has seen its better days, but I couldn't find any rust or pitting on the outside or parts of the inside I could see. Figured for that price it would be nice to have a 12 gauge autoloader in my arsenal to go with all my pump actions and single shots.

Any opinions or first hand experiences with this shotgun? Is the $300 range worth it or should I just let this one go?

[AJAX22]

They are great guns and 300 is not a bad price

[95t-100]

I have an older A5 and it's a great gun, $300 is an excellent price in my opinion, I usually see them selling for over $500. Post. pics if you get it!

[Iskra]

Depending on how old it is, you may not want to use steel shot in that barrel. I think you can look it up on the Browning site by serial # and it will say whether steel is recommended or not.

[shovelon]

I have one myself. It's 50 years old and shoots without a hitch. Even cycles low recoil target loads. If I had the chance to pickup another for $300 I would do it.

[lmudave]

I have a couple that were left to me and I love them. Never once had a hiccup of any kind with either the 12 or 20 gauge. The older Belgium made barrels can't take steel shot, if it says made in japan it should be good to go for steel. For $300 id buy it in a heartbeat.

[bjl333]

I have both A5s and Rem 11s and I love them!

[Sicarius]

I have a couple A5s and model 11s. They are absolutely wonderful shotguns. I don't know why but I have an affinity for the design. The A5 has a rich history and they are a workhorse. I have never had any issues with any of mine. You will probably need to replace the springs which the whole kit will run you about 65 bucks from Midwest shooters supply. The foregrip is one of the parts that are common to crack. A replacement wood one starts at 65 bucks(ebay) and goes way up. Ramline made a synthetic foregrip and stock for about 75 dollars. Not pretty but durable and cheap. Do not shoot it with a cracked foregrip. You risk the bolt battering into the rear of the receiver if the foregrip splits on you.
Kevin

[wweigle]

Picked up a Remington Model 11 Sportsman recently at a gun show for $300. I was not looking for another shotgun, but have always kept my eye out for a reasonable deal on one of these Browning designs. This gun caught my eye as in had a beautiful after market Hasting ventilated rib barrel with removable chock tubes on it. Then, the seller mentioned the clincher, he would throw in a 18.5 inch cylinder bore barrel that went with it. I think $300 for Belgium Browning A5, in decent shape is a reasonable deal. The Browning is the better of the two guns due to the superior ease of loading the magazine.

[goldduster]

For $300 its a steal. Grab it and run as fast as you can!

[rromeo]

Re:steel shot. Don't use it unless you have a later Invector choke barrel. Lead, bismuth, or the other soft metal loads.
I love my A5. It's on my list of 5 guns to not sell.