Browning A-5 16ga reassmble help

[strakill]

I acquired an older A-5 16ga from an guy buy it's all parts.
I am stuck on the shell lifter. With the reciver put together the problem I'm having is when the bolt is forward The lifter won't move to be able to load unless I push the bolt release button and when it's back I still have to push the bolt release to load.
What am I doing wrong? Please help me.

[11011500a]

Sounds fine,My Rem m11 & Browning A5 all work the same way.

[strakill]

So this is normal? I have never used an A-5 but it just seems weird to only be able to load it closed while pushing a button. I am used to pumps and my buddies benelli that I can put shells in at any stage with ease. If thats the way it is then oh well I paid $200 for it and will live with it.

[FIREBALL_BRIAN]

Not normal. I haven't used one in a while but do a search for the armorer video on A5

[11011500a]

Normal to push button to load. No button to push with Speed feed.

[kcstott]

Far from normal
The loading gate should always move freely no matter the position of the bolt.
When speed loading you manually lock the bolt to the rear and insert a shell into the MAGAZINE tube and release it as it will not lock in place. That round will be cycled into the chamber and the successive rounds can be loaded directly into the tube.
Again the loading gate should move freely allowing you to load the tube.
Do you have the magazine cut off lever forward??

The other question is when was the last time it was cleaned? The Auto 5 is a reliable gun but if old oil junks it up it will not work correctly. Quick and dirty fix may be to soak it in WD-40 and cycle it a few times to loosen up any crude. Out side of that a complete tear down cleaning and assembly may be in order.

If you need a service manual click Here

And if you don't want it I'll give you $300 for it right now.

[strakill]

Far from normal
The loading gate should always move freely no matter the position of the bolt.
When speed loading you manually lock the bolt to the rear and insert a shell into the MAGAZINE tube and release it as it will not lock in place. That round will be cycled into the chamber and the successive rounds can be loaded directly into the tube.
Again the loading gate should move freely allowing you to load the tube.
Do you have the magazine cut off lever forward??

The other question is when was the last time it was cleaned? The Auto 5 is a reliable gun but if old oil junks it up it will not work correctly. Quick and dirty fix may be to soak it in WD-40 and cycle it a few times to loosen up any crude. Out side of that a complete tear down cleaning and assembly may be in order.

If you need a service manual click Here

And if you don't want it I'll give you $300 for it right now.

I cleaned all parts before putting together. Doing more research I have found that it is normal for these older A-5's, not all of them are that way though. I just took it out back in the feild and loaded and fire three shells with no hiccups.
I'll figure if I want to sell it after I take it to the trap range...it is a neat little shotgun.

[kcstott]

Well this gun was in production for over 100 years so a few design changes are normal.
I'll stand corrected then.

[swifty]

This sounds correct. The earlier guns used a 1-piece carrier whereas later guns used a 2-piece carrier. The 1-piece carrier required the carrier latch button to release the carrier. On the 2-piece carrier version the front portion of the carrier moves freely while the rear portion needs the button pushed to free it.

[Flintlock Tom]

I have a 1920s era A5 in 16 gauge and it works the same way. Hold button to load.
Very solid and well built gun, but, hey, it's a Browning!