Browning A5

[Muley]

I've received such good advice on this forum before that I thought I would try again. ###I recently traded a Remington 870 for a Browning A5 12 GA, 30 in, full choke with a plain barrel. ###This A5 was made in 1933 but looks like it was kept in a vault. ###The bluing is 95% and the stock as well. ###I want to rebarrel with a 26" vent rib with a Mod. choke. My question is: due to the age of this gun, will I most likely have to have a gunsmith fit the new barrel to the old receiver? Some smart a$$ told me I would and I would like to prove her wrong. ###But, enough about my wife. ###What do you think?
Thanks for any input.
Muley

[Arrowhead]

First off, great gun.....

As long as you find a Barrel that is stamped "Made in Belgium" on it you should be OK. Your's should be stamped like that now. Right????

They say that the Newer "Made in Japan" barrel's will fit but I have been told it could cause problems.

It sounds like a standard 12 guage, 2 3/4" shell's. Make sure the replacement barrel is the same.

My guess would be that a replacement (Belgium) barrel, like you described, would cost about $225

That's just a guess......

[Muley]

Arrowhead....You guessed right on all points. ###It was made in Belgium and it is a standard 2 3/4". ###I don't know where I could get a barrel made in Belgium. ###New, that is. I'll just put out a few feelers and ask questions. ###I've got until Dove season. I think I'm really going to like this old shooter. ###Thanks for your time and answers.
Muley

[wmidbrook]

Great topic. ###Great Gun. ### Make sure it's a barrel that will handle steel shot especially if you're looking at used barrels. **** Older Browning barrels W I L L ### N O T handle steel*****. ###You'll burn and "blow out" the end of the barrel...towards the end of the barrel you'd see rings where the barrel is expanding--this can't be good from a safety and patterning perspective.

I really love mine--grew up on one w/ a poly choke (arg!) and can't seem to shoot anything else as well. I am looking into a replacement barrel too since all I have is a 31.5" barrel stamped "special steel" from ###belgium for waterfowl. ###$225 - $300 is what I've seen so far and I'm sure it can get a lot more expensive than that for a replacement barrel.

[Whoadog]

###May be a stupid question by why can't you have the barrel cut down and have choke tubes installed?

Brian

[Muley]

Whoadog....Not a stupid question at all. ###It's probably done all the time. ###In this case, being as how the shotgun is so old and in such good condition, I want to keep the original barrel intact so as not to lower its value. If in fact, it would.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Muley

[Muley]

wmidbrook....You've raised a question in my pea brain. ###The 30 in barrel that is on this gun is stamped on the left side.."12 Full Special Steel". The gun was made in 1933. ###Could this be a different barrel that was installed for steel shot and not the original?
Thanks, Muley

[Arrowhead]

I think the serial number should be stamped on the barrel and under the reciever just forward to where the shells are loaded.

They should match if original.

[Muley]

Arrowhead...I'm stupid!! ###I took the forearm off and there it was. Matching S/N's. ###Thanks a lot. ###Now, does the "Special Steel" stamped on the barrel mean I can shoot steel shot? ###I don't think I'll be a threat to the ducks and geese around here, but I was just wondering.
Muley

[Arrowhead]

WMIDBROOK hit on it in his post. You can damage the barrel.
Browning claims it is a cosmetic thing only and will only hurt gun that has collector value.

Here is what Browning says about it.

Browning Shotgun FAQ (http://www.browning.com/faqs/firearms/shotguns/qsh9.htm)

[Muley]

Arrowhead....Great post! ###All my questions have been answered. They even say that the barrels made in Japan are compatable with the Belgium receivers. ###They don't say anything about requiring any gunsmith work. ###I won't shoot steel shot through this barrel. ###Later on, after I get my guail and dove barrel, I'll get a barrel that will take steel shot. In the meantime, I have a friend that brings an old spoonbill by every once in a while. Thanks a lot.
Muley

[wmidbrook]

I'm going to call customer service @ Browing to find out about my barrel. ###The guy at the gun shop where I bought this A5 2 years ago said that my barrel is fine for steel shot. ###But, I have my doubts Muley since you have a similar stamp.

I've shot about 2 cases worth of steel through it and don't have a ring appearing as described on browning's website...but, I am a little weary still.

Here's the customer service number @ Browning:
"If your question remains unanswered, please call our Consumer Department directly at: 800.333.3288 or 801.876.2711"

[wmidbrook]

Arrowhead>>thanks for the Serial Number on the barrel hint...Mine's got 2 letters in it indicating post 75 but I'm confused. ###It says "made in Belgium". ###I thought production moved to Japan at that point....I'll have to wait until after the holidays to find out from Browning's Customer Service.

My A5 magnum action was made in Belgium in '74. I've compared it to Benelli's, Berreta's, ###X2s, Fabarms. ###None of 'em are as smooth in the action and trigger as the older Brownings.

MULEY>> To extend action life or to prevent jamming you'll need to match the friction ring configuration to your loads. ###Read about this in the owner's manual available at Brownings website....Basic rule of thumb, 2 rings for magnum loads, 1 ring for light loads. ###Steel shot throws a loop into the equation so use what doesn't jam.

[Arrowhead]

wmidbrook >> I used my A5 for years for everything. Dove, duck, turkey. I just got a little heavy and long barrel for turkey hunting anymore. I looked at a lot of guns for replacement, The only thing that felt like my A5 was the benelli. Only a lot lighter and with swivel studs I can have a sling on it too. ###Since I haven't dove hunted in years now they just sit there. Maybe one day my son or daughter will take up the sport and I'll dust'em off.....

I have a contact in New York that has a lot of Browning barrel's (both japan and Belgium) and other parts. If anyone is intrested I can get price's if you'd like.

A couple years ago I got a 20ga browning O/U. It is a sweet little gun. I always had wanted one. I have only used it once on a dove hunt. Another great gun. John Browning was an incredible individual.

[Muley]

Wmidbrook....Thanks for the telephone numbers. I'll call them. I'm very wary of shooting steel shot in my barrel and I won't if there is the smallest possibility of what you describe could happen. My main goal is to preserve this original barrel in its current condition so that I may someday pass the gun on to my son. In the meantime, I am looking for an older Belgium barrel with a ven-rib, modified for quail and dove. ###Which brings us the rings. You mentioned two rings for the heavy loads and one ring for the light loads. There are two rings in my Browning. One small steel ring with a bevel and a much wider ###brass ring. Which do I leave out to shoot my quail loads and in what configuration? Recoil is a major problem with me as I just survived two heart bypass operations this summer and I have to be very cautious for a while.
Thanks for you help with this problem. I surely do appreciate it.
Muley

[Muley]

Arrowhead....I'm looking for a Belgium made vent rib, modified, 12 GA barrel. My gun was made in 1933, S/N 133497. ###Please see what your contact can do for me. Thanks for your help and thanks for you past help.

wmidbrook....I will go to the Browning website and see if I can find the information about the rings and their configuration. If it's as clear as mud, you may be hearing from me again.
Thanks,
Muley

[Muley]

Wmidbrook.....I went to the Browning site and it was very clear. ###Thanks for all your help.
Muley

[wmidbrook]

Arrowhead>>Agreed. ###The A5 is a log in terms of weight. ###I'll have to give the Benelli another look. ###I've only shot and looked at 1--I really like the design as far as breaking it down, and cleaning goes...It's great to be able to inspect the trigger group for a more thorough cleaning. ###My primary duck hunting buddy shoots one and I haven't seen it jam either from light 2.5's to 3.5's.

That's the top runner for future replacement of my A5 at some point. ###Gotta save up for my WPGriffon first though.

Muley>>No prob. ###The A5 can be finicky. ###As long as the tube that the recoil spring/rings are on is clean and lightly oiled, I haven't had it jam. ###The only time it did jam was when I first took it out to shoot it. ###That tube was sticky (obviously hadn't been shot in years) and I neglected to clean/oil that tube...since then, no problems. ###Have fun!

[Arrowhead]

Muley >> I Checked with my contact, no VR-M at this time.

I told him to cantact me if anything became available.
He he does I'll get back to ya.

[Muley]

Arrowhead.......Thats great. ###I'll probably still be in the market for one. I'm concentrating on getting a Beretta 390/391 or an 1100 in 20 GA. ###I'm going to prove the doctors wrong in saying that I can't shoot anymore. That would be better then just sending my boys to TP their houses.

[Fubar]

Sometimes you can find a barrel at http://www.Gunbroker.com. ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Fubar

[Muley]

I've got another question for you Browning experts. My Browning was apparently made by FN because it has "Fabrique Nationale D'armes De Guerre Herstal Belgique" on the left side of the receiver. It lacks the usual Browning engraving on both sides of the receiver. The barrel and receiver have the same S/N (133XXX) and the barrel is stamped on top...."Browning Arms Company Ogden Utah". I'm wondering, is this a cheaper version of the A5 because of the lack of the engraving? ###If I remember right from years past, several different companys made the Browning. ###I'm just not sure what I have here. Thanks for any info.
Muley

[Arrowhead]

Muley >> Not cheaper, just older.

[Muley]

Arrowhead...Thanks. ###It seems to be of the same quality as all other A 5's I've seen and shot. ###I was just curious. ###I've got another small problem with it, though. The loading port will not depress without first pushing the bolt release button. The previous owner said that the shells in the magazine would sometimes slip back down under the loading ramp and he would have to take the receiver apart to get it out. ###I suspect he didn't put it back together correctly the last time. I also suspect that I will have to replace the little thing-a-ma-jig that keeps the shells up in the magazine. ###Thanks for your help.
Muley

[Brian S]

Arrowhead I have a superposed over and under 20 guage from the late 50's early 60's and I have a bulged barrel on it. Its too far back to cut and I would appreciate it if you would inquire with your source as to their availability. I can send him the whole gun if he does the fit work there.
Brian

[Brian S]

Just checked on e-bay they have a belgium browning a-5 12gu. and a couple newer ones. search key word browning barrel.
Brian

[Speckmisser]

Muley,

First of all, lack of engraving is a "low grade" model. ###Browning generally makes several grades from plain like yours, to the gold leaf, heavily engraved Grade V guns. ###

Second, if yours is a 1933 Belgian Browning, I'd consider keeping that baby in a safe except for an occasional outing. ###If it's in really good shape, an old Belgian is a valuable gun. ###

But finally, if you like shooting it, then to hell with the first two points. ###Guns were made to shoot. ###I'd hate if someone stuck me in a vault when I became an antique. ###

Honestly, you've got a sweet weapon there. ###Enjoy it.

Now, if anyone has an old Purdey twice-barrel they want to give away.... ### 28ga would be nice, but I'll accept a 20 or 16.

[huntsprig]

Muley-I have a Belgium A-5 that was made in 1969 and a Remington model 11 (a A-5 made by Remington) that my grandpa bought in 1925. On my model 11 I must depress the button to open the loading port but not on the newer A-5. this may be something they changed on A-5s at some point. ### ### ### I have also had shells slip back under the loading plate. I have found that happens when I do not push the shell far enough past the thing-a-ma-jig in the magazine. Just push the shell in a little farther in than you think you need to and that will solve the problem. When it has done that to me, I have always been able to work the shell out easily with my finger or a car key through the hole for the bolt. Be careful the bolt does not slam shut on your finger. Take my word for it, that hurts. I bought my A-5 used about 1988 (didn't want to shoot steel out of my model 11) It came with a brand new barrel still in the orignal package. I put it on the gun and never had a problem. Congratulations on you new A-5! I think they are the best semi-auto ever made. ### ### ### ###

[Muley]

speckmisser & huntsprig....thanks for the info. ###It's good. ###I havent' even shot this old A5 yet. ###I'm waiting to get a little further down the road from the operations I had. ###I've compared this gun to another Browning that has the engraving and the only difference I see is in the engraving. ###Of course, mine has the safety in the front of the trigger guard and seems to be a little more inconvenient then the newer one. As far as the shells slipping back, I agree that taking the receiver apart was probably overkill on the part of the previous owner. ###I would have tried pushing the shell back up like you did. I've already adjusted the friction rings for light loads, but ###I believe I will take the gun to a gunsmith and have him check it out before I shoot it. If it kicks the dog snot out of me, I'll use that as an excuse to justify a Beretta 391 or 1100 in 20 GA.
Thanks,
Muley