classic auto 5 question
- Thread starter m1978
- Start date
I have a 1971 Belgian Light Twleve. It is a mechanically and physically beautiful gun. Disassembly is a bit of a chore. Still the autoloading shell feature is just so cool. I cant see myself ever needing another semi except maybe another A5 if I find one for a good price. The only issue is having to replace the barrels for different chokes unless you get a Japanese invector choke barrel. All of the A5 barrels of the Belgian and Japanese models are interchangeable to my knowledge.
the spank
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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- Planet Earth Wearing My Tinfoil Hat
If it’s 90’s era it’s likely screw choked and of Japanese manufacture so it would be steel shot compatible. The A5 has withstood the test of time and imo better quality than todays alloy and tupperware guns.
Somewhat true, some a bit false.
Keep the shell length in mind.
The 2-3/4" stamped barrel action won't do well with a 3" shell.
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Indeed....a few nice ones have passed through my hands over the years....
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Indeed....a few nice ones have passed through my hands over the years....
While the Auto 5 is a classic and reliable semi-auto shotgun, its design is also well over 100 years old. An Auto 5 owner needs to understand the function of the friction ring on the magazine tube and its orientation for light and heavy loads. This apparently is not as simple as it seems, as indicated by repeated questions on this and other firearms sites. It is clear that way too many Auto 5 owners do not understand the function of their own firearm.
There are a variety of designs of self compensating semi auto shotguns on the market that eliminate disassembly to go from light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads.However, some work better than others, some require more periodic cleaning, and some have some inherent problems for the user. Sorting the wheat from the chaff is the difficulty.
You have to understand what your priorities are in a semi-auto. If you want reduced recoil you want a gas operated gun and heavier gun weight, particularly with heavy waterfowl loads. Short recoil or inertial drive systems work very reliably but do nothing to reduce recoil. If you want a really light semi-auto gun for carrying in the field, you might also want some recoil reduction effect.
Bottom line, an Auto 5 long-recoil shotgun is a good reliable semi-auto gun if that "floats your boat" but they are a vintage design. The Japanese made barrels are the only Auto 5 barrels recommended for steel shot. Take the time to understand the function and assembly of the gun.
There are a variety of designs of self compensating semi auto shotguns on the market that eliminate disassembly to go from light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads.However, some work better than others, some require more periodic cleaning, and some have some inherent problems for the user. Sorting the wheat from the chaff is the difficulty.
You have to understand what your priorities are in a semi-auto. If you want reduced recoil you want a gas operated gun and heavier gun weight, particularly with heavy waterfowl loads. Short recoil or inertial drive systems work very reliably but do nothing to reduce recoil. If you want a really light semi-auto gun for carrying in the field, you might also want some recoil reduction effect.
Bottom line, an Auto 5 long-recoil shotgun is a good reliable semi-auto gun if that "floats your boat" but they are a vintage design. The Japanese made barrels are the only Auto 5 barrels recommended for steel shot. Take the time to understand the function and assembly of the gun.
fishslinger
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern ontario
Very nice shotgun, sounds like a japan made model so should have screw in chokes and steel shot safe. There's a reason you rarely see them come up for sale.
It's kind of gangster, do you hold it sideways. to much bling for my liking. No thanks Fugly
I remembering looking at pictures of these specialty guns back in the day.
Took a Browning Catalogue or two to elementary school back in the day and day dreamed of shooting lots and lots of ducks with a gun just like this...
But, sadly it wasnt to be for many more years later.
Nice looking gun.
As for a better shotgun that todays offerings, well I would certainly put them up against many of the current offerings on some retailers shelf.
They are form and fit with function in mind.
Rob
The sx1 likely the best overall but bad marketing . The old beretta AL & 300-301-302-303 are a very good design and work flawlessly for the most part . Never could hit anything with a A5 the hump just didn't work for me
It's funny how one firearm works for one but not the other. My first experience shooting an A5 was with trap shooting. I am not a very good trap shooter with scores of 8/25 being a good outing. I shot 22/25 with my first attempt using the old Belgian A5 with bead sight mo vent ribbing on a modified choke barrel. Something about the sights and feel reminded me of shooting some of the CZ rifles that I also like. As such the A5 gained some real affinity for me.
My suggestion of possible like all firearms to try one out. If you like it but one. If not try something else till you find something you like. My understanding is the differences between new and old models is significant and that the newer models are much easier to disassemble while maintaining the similar look and feel to the old design.
I agree 100%. I could never get comfortable with the A5 and as some say felt like a heavy log in my hands
I kept just one and only because I loved the 16ga of any make
Cheers
While the only semi-auto shotgun I've ever owned was a Remington 11-48 (Recoil operated like the old A5s)...I'd love to own a modern gas-gun. I was fortunate to get some trigger time with a Remington Versamax a few years ago...big smile with every shot. Granted, I was comparing it to the recoil of an 11-48. If you've shot both..you'll know why the VM felt so nice.
As for ^that comment about the Cooey...I've never hunted with a single-shot, but I took my old Cooey 84, 20ga. out of the safe just the other night..and asked myself why it's never been out for grouse. I only hunt those a few times every fall...but only once in all my years doing that has a quick, second shot EVER yielded a second bird. lolWhile the only semi-auto shotgun I've ever owned was a Remington 11-48 (Recoil operated like the old A5s)...I'd love to own a modern gas-gun. I was fortunate to get some trigger time with a Remington Versamax a few years ago...big smile with every shot. Granted, I was comparing it to the recoil of an 11-48. If you've shot both..you'll know why the VM felt so nice.
Take the old Model 84 out this fall.You will enjoy being able to bag game with an old Canadian classic.
Most times ,one shot is all it takes in the uplands.
