Restoring an Auto 5

S

Scrumbag

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Hi folks, well, a few months ago I came into possession of a mechanically sound but unloved Auto 5. Now with lockdown giving me some time to get the work bench is up and running my first job has been looking at getting the autoloader back into service.

First job has been getting a mechanically sound but rather unloved Browning Auto 5 back into commission. This is how dirty it is inside:

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The locking screw for the tang screw was a total bear.

I tried soaking stuff in (Oil, WD40, Break fluid, break cleaner)
I tried impact
I tried heat
I tried cold
I tried shocking from one to the other.

- I spent about 4 days of working and soaking on that damn thing.

So in the end it met my 5.2mm drill

And this was the result:

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So the little metal disk is the head of the locking screw with 2 other locking screws for comparison.

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And as you can see the threaded portion of locking screw is still in place so at least there isn't a hole into my receiver.

This is the tube the recoil spring with supposed to run in. It was stuck so the spring wouldn't compress - Not surprised the gun has cycling issues!

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Wire wool, dowel WD40, 3in1 and some elbow grease means the spring now drops through.

Now I need to remove the bolt release button and magazine release and off to cerakoting.

Scrummy
 
Where are you located (just province) and who are you getting the Cerakoting done by? I have a rifle I'd like to get done but would prefer to keep it in province.

I love my Auto5's and have been fortunate to not need to disassemble one that far yet. I did have one of my waterfowling buddies had his lifter stick and and he had to take it apart in the bottom of the boat. While I took his dog for a little jump hunt.
 
From what I see, the receiver doesn't look that bad. A blued receiver on an A5 looks gorgeous. I'm not sure what cerakoting would look like. But that's just me.

By the way, you're a brave man for taking it apart, they aren't easy guns to disassemble. But that is a disgustingly dirty gun which did need it. I just remove barrel and the fore end wood, point the receiver down and hose the insides out with brake cleaner. Then re-lube.

Put up pics when done.
 
Grouse Man said:
From what I see, the receiver doesn't look that bad. A blued receiver on an A5 looks gorgeous. I'm not sure what cerakoting would look like. But that's just me.

By the way, you're a brave man for taking it apart, they aren't easy guns to disassemble. But that is a disgustingly dirty gun which did need it. I just remove barrel and the fore end wood, point the receiver down and hose the insides out with brake cleaner. Then re-lube.

Put up pics when done.
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My friend, I have been using brake cleaner like it’s a pressure washer. Will find some pictures of other cerakoted auto 5s. Can look good
 
Yeah, I think it can work. I went with E110 Midnight as my woodwork is very close in colour to the second set of pictures and I quite like the contrast the slightly worn controls / screws give. I think it won't look so good with the "very black" E100 Blackout.
 
There are a few places in America that have Browning A5 replacement parts. I would look at that , since
you stripped the gun down
 
Excellent job Scrumbag! 10 years ago I had the same situation. Total disassembly and cleaning. I went the blued route with Vulcan gunsmiths in southern Ontario. A year later I was able to find a Hastings barrel to replace the fixed choke 30" factory barrel. Refinished the wood, a new set of friction rings and now she's been my most reliable shotgun to date.
Go and enjoy your work! Very satisfying ☺️
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Rich the Butcher said:
Excellent job Scrumbag! 10 years ago I had the same situation. Total disassembly and cleaning. I went the blued route with Vulcan gunsmiths in southern Ontario. A year later I was able to find a Hastings barrel to replace the fixed choke 30" factory barrel. Refinished the wood, a new set of friction rings and now she's been my most reliable shotgun to date.
Go and enjoy your work! Very satisfying ☺️
6lKSNMc.jpg
Click to expand...


Thanks Man! Your Auto 5 looks good too!
 
Grouse Man said:
No, better than OK, it looks great. Can you take it outside for some better photos? Or will the police be all over you?
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I'll try and remember to get some when I am next at the range. Glad you like it. Think it will need some "high brass" initially to break it back in.

Scrummy
 
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