Older Browning A5s-anybody's favorite?

.22LRGUY

.22LRGUY

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So, my first shotgun (ever) was an inherited Remington 11-48, I came to really like (=not mind) that clunky action as it cycles. I've also always loved the look of the older A5s, and have often thought I'd love to own a 20ga., or at least try one for grouse hunting. They certainly seem to command more money (12s or 20s) than the old 11-48s do. Like most old shotguns, the chokes tend to be fixed on these A5s and like the 11-48s, you seem to find allot of examples without VR barrels. For these reasons, I've held-off on buying an old A5 as there doesn't seem to be allot of chatter about them, nor do I want to get a FULL choke reamed out to MOD...which is the choke I'd prefer if I can only have one.

I would definitely consider a 12.

Question is this though-are there any of you guys still running an old A5 for hunting purposes, and what do you prefer it for? Recognizing that sometimes you eventually need to sometimes buy/try when the countless reviews don't help you reach a decision. Just wondering if it's anybody's favorite and if so, more function or nostalgia? Semis (as a rule) have to be pretty special for me to like them, and I keep coming back to how much I like the aesthetics of that humpback receiver. Liked the first one I ever saw, and every one since.

Perhaps I should shoulder one first. lol
 
I've had a couple of older A5's pass through my hands and while I won't say that I dislike them, they really don't do anything for me either. I'm sure that you will hear from some guys who love the guns and hunt with them and that's their choice but they wouldn't be my first choice. To start with I prefer break action guns whether they're side by sides or over and unders and most any semi Ive had seems to do a lot of clunking and clanking every time you pull the trigger. That's a minor thing though and I do have a couple of more modern auto's that run a bit quieter than the A5 does. If used for hunting, you have to hunt the long grass for your hulls after shooting a bird... I don't care to do that but I won't leave spent hulls laying around where I hunt. The ergonomics of the A5 don't lend themselves well to shotgun games where a second shot needs to be taken quickly as the design tends to lend itself to a lot of muzzle rise making a second shot more difficult still, I have known people to shoot sporting clays with them alibeit those guys were not very serious shooters. That hump that you like the looks of tends to place the barrel high up in the action which contributes to the muzzle rise.
You could do much worse than get yourself an older A5 to hunt with, good quality guns that don't fetch exorbident prices unless your looking at a rare model. It really comes down to doing what you want to do regardless of what other folks think!
 
I love old Auto 5’s but I really don’t hunt much. I used to hunt with a 3” mag and hammered a lot of crows and enough ducks and geese. I have several and shoot them at the trap club regularly. Great guns.
 
I am quite the fan of the A-5, for reasons I don't fully understand... It is truly a piece of clanking farm machinery compared to a fine side-by-side, yet... there is something about them. I have a Belgian-built 1932-dated 16 gauge in the original 2 5/8" loading. Finding 2 1/2" shells is certainly an added challenge, but thanks to some advance planning, I have enough set aside to cover grouse hunting for the rest of my days. I find the weight and balance of the gun just about right, and the build quality is excellent for a factory gun.
 
Pinfire said:
It is truly a piece of clanking farm machinery compared to a fine side-by-side, yet... there is something about them.
Click to expand...

^thanks for the chuckle, I see myself quoting you going forward! :) Appreciate the reply, and I agree on that sentiment. Usually why I would let someone test-shoot with 1 round if they've never shot a recoil-operated shotgun. The look on some people's faces. lol I eventually started to demonstrate the barrel entering the receiver ahead of the explanation of what to expect. Reason-first person who I let try the 11-48 was an experienced shooter, but almost dropped the gun thinking there was something wrong with it! :)

I'll start with holding the next one I'm able to get my hands on.

Thanks for the replies!
 
Had a couple over the years that I traded away, a standard weight with a 30” vent rib barrel full choke and a light model 28” modified choke. Regretted selling both as shot my best trap with those two guns ,regular 23’s strictly recreational.

Lucked into a excellent condition 1965 standard weight 28” barrel with mod choke recently that is staying with me. Don’t hunt anymore just a day at the range. They’re worth the inquisitive looks and questions.

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I still have a 3 inch Auto 5 that I use to use a lot when I was younger.Cannot say I use it at all any more,since getting my Winchester Super-X Model 3.
 
Light 12 and BT99 for trap

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Here’s a few. Couple 16’s, 20’s and 12’s
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I don’t know why this site always auto rotates my pictures…
 

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Thanks Buckmastr. Been looking and working on them for 15 years. Bought my first one when I was 16 23 years ago and fell in love with Auto 5's. Finally got my sweet 16 this year.auto 5.jpg
 

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I like your Auto-5 and I really like your coloured Twelvette/Double Auto!
I have a Light 12 28" plain barrel mod choke, and a Double Auto with a 26" skeet and a 28" mod barrel.
 
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