Auto 5 Shell Carrier.

Murf

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I recently disassembled an old Browning Auto 5 that refused to cycle. The gun had not been used for 15 years or so and had a build up inside that looked like varnish.
While working on the gun it rolled on my lap and the button that operates the action was pushed allowing the action to close violently while the barrel was off. Later when I removed the trigger assembly the V spring that operates the shell lifter or carrier came off its pins. I put it back in place as best I could figure out. The shell carrier will work under firing but it hangs up under manual operation making loading the mag a pain. I need to either thump the bottom of the gun or reach a finger into the opening to flip it part way, then it will snap down in place.

The spring appears to be in good shape as it had a lot of tension and does operate quite well except for one place where it hangs up.
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Any ideas or should I get a replacement spring?


Also the gun will not cycle light loads reliably. The rings are set in the proper position for light loads but the round steel spring which fits around the brass bushing is VERY tight. Removing this spring, while leaving the other rings including the brass bushing allows proper cycling. Will repeated use without the spring cause harm?
 
IIRC, that V-spring can go in two ways; try flipping it over and trying it again. Yes, it's a pain to take that gun apart. Next time just flush it out with brake cleaner. The other culprit could be the same amount of varnish, hardened oil, and grunk built up in the bolt return spring in the stock. Flush that out really well. Or, since the trigger group out, remove the screws in the top tang and bump the buttstock off to get access to the spring. Also for the cycling problem, is there a little oil on the magazine tube? You didn't indicate if this was a magnum or standard gun; magnums won't handle light 2-3/4" reliably.
 
The gun is a standard 2 3/4. I installed the carrier spring orientated as in the exploded schematic from Browning, however it was not shown in position. When I got the trigger group out the spring was loose in the action. I did try and fit it both ways but only one seemed to contact the shell carrier in a way that would create the wanted motion.
As I siad i the opening post it will cycle fine with the steel spring removed from the brass friction ring. No problem with the shell carrier under recoil.
 
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