Wondering if anyone has any tips/advice/comments/cautionary tales etc on cleaning and oiling a Browning Auto-5. Just inherited a 1955 model from my grandfather. Its in top notch shape as you might expect from and ex-chief armaments officer, and I'm seeking advice on keeping it that way. FWIW, I don't think its been fired in almost 20 years.
Auto-5 Tips
- Thread starter V-Max
- Start date
They are recoil operated gun and as such do not get dirty like the gas loaders. If you feel the need to oil and clean, keep the exterior lightly oiled to protect the bluing, after shooting, especially in the rain etc. As for cleaning and oiling the internals, the receiver portion can be cleaned and lightly oiled on any action surfaces. IE where the bolt is moving back and forth, triggers parts etc. DO NOT OIL under the fore arm. These gun use friction rings on the mag tube to slow the action, as you will find out the barrel on the auto-5 moves backwards when fired the inertia from the shot throws barrel back with opens the gun and if another shell is present, the spring sends the bolt forwards again.
long story short oil and friction rings don't mix
long story short oil and friction rings don't mix
M12shooter
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- East St. Paul, mb
Also the walnut forends tend to split with age as wood dries out and checks. Remove the front wood and hand rub it inside and out with a small amount of boiled linseed or tung oil from time to time.
Everybody with a new gun feels the urge to tear down a receiver to give it a good cleaning. Don't do it here. If you think it needs to be cleaned, remove the barrel and forearm, and use spray brake cleaner to hose out the inside of the receiver and the bolt, etc. Let it all drain out the front of the receiver. Oil it and you're good to go.
They are amazing guns.
They are amazing guns.
