Auto-5 Twelve light - What the word on shooting "steel"?

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rob350

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To start, im a shotgun noob.

Have a Browning twelve light (Belgium made)that was my grandfathers.

I have heard of some guys talking about not shooting steel through the older auto 5's.
So, has this been proven false, or is it sorta recommended? (thus safest to simply not use steel)

When they say steel, what are they talking about? slugs? Buckshot? Shots?



Im currently waiting for my pre-order of a 12.5" grizz mag, so im thinking about picking up a case of the "Super target load Winchester Ammunition" to feed it as its only around $68 per 250 at WSS.
http://ca.wholesalesports.com/storefront/ammunition/shotshell/super-target-load/prod52621.html
Is this stuff "steel" shot, and so I should not bother feeding it through my auto-5?



Thanks
Rob
 
When they say steel. That means any steel shot. Lead is lead. Steel is steel. So what you need to find is what restriction your choke or more likely what your barrel was bored out for. Full, mod, improved Cylinder.

Browning will suggest NOT to shoot any steel through the older barrels, its just to cover their asses which they have too. Shooting too big of steel shot #2s and bigger can create a buldge near the end just before where the choke is. Too much pressure at the end which is caused becuase steel doesnt compress together like lead will when shot.

My advice if you want to shoot it. You can either find a newer japanese auto5 barrel which can take steel and have screw in chokes. Or get it reamed out to a more open choke. I got mine reamed out to light modified and havent looked back. Keep the shot size like I said under #2s steel and you shouldnt have a problem.
 
I have a 1964 A5 that came with a modified choke and shoot steel in it all the time. I have shot BBs goose hunting with it but have decided to stick to hunting ducks with #3 shot in it and use other shotguns for geese.

My gunsmith said that he has opened up dozens to modified with no problems and no bring backs.
 
It has nothing to do with covering there asses they are not liable for 20,30,40,yr old guns you are on your own so shoot what ever you want .
 
Well i found a "**" and long dash on the barrel then "Special Steel", Google tells me that means its a modified chock.

So, browning does not "recommend" shooting steel out of it? Or is modified not too chocked, making steel ok?

Im under the impression that steel is only required for some hunting regs, being that im not hunting, lead would be the safest way for me to go? (would like to try some trap shooting with it)
 
I found this on the internet and copy/paste it here.
I also read that one article mentions it's not advisable to shoot any bigger than #4 out
of an old full choke Browning A-5 barrel.
Others say to get a gunsmith to open them up a bit and you're good to go.
Hope this helps.
Cheers.


Older Brownings are marked by choke by using a symbol or symbols on the left rear of the barrel.

Full: *
Imp Mod: *-
Mod: **
Imp Cyl: **-
Skeet: **$
Cyl: ***

And remember- Any choke marking is a rough guide. When you pattern your barrel with the shell you plan to use, it might be tighter, looser, or perhaps even right.

From my limited experience, older barrels pattern tighter than they are marked. The theory is that shells we use now with the plastic cushioned wadcups protect the shot better than the old shells that might just have some fiber or felt wads with the shot poured on top. The better the shot condition when it leaves the barrel, the better the pattern.
I imagine those older barrels' choke markings are a lot closer match to the shells from 50 years ago.
 
Interesting kam, so mine might be a improved cylinder then eh

Just to confirm, when you say #4 and "bigger" means dont shoot #3,2, etc right?
Where as something like 7.5 or 8 would be safe? (im under the impression these are more common sizes for trap shooting)
 
Just goggle Browning Auto 5 and see what comes up.
I spent a few hours playing with this.
Wishing to own one of these and make a camp gun out of it.
There is a photo of one a chap down south did.
Pretty wild.
Shortened the barrel to around 20" and extended the mag tube.
Send me a pm with an email address and I'll see if I can forward it to you.
Looking for one of these also to do the same thing to it.
One just went thru EE with a bulged barrel just behind of the choke.
Dang, eye missed it.
Cheers.
 
Last edited:
rob350 said:
Interesting kam, so mine might be a improved cylinder then eh

Just to confirm, when you say #4 and "bigger" means dont shoot #3,2, etc right?
Where as something like 7.5 or 8 would be safe? (im under the impression these are more common sizes for trap shooting)
Click to expand...

If you are using lead shot all sizes are safe. 7.5 and 8 lead shot is fine for trap. Browning does not suggest shooting steel through this barrel. For me that means don't shoot steel. That is any steel! You will find many on these threads that will advise you otherwise. Its up to you to decide if you will listen to the manufactuer or the experts on this thread.
 
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