Browning A-5 clones?

MD

MD

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I'm getting an itch to look at a Browning A-5 shotgun, but I know about the Remington Model 11 and even a Savage I think, that was built to the same pattern.

Are they all essentially all the same? Are the parts interchangeable? Is one better than the other?

Are the clones cheaper than a Browning branded one?

I think I even saw a Browning A-5 clone for sale here on the EE forum that was a real obscure brand name, but for all intents and purposes it appeared to be the Browning humpback design. It sold quick. I have since found out that it was Springfield, a brand name used in the 1920s by Stevens Savage.

Any thoughts?
 
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At some point in time I believe it was in the 50's, Browning USA auto 5's where actually produced by Remington (I belive I saw that info in a Gun Trader's Guide by Paul Wahl).
A friend of mine has a Stevens 720 which is a copy of the A 5 and he is quite happy with it. It would be interesting to know if all of these clones are close enough to interchange parts (i.e. barrels).
 
The Remington 11 is not a clone, but a licenced built A5 when it wasn't possible for FN to build them I.E WW2. of them all, the Beglian Browning is the best. parts are for the most part, not interchangable. i know this to be the case with barrels anyways, but i think internal bits and pieces might be possible between the A5 and M-11, but not with the Stevens/Springfield/Savage. even if they wehre there are enough parts available that it shouldn't be neccesary. how much are you looking at spending, you can get a good condition Belgian Auto 5 for under $500, fixer uppersfor under $300. Wholesale here in Winnipeg had a apir of 3" model's last time i was in, looked beautiful, both for $450. here's what i bought for $400 last fall. 1966 Belgian A-5

371786.JPG
 
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That is nice Kevin.

What I have now is a 1957 870 Wingmaster, but I'd sure like to try an A-5.

Do you find the rib makes a better shooter?

My 870 has a plain Jane barrel.
 
I own and have owned a model 745 Springfield, a Remington Model 11 in 16 ga and several Browning Auto 5's. The non Brownings lack the fit and finish of the original. Features like mag cut off switches are not on the non Browning models. Now having said that I found that the Rem model 11 the Springfield 745 and my Rem 11-48 all are super reliable and well built shotguns. parts for the most part are not interchangable outside of specific models and makes. I like the recoil operation in fact I get so used to the shuffle clunk of the guns that when I shoot my 1100 I keep thinking it is jamming.

cheers Darryl
 
Franchi also does their own version. Savage 755, 775, like that. I believe Winchester also made a (model 11?) too, didn't they? Regardless, the Auto-V is the cream of the crop. Parts won't interchange, just like between a Ford 302 and a Chevy 302. The aluminum receiver on the Savage was prone to cracking. Good condition guns are out there at reasonable prices, just be on the lookout for them. They are extremely rugged guns, so it'll be almost impossible to get stuck with one that's worn out.

They exude old-time quality and craftsmanship.
 
Savage made both aluminum and steel receivers on their autos. The Springfield 745B is aluminum and the savage 775? was steel and also in aluminum versions. They are easy to tell apart as the steel trigger guard assembly stands out on the aluminum frame version. I have heard that aluminum frame autos (Win model 50 LW and model 59 etc) would crack with continual use of heavy loads. Something to be aware of. Winchester's old model 11 was called the widow maker with good reason. They were dangerous to shoot and prone to recoiling into the shooter's face with various parts which had come undone. They had to be cocked by pulling the barrel back (a portion of the barrel was knured) as Browning's patent had prevented Winchester from using a cocking handle. I handled one once at a gun show and they did point well. Too bad for the dangerous reputation they have.

cheers Darryl
 
They had to be cocked by pulling the barrel back (a portion of the barrel was knured) as Browning's patent had prevented Winchester from using a cocking handle.
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I believe there also was an "offshore" knock off of this as well. Fit and finish were questionable. Can't remember the maker, sorry.
 
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