Browning A5 Magnum Barrels

[Vewdu]

Hey all, just picked up a 1960 A5 Magnum with a 32" full choke and 28" polychoke barrel. I didn't (And still dont) know an awful lot about the old guns, just going off of what I was told by close family and friends pumping up the A5's legacy and the fact it was a killer deal, especially considering how good of shape it's in. I have come to find out that the barrels aren't suited for steel shot. Now I don't really wanna fork out $70+ for a box of bismuth or tungsten (if you can find them in stock) shells, so I'm looking for a Japanese era or newer 3" barrel that can take or be modified to take the invector choke system.

I have talked to a couple of old guys and they all come up flat with suggestions on where to find a barrel. I've looked online and I feel like my eyes are going to fall out soon with the amount of sold, discontinued and unavailable stock/auctions.

Can anyone point me in the right direction of such a store or person that might have a 3" barrel that I can safely fire steel out of? I've messaged a gentleman on the EE regarding one but I don't know when it was made.

Much appreciated!

 

[1963beretta]

Unfortunately the choked barrel may set you back more then the cost of the gun...

You may be able to have a smith shorten and open up your existing 32” barrel for a much more reasonable cost

 

[kamlooky]

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1876209-Browning-auto-5-barrel

Maybe find out what happened to this barrel?

I did call Browning and asked if the older Belgium 3" mag barrels were steel compatible and they
said to find the newer Japan barrels and open the full choke on them.

The older barrels had different metals not compatible to shooting steel thru them.
Folks have done so, but how long will they stay together is a humbling guess.

Mid 80's or there abouts is when Browning changed the barrels.
They should be stamped where they were manufactured.

 

[madtrapper143]

The Poly Choked barrel (if it is a real Poly Choke brand) can handle numbered steel shot when set on Modified or more open settings. Lettered shot would not be recommended. As noted earlier have the 32" Full opened or shortened a little and install Colonial choke (tru Choke) tubes. All of these options are a lot cheaper than an Invector or Invector plus Browning barrel.

Darryl