Browning Double Automatic

[serotonin]

Hi all,

Today I attended a gun show and picked up a Browning Double Automatic for $300. It is the standard version with the steel receiver. It is an interesting design as it is a two-shot semi-automatic that loads through a side port. Does anyone have any experience with these guns? Would they fair well for both sporting a hunting purposes? I posted a similar thread a few months ago as I saw a "Twelvette" at cabela's but failed to pick it up. I didn't let the opportunity pass this time!! Thanks in advance.

 

[M12shooter]

Great auto shotgun designed by John Brownings son Val. Was ahead of its time back in the day with a short action inertia design. Aluminum receivers came in a host of funky colours, steel were simply blued. They don't cycle light loads well but a good 3 dram trap load without problems. Takedown is very simple for cleaning but not recommended to go much further, A few good vids on Youtube regarding this. DA's have a very small but loyal following. I own one and shoot it a lot on crows and upland birds. barrels are not steel shot friendly.

 

[kamlooky]

Well done O. P. This was Johns version of a dubble barrel sans a barrel. Light and precise. Not sure if they came in 20 gauge, but would love to own one.

 

[heronfish]

I love double automatic shotguns, should never have sold the ones I had. Then again, there is always time to replace them.
They never made one in anything but 12 gauge, but did name the light weight version the twentyweight for confusions sake.

 

[Dogleg]

I've got one in near perfect shape; traded a fillet knife for it back when I still made knives. If there's an autoloader that balances like a double, this one is it. Recoil is odd, more of a little vibration than kick. I should shoot it more.

When I first got it, it didnt cycle 100% with lighter trap loads. There is a bit of a trick to taking down the action, a couple of retainers that look like tweezers. Once taken down and cleaned it worked flawlessly with everything.

 

[grebber]

I love mine. Inherited it from my grandfather. Mine cycles all light factory loads that I have put through it no problem. I mostly use it for skeet but took it out for pheasant one time last year and was an awesome gun to carry around the field as well. I plan on shooting this gun for many years to come.