Friction ring settings on a Browning A-5

[MD]

I purchased a 1964 standard weight 12 gauge Browning A5 on Wednesday and used it hunting for the next three days on snow geese.


I was quickly shown how to take the barrel off and then this afternoon did it myself to get acquainted with the mechanism and noticed that according to the instructions in the sticky on the shotgun world site, the previous owner has it set for light loads even though we hunt with high velocity steel loads. I use Winchester and Kent Faststeel.

The gun shot, functioned and reloaded fine, but I am wondering if I should move that steel ring from the back end of the magazine spring and try it in the forward position as recommended by Browning.

On the Browning site they say two almost contradictory things; one is that the friction rings should be set properly so as not to put unnecessary strain on the mechanism, but also that if it doesn't cycle correctly at the magnum setting to set it for light loads.

Any advice?

Will this gun kick less set correctly?

 

[Grouse Man]

Yes, it will kick less when set correctly. Try it with the added ring in place (ensure proper orientation) and see how it feels.

 

[Longwalker]

Steel shot is lighter, and therefore has less momentum, hence less recoil, but is generally loaded to higher speeds. Recoil effect and ability to cycle a recoil operated shotgun can vary with the particlular load, and even depends on the amount of oil on the A5's magazine tube. The only way to know for sure is to try your gun with the different friction ring settings. I had a A5 mag 20 that would cycle Faststeel 3" loads on the "light" setting but not on the magnum setting. For best functioning, I cleaned mine to bare metal and put a very light film of Remington Nitro CLP on the mag tube, and it worked very well. My buddy has a 12 ga. like yours and he does the same.
You have a fine, classic "goose getter" there, congratulations!

 

[Covey Ridge]

I do not think it is bad advice to set as per Browning instructions, unless you experience problems with their suggested settings. I do not think that Brownings instructions are contradictory. As per your quote, they contain a but if! Many Browning have the instructions on a lable inside the fore stock.