Looking @ Browning Auto5

[CH_Tiger_14]

A friend of mine was telling me about an older Belgian-made Browning Auto5 (3") on sale for $300 at our local gun shop. Apparantly it is in excellent condition but I haven't been over to see it yet.

I currently use my Ithica M37 for ducks but want to get a used semi before making the big splurge for a new semi later on - hopefully a 10 ga.

I see other posts saying these guns are not compatible with steel shot. Can someone comment on that? Also, if anyone can comment on this gun in general, I'd appreciate reading about it.

Thanx.

 

[kaupontenkak]

From the Browning Web page. Hopes that this helps.

Q. Can I shoot steel shot in my Browning shotgun?
A. All current Browning shotguns with the Invector or Invector-Plus choke tube system are fully steel shot compatible with current factory loads. However, there are limitations to the compatibility of many older Browning shotguns with conventionally choked barrels. In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a slight "ringe bulge" just inches behind the muzzle. The damage to your gun is purely cosmetic, but the "bulge" can be a factor in resale, especially with collector-grade shotguns.


Accordingly, our recommendations concerning the use of steel shot in Browning shotguns is as follows:


1. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS: All Browning shotguns with the Invector choke or Invector-Plus tube systems, However, we do not recommend the use of Invector full or extra full chokes with steel shot. They pattern too tightly, and sometimes result in a "blown" pattern.
2. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS EXCEPT THOSE WITH T, F, BB AND BBB SIZE SHOT: The B-2000 and B-80 shotguns with conventional chokes (Non-Invector)
3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS: The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2. Note: Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.


DAMAGE: In not all, but a number of instances a very slight ring will develop about 1 1/2" to 3" rearward of the muzzle. This ring is about .005 of an inch above the plane of the barrel, completely encircling the barrel. From our tests we could determine no adverse effect on pattern or shot velocity because of this ring. Our conclusion is that the most significant objection, the slight ring, is entirely cosmetic. This "ring" effect does not affect the function or safety of the firearm.


YEAR OF PRODUCTION: Nearly all Browning firearms manufactured after 1975 have two letters in the serial number. The two letters indicate the year of manufacture: M=0, Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9.


FUTURE: Obviously, we have no control over the ammunition companies and the loads they will produce in the future. So, if in doubt, please check with us or the ammunition company before using new loads in your shotgun.


I have an older Belgium Browning Auto V, and have shot steel out of it for about 5 years now and have had no problems.

CHeers,
Kaupontenkak

 

[Grouse Man]

The above guy (I won't try to spell it) has just about all you need on the topic. It's a magnum gun, so you can't use it for lighter target loads; magnums only. It's not a do-all gun, it's a pure goose gun. A replacement steel-ready choked barrel will run you new over $350, IF you can find one. If you do get it and use it as is, DON'T run anything bigger than BB unless you lengthen the forcing cone AND open up the choke from Full to about IC / Mod. The barrel may be thick enough to handle having choke tubes installed ($150+). Or just use the expensive soft shot ammo like Bismuth and you've no worries.

That all being said, it is a beautiful, Swiss-vault gun albeit a dinosaur. See if you can get an even lower price than 300. The heart of that gun is the recoiling barrel and the guts of the receiver; a little internal gunsmithing to the barrel will never been seen and keeps that old girl alive.

 

[CH_Tiger_14]

Thanx gents

It so happens that the local gun shop owner / gunsmith is a good friend of mine. I'll take all this info you've given me and chat with him before I decide to purchase or not.

 

[Queen Bee]

You can shhot 2 3/4" shells out of this gun by having the right friction rings set up -- 2 3/4" -- 1 steel, followed by 1 brass, 3" -- 1 steel, 1 brass, 2 steel, 1 brass. When shooting steel shot thru this gun set it up as for 2 3/4" loads irregardless of whether you are using 3' or 2 3/4" shells. Forcing cone does not need opening up but do have the choke take out to Mod before shooting any steel thru it.

 

[Canso]

I had my full choke bored out to modified on my Belgium made Browning A5 Mag.. No problems with steel shot (I use up to BB) and no bulge in the barrel.
I think the information on the Browning website is Brownings way of covering their butt in the event of any issues shooting steel. I have read about guys with a full choke using steel and getting a barrel bulge though (this can happen with all makes and full choke).
I shot trap this year with the A5 and had to adjust the friction rings so I could eject the shells when shooting doubles, no problem though as all that is involved is to remove one set of steel rings (middle 2) and one brass friction ring. If you leave it set up for the 3" mag loads, the shell won't eject when you fire. I leave mine this way for singles and remove them manually (when I get a shell pouch, I won't have to pick the empties off the ground).
Really like my gun, paid $650 for it because it was like new.
Dan

 

[CH_Tiger_14]

Thanx Queen Bee and Canso. Very interesting stuff re: friction rings, etc., but way over my head. I'll either just have the shop owner / gunsmith assess what it takes to make it steel safe (if it isn't already), or I'll just keep using my Ithica.