Belguim Browning A-5 Questions

[SecuritySixShooter]

Alright so i have an inherited 16 ga Browning A-5...On the side of the barrel it says special steel - 16guage shells 2 3/4...the question is can i shoot modern ( ie new) 16ga ammunition through her?

Also where can i find the manual for this gun...i kinda wanna have a look.

and finally is there anyplace you all know of that shows a breakdown type manual? She needs a cleanin.

 

[adaman04]

Check here for a manual...

http://stevespages.com/page7b.htm

 

[Gordon]

As long as it is in good condition, recoil system assembled correctly ect. your 16 ga is for the modern shell length and you can shoot any 16ga factory fodder!
Congrats on the 'Sweet Sixteen'!!

 

[Rpriestlyjr]

Go ahead and shoot it. If you don't likey, then maybe we can trade for a 'Light-12"

Look on www.browning .com and they'll give you what you need to know.

Numrich arms also has info, but you may have to pay a little.

Let me know if you want to trade.

 

[popplecop]

Don't know if you have a A5 16 or a A5 Sweet Sixteen. There's no difference in the steel used to manufacture the barrels. I have a Sweet Sixteen and use it for duck hunting, but I do not shoot steel shot. I shoot both bismuth and Kent Matrix, both of these loads are safe in the Belgium made guns, if it is a Sweet Sixteen made in Japan you can shoot steel shot in it. Hope this helps. By the way Browning will send you a A5 Manual if you email them. Just remember what position the rings should be in for light or heavy loads. Don't be shooting heavy loads with the rings in the light load position. Good luck, you'll enjoy the shotgun and it is in the proper guage.

 

[Byron Quick]

I've got the Light Twelve and the Sweet Sixteen. Both Belgium. (I must be living right or something.)

 

[texagun]

Here's a Belgium-made Light 12 I purchased new in 1956. The factory installed the Poly-Choke on order. It's been a very versatile gun....good for everything from Quail to Geese.

 

[Gordon]

That round knob beauty gets a thumbs up from me!

 

[4H_trapt]

i have a 12 gauge that looks like the one and this page except for the safty which is on the trigger gaurd

if you can tell me anything about it please do

 

[Jeff Mull]

Securitysix,

As mentioned this gun will take all modern 2 3/4" 16 ga shells. However, dont shoot steel shot through it unless it was made in Japan AND has invector or invector plus screw in chokes. The fixed choke guns should not be used with steel shot unless they are cylinder bore.

4htrapt,

The safety in the leading edge of the trigger guard was used on the Auto-5 from 1907 to the middle of 1951 when they went to a cross block safety. If you would like to know the age of your gun post the serial number and I'll date it for you.

Jeff

 

[hkenvy91]

my father has a 12 ga belgian and my grandpapi has a mint 12 ga belguim ! they are both beautiful guns and i often dove hunt with my dads ! sweet shooter

 

[DAdams]

The Only

gun I ever sold was a Belgium Browning Sweet 16. Mid 70s vintage :banghead:

What a maroon. It was to a good friend though. $400 and in 95% condition. Years ago so the pain is gone, kind of.

I still have a Light 12 as solace.

 

[rcmodel]

the question is can i shoot modern ( ie new) 16ga ammunition through her?

Just read & understand the friction ring settings and make sure you have it set for the loads you intend to use.

A5's, and your shoulder, both take a beating if you shoot heavy loads with the light load setting.

rcmodel

 

[axeman_g]

Please cherish that gun and love it... or SELL IT TO ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the opposite side of the receiver from the ejection port it may say "Sweet Sixteen" on it.... if so great! If not... still great as it is a 16g A5, not the lightened version that is that Sweet version.

 

[xring44]

By far the finest recoil operated semi-auto shotgun ever produced IMO

I got my first one in the late 50s, it was a sweetie, like an idiot, I sold it, lifes been downhill since then!: