Blew out magazine cap on shotgun???

[xmanpike]

So I was recently hunting with my old Browning Auto-5 12 gauge. It functioned flawlessly. I was using 2 3/4 in dove loads. It was only when I got done and went to wipe it down did I notice the top circle of the magazine cap had ripped out halfway. The cap was still securely screwed on.

Any idea what caused this to happen? I ordered a new one already. The gun is very old and there was rust damage at one point but I still feel this shouldn't have happened. Thanks

MC

 

[Chawbaccer]

They can take quite a beating. Make sure the springs are installed correctly and that the mag cap is tight. My Remington Sportsman which is the same design as the A5 but has a bolt instead of a cap, stripped out on me while shooting.

 

[xmanpike]

The springs and friction rings were definitely all on correctly and functioning well. Just wondering if the metal was old, or something else might be broken.

 

[rcmodel]

the top circle of the magazine cap had ripped out halfway.

Hard to understand what part you are talking about exactly.

If you mean the front part near the end, recoil bouncing shells against the spring, and in turn the inside of the cap is all that could break it.

If it's near the rear flange next to the wood, then the barrel slamming foreward too hard broke it.

You might need to replace the bronze friction ring to slow it down.
Also, don't over-oil the mag tube as that reduces friction further.

rc

 

[xmanpike]

It was the first one RC. I wiped all oil off the magazine tube, and replaced friction ring less than a year ago. I was using pretty heavy loaded dove shells, might have to check and see if it will cycle with friction ring set up for heavier loads