Browning A-5 barrels

[Durby]

I recently was given most of an A5, probably 40s or 50s manufacture, 12 gauge. So it should be a 2-3/4 inch gun. The gun is missing the barrel, so my question is, if I buy a barrel that went to a 3 inch gun, but only shoot 2-3/4 inch shells, will the barrel fit the gun? I know it works with guns like 870s, so I thought it would be worth asking.

 

[kentucky_smith]

It won't work with the A5.

 

[saltydog452]

Try a Remington M11 barrel.

Post wartime Brownings were made by Remington and are a 'kinda/sorta' Remington M11.

Get a smooth bore 'smith involved before you shoot.


salty

edit:

Don't know about 3" barrels, but a recent A-5 mfgrd 2 3/4 slug barrel will not fit on the 'wartime' Browning.

 

[rcmodel]

A 3" A-5 barrel will not work on a 2 3/4" receiver.

Not even close.

Heres one that might work.
http://www.barrelexchange.com/seller_detail.cfm?recordID=BR-15

You'd need to inspect your bolt and determine if it uses the single or double style ejector.

rcmodel

 

[Vibe]

I've got an "extra" 2-3/4" A-5 (Light 12) barrel. But I think it is of a bit later manufacture, 60's 70's probably.

 

[Durby]

Thanks for the responses. I just looked, and there are 2 cuts on the side of the bolt for the ejector. Will a "light 12" barrel work for this gun? mine does not say light 12 on it anywhere. It says "Fabrique Nationale D'armes de Guerre Herstal Belgique" and "Brownings Patent DEPCSE" on the side, serial number is 1329XX under the receiver, which I think makes it pre 1939 according to Browning's website, http://www.browning.com/services/dategun/detail.asp?id=13 Its too bad the gun is so trashed, apparently the previous owner fell in the mud, clogged the barrel, the gun went off and the barrel bulged or blew up, so he tossed it. The stock is cracked in several places, with screws holding it all together. It was sitting in an old refrigerator for the last 40 years I think, don't ask me why though.

 

[tbotts]

Hello Durby;
Your A5 receiver was made between Dec 1927 and Jun 1928. Yes, an A5 light 12 barrel, with a 2 3/4" chamber will work with your receiver. A 3''
chambered barrel will not.
Also, the Remington made barrels will not work either. The ejectors are different between the Browning and Remington barrels.

 

[Durby]

Thank you guys for all the help. Now it just looks like I'll have to pull out the wallet to get this old gun running again! (and I will have a smoothbore smith check it out before I shoot it)

 

[Virginian]

Are you sure all you are missing is the barrel? Go to
http://www.e-gunparts.com/productschem.asp?chrMasterModel=0630zAUTO 5
and check out their schematic and parts and prices. I don't think you need a 'smith, just someone trustworthy who knows A5s. If they see an issue, then find a 'smith.

 

[Vibe]

Listen to Virginian. Though it's not an extremely complicated shotgun there are some small but important parts on that end of it. If the magazine tube was not damaged you should be good with a new barrel. The forearm wood is fragile though.