Browning Double Automatic

[pfm41]

I just got a very nice steel receiver Browning Double Auto with a 30 inch full choke barrel and recessed rib. I haven't shot it yet but it begs to play some long range clay bird games. My question about barrel compatibility. Once in a while one pops up on an auction site so I would like to add a shorter barrel with a more open choke. Are they completely interchangeable, interchangeable within the same receiver type (steel, Twelvette, Twentyweight), or do they have to be factory fitted? Mine is a pre-1958 version if that makes any difference.

 

[SwampWolf]

I've hunted with a Browning Double-Auto since I bought one new in 1961 and I have a friend who is an ardent collector of them (he has over twenty of them in like new condition). I gave him a call; posed your question to him and what he had to say is this: Generally speaking, most DA barrels will interchange on most receivers without fitting. On occasion you might get one that needs very little work with a file to get it to fit properly. Finally, fitting a standard barrel to a Twentyweight will probably require removing a little bit of wood.
I wish I could be a little more definitive but the situation is what it is. On the positive side, any barrel will fit any action, but a few might require a little metal removal-but most likely not. Hope this is of some help to you.

 

[pfm41]

That's what I was hoping to hear. Thanks for the info