New (to me, at least) Browning Auto-5

[ZenMasterJG]

Hey all! I just thought i'd seek your advice, as you guys haven't led me wrong yet (well, maybe cuz of you i have the gun bug a TAD bit worse, but thats right! )

Today a friend of mine gave me one of his old Browning Auto-5s. I know practically nothing about this shotgun. Its marked as a "Magnum 12"
Anything to watch out for, common things that go wrong with older A5s? I've looked it over best i know how, but i only have very limited expiriance with pumps, auto shotguns are totally new to me. It seems like a great, fun gun, and i cant wait to get to the range soon and try it out!

Also, the foregrip is pretty well dinged up, so putting some new furniture on it might be a project soon. anyone have any favorite manufacturers? Its probably gonna be wanting a new stock too, but the stock is in better shape then the foregrip.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Chawbaccer]

Congrats on having such a good friend.
I have a Rem 11, same gun. You will want to familiarize yourself with the placement of the friction rings under the fore end. It depends on the load as to where they go for best reliability of the action.
Gun Parts Co will probably have the wood, but it most likely will be uncheckered.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Everyone should have such a friend. A couple things......

It's a very good idea to have a smith check out any old gun.

Gunsmith friend replaced all the springs in a Model 11 I inherited. He called it "The 10,000 round rebuild". He also checked the friction rings and replaced one part he said showed wear. 20 years later a cousin has it, says it has run glitchless in the interim.

The Magnum A-5 may not cycle well with light loads. Some do.

Wenig's carries new wood. It's pricey, but quality is second to none. You may want to get it fitted. The A-5 is no lightweight, but mag loads point out deficiencies in fit and form fast.

Enjoy....

 

[Blue Line]

I have the A-5 light 12. Those friction rings can be changed for different loads, I emailed Browning and got an owners mannual to make sure I did it the right way.
Check to see if yours was made in Belgium or Japan. The Belgium ones are more valuable so I got a Jap barrel to install briley chokes in.

I love mine it has Classic lines and looks plus its a great shooter.

 

[ZenMasterJG]

Yeah, its made in japan. I'll probably take it over to the neighborhood smith early next week. Thanks for the replies, guys! I can't wait to go break some clays