Really, really dumb A-5 question

[bowline]

I've never seen or fired any A5 but the twelve gauge and the 16. I have two questions regarding the twenty gauge - is the receiver actually smaller, or is it built on a 12 ga., and secondly, how is the recoil, comparatively speaking? I'm looking for a good auto for my wife, who is very recoil sensitive.
Dumb questions, I guess, but once you A5 afficianados stop chuckling, could you help me out?
Thanks!

 

[earlthegoat2]

The receiver is smaller. The gun was built to suit the bore size. Though in my experience the A5 has always been a soft shooter in 12 and 20 ga you cannot go wrong with a good gas operated autoloader. A5s are great guns but they are old and are gaining in collector value which you know sucks for us shooters. Add to the fact that you want a 20ga instead of a 12 and you may have just effectively priced yourself out of the practical market. For the price of an A5 20ga you can get a Beretta 390/391, or a Browning Gold/Silver in 20 ga and these guns are modern with better sales and service. Just a thought. Im still looking for that A5 20 ga too but they are just too pricey. Im going to go the Remington Model 11 or Savage 720 route here soon.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

+1 on a gas operated gun. The recoil is a lot less for those who are likely to feel it more. And if it doesn't bother you much, you can shoot more and longer.

 

[rbernie]

I just bought a Remington 11 (plain mod barrel) for $195, to make into my wife's range gun. You can still get a relatively inexpensive A5 20ga if you're willing to not have it say 'Browning' on the side.

Having said that, it's usually cheaper to buy a Rem1100 20LT than most A5s.

 

[bowline]

I'd love to find a Rem. 11 for that price - but as I am on a cruise right now Gunbroker is pretty much my only source. Downright depressing.
Newer may be better, may not. Can't go wrong if JMB designed it, though.

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

The recoil ain't bad, but compared to a gas gun, there is an awful lot of activity going on right close to your face with the A5 action.

The A5 20's (Belgian, especially) are real nice.
I bought a 95-97% one in 1997 and it killed me to drop over 400 dollars. Then it killed some grouse and we were all good.

EDIT TO ADD - the 2-3/4 receiver is smaller (lighter) than the 3", and no, the 3" and 2-3/4" barrels are NOT interchangeable.