Steel shot in Browning Auto 5's? (Circa 1946/47)

[bowfin47]

I have two Browning A-5's, a 20 and a 12 gauge. While in very good shape, both are "shooters" and came with Poly Chokes (Yes, Poly Chokes are ugly - but I like them).

According to the serial numbers both of these guns were manufactured post WWII in about 1946/1947, and therefore, they were both were actually made by Remington for Browning.

After firing 8 to 10 boxes of steel through each, I’ve learned that I’m not supposed to shoot steel shot through older A-5's, as the barrels will bulge near the muzzle. However, as that has not happened to either, my questions are:

“Was I saved by my Poly Chokes?”

“Can I just set the Poly Chokes at ‘Modified’ and continue to shoot steel from these guns?”

Or

“Am I just a damn lucky S.O. B., who should thank his lucky stars and go purchase a couple of 870’s to use to knock down ducks?”

An inquiring mind wants to know…

 

[cat9x]

keep shooting steel and that'll be a good way to ruin your A5's

 

[PA4476]

You can't be that lucky.

Keep the poly chokes no tighter than mod or a little less and you will be fine.

After shooting a lot of steel shot through a lot of different guns that the "keyboard experts" say you can't shoot steel through, I have found that you just don't want to go any tighter than mod. I would put it on mod and then back off just a little bit. Enjoy the old Browning shooters, there are so few of them nowadays. I quail hunt with a Light twenty that my grand dad bought in 59, and everyone always says "I wouldn't have that out in the field"

So whats the point of having it if you are just going to let it sit in the safe.

Keep shooting steel and keep shooting those old A5's.

 

[mnrivrat]

“Was I saved by my Poly Chokes?”

Yes --- they won't let me just type "yes" so to make the min quota - Yes

 

[cochise9424221]

Polychokes if set to an open choke are steel shot safe.
Your original chokes would most likely not have been.
Older steel shot was also an issue for scoreing the barrels but the wads are better now.

 

[PA4476]

cochise9424221 is correct. The wads on modern steel shot loads are very very thick. The chances of the shot ever touching your barrel is very slim. Click below to see a good pic of a steel shot shell taken apart.

http://socialshootingclub.org/blog/uploads/20071229-BlalockLakes/SteelTargetLoad.jpg

 

[cochise9424221]

even with the better thiker wads, steel is not good in older tighter chocked barrels, it will bulge the chokes, in a double it will seperate the ribs.

 

[JohnBT]

I know folks who have been lucky for years and a few who ruined guns shooting steel.

Browning FAQ:

Q: Can I shoot steel shot in my Browning shotgun?

A: All current Browning shotguns with the Invector or Invector-Plus choke tube system are fully steel shot compatible with current factory loads. However, there are limitations to the compatibility of many older Browning shotguns with conventionally choked barrels. In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a slight "ringe bulge" just inches behind the muzzle. The damage to your gun is purely cosmetic, but the "bulge" can be a factor in resale, especially with collector-grade shotguns.


Accordingly, our recommendations concerning the use of steel shot in Browning shotguns is as follows:


1. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS: All Browning shotguns with the Invector choke or Invector-Plus tube systems, However, we do not recommend the use of Invector full or extra full chokes with steel shot. They pattern too tightly, and sometimes result in a "blown" pattern.

2. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS EXCEPT THOSE WITH T, F, BB AND BBB SIZE SHOT: The B-2000 and B-80 shotguns with conventional chokes (Non-Invector)

3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS: The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2. Note: Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.


DAMAGE: In not all, but a number of instances a very slight ring will develop about 1 1/2" to 3" rearward of the muzzle. This ring is about .005 of an inch above the plane of the barrel, completely encircling the barrel. From our tests we could determine no adverse effect on pattern or shot velocity because of this ring. Our conclusion is that the most significant objection, the slight ring, is entirely cosmetic. This "ring" effect does not affect the function or safety of the firearm.


YEAR OF PRODUCTION: Nearly all Browning firearms manufactured after 1975 have two letters in the serial number. The two letters indicate the year of manufacture: M=0, Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9.


FUTURE: Obviously, we have no control over the ammunition companies and the loads they will produce in the future. So, if in doubt, please check with us or the ammunition company before using new loads in your shotgun.

 

[rcmodel]

Since all the choke was cut off or reamed out when the PolyChokes were installed, there is nothing left to damage.

Shoot all the steel you want.
You can't hurt a choke that isn't there anymore.

rc

 

[bowfin47]

Gunna' keep shooting my A-5's

As rc stated "Since all the choke was cut off or reamed out when the PolyChokes were installed, there is nothing left to damage... You can't hurt a choke that isn't there anymore."

I think that I'll keep my Poly Chokes set on "Mod" and keep shootin' my A-5's. After all the ducks were dropping pretty regularly at that setting...

Thanks to veryone for the clarification of my situation.

Bowfin47