BROWNING A5 LIGHT TWELVE
Posted Jun 15, 2023
The Browning A5 Light Twelve is an iconic shotgun designed for upland bird hunting. It’s a classic design that has been a mainstay of hunters for generations. With its streamlined handling, legendary reliability, and smooth shooting performance, the A5 Light Twelve is a winner in any shotgunner’s arsenal.
The Browning A5 Light Twelve is a semi automatic shotgun, designed specifically for bird hunting. It features a lightweight, ergonomic design that provides a comfortable shooting position and quick target acquisition. The gun’s barrel length is a relatively short 28 inches, which helps to improve maneuverability in thick brush,while the slimmer profile provides an improved balance and handling.
The gun’s receiver is made of aluminum alloy, providing extra light weight and corrosion resistance. It is also drilled and tapped so it can be easily fitted with a scope or other sighting system. The A5 Light Twelve is powered by a gas operated system, which helps to reduce felt recoil and ensure reliable function in a wide range of conditions. The shotgun’s action is incredibly smooth and crisp, making it a joy to shoot.
The “light twelve” in the name of this gun refers to the light gauge size, which uses 12 gauge shells. The A5 Light Twelve is capable of firing 3-inch shells, giving it the flexibility to take on nearly any waterfowl hunting task.
The gun’s best asset is its handling. It is incredibly light, and the ergonomic design makes it very comfortable to shoot. The balance of the gun is excellent, making it easier to swing the barrel and maintain a steady sight picture. The controls are easy to access, and the action is very smooth. The gas operation is highly reliable, and the hammerless design makes for faster follow-up shots.
The trigger of the Browning A5 Light Twelve is also excellent. The trigger pull is light and crisp, and it is well-suited for shooting with precision. This is especially helpful for bird hunters, who often need to make split-second decisions and take quick shots.
The A5 Light Twelve is available in a wide variety of finishes and stock options. The classic oil-finished walnut stocks are the traditional choice, while synthetic stocks are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and low maintenance. The A5 Light Twelve is also available with camo finishes for hunters who prefer to blend into their environment.
The Browning A5 Light Twelve is an excellent choice for upland bird hunting, with its light weight, ergonomic design, and outstanding performance. Its classic style and reliable performance make it the perfect shotgun for duck hunting, grouse hunting, turkey hunting, and more. With its easy handling and excellent trigger, it’s perfect for beginners or experienced bird hunters alike. If you’re looking for a quality shotgun at a reasonable price, the Browning A5 Light Twelve should be at the top of your list.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Highly reliable and sought after shotgun
-Large range of chokes, barrel lengths, and gauges
-Classic design with high-quality wood and steel components
-Historic firearms used for long range hunting
Cons:
-Expensive for a used gun
-Heavy barrel weight
-Lower quality than it's A5 Heavy Twelve counterpart
-Potentially unreliable with ammunition not specifically made for this gun
Who Should Buy
The Browning A5 Light Twelve is a reliable and well-crafted shotgun primarily designed for waterfowl hunting. As such, it is best suited for experienced hunters and recreational shooters who are comfortable and experienced with shotguns and intend to use the weapon for this purpose. People looking for a home defense gun, a target shooting gun, or a varmint gun should not use the Browning A5 Light Twelve, given its size and gauge.
Comparisons
| Feature | BROWNING A5 LIGHT TWELVE | BENELLI M1 SUPER 90 | FABARM L4S DELUXE HUNTER | REMINGTON VERSAMAX COMPETITION TACTICAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Action | SemiAutomatic | SemiAutomatic | SemiAutomatic | SemiAutomatic |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Adjustable Stock | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Feeding | Tubular | Tubular | Tubular | Tube |
| Magazine Capacity | 5+1 | 4+1 | 4+1 | 9+1 |
Features / Specs
• Gauge: 12
• Barrel Length: 28"
• Overall Length: 48"
• Weight:6.5 lbs
• Stock: Walnut
• Chokes: Full, Improved Mod, Modified
• Finish: Matte Blued
• Rear Sight: Single Bead
• Rib Design: Vented Rib
• Chamber: 2 3/4"
• Action: Semi-Auto
• Trigger: Single selective
Popular Accessories
- Recoil Pads
- Barrel Extensions
- Magazine Extensions
- Flashlight Mounts
- Picatinny Rails
- Sights and Optics
- Stock Spacers
- Shell Catchers
- Laser Sights
- SpeedLoaders
Accuracy
The Browning A5 Light Twelve is an outstanding shotgun for hunting and sporting purposes alike. It is noted for its accuracy and reliability, with some users reporting the gun to be more accurate than factory rifles. On average, with a simple polish job, the gun can easily shoot 2-3 inch groups at 50 yards. The A5 Light Twelve is a favorite of many, and its accuracy makes it an ideal choice for any shooting enthusiast.
