BROWNING A5 WICKED WING
Posted May 19, 2023
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is the most versatile and advanced shotgun currently available on the market. Boasting an innovative and revolutionary design, this shotgun has quickly become the go-to choice for avid waterfowl hunters and competition shooters alike. Here, we’ll review this shotgun in great detail, examining its construction, performance capabilities, features, available options, and overall impressions.
Design & Construction
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is a semi-automatic, gas-operated shotgun. It’s built on the same long-recoil, locked-breech action as the original John Browning-designed A5 from in the early 1900s. As with its predecessor, the Wicked Wing features a multi-lug rotating bolt for a tight, consistent lock-up.
The A5 Wicked Wing’s receiver is constructed of lightweight aluminum alloy and is drilled and tapped to accept optics. The barrel is made of high-grade steel and is back-bored (.735”) to reduce recoil and tightens patterns. This top-notch look is further complemented by a rust-resistant blued finish and a nicely finished walnut stock that provides ample grip and adds weight for improved balance. The Synthetic Butt Plate offers comfortable recoil reduction without impacting overall weight.
Performance
In terms of overall performance, the Browning A5 Wicked Wing excels in a variety of areas. Its three-inch chamber size allows it to fire both standard and magnum load shells, giving it the versatility to handle a wide range of hunting and shooting tasks. The back-bored barrel delivers tight patterns and is designed to reduce recoil, making the Wicked Wing ideal for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, its multi-lug rotating bolt locks up securely to ensure reliable performance and reduce the possibility of jamming.
For fast follow-up shots, the Wicked Wing’s semi-automatic action is powered by a gas-operated self-regulating operating system. This system eliminates the need to manually regulate the gas port, allowing the shotgun to cycle shells of varying power factors. The dual-action bars are designed to be strong, smooth, and reliable, ensuring smooth feeding and ejection of shells.
Features & Add-Ons
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing comes standard with a variety of features designed to enhance its performance. Its 28” vent rib barrel is ported and fitted with a Hi-Viz Pro-Comp sight for easy target acquisition. The barrel is also fitted with a vented fiber-optic front sight that is both lightweight and durable. The shotgun also comes with an extended magazine tube for greater capacity and faster follow-up shots.
In addition, the A5 Wicked Wing features a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver allowing it to stay light and agile while retaining its structural integrity. The trigger pull is set to 4-pounds, making it light and crisp right out of the box. The magazine release is situated at the front of the trigger guard, allowing for fast and easy loading and unloading.
For further customization, there are a variety of add-on options available. These include extended or extra-long magazine tubes, extended chokes, additional recoil pads, and various stock and forend options. There are also aftermarket products available such as shotgun shell carriers and bi-pod stands.
Overall Impressions
For hunters and competition shooters looking for a reliable, high-performance shotgun, the Browning A5 Wicked Wing should certainly be on their short list. With its lightweight construction, gas-operated system, and multi-lug rotating bolt, the Wicked Wing offers reliable performance for any situation. Its high-grade steel barrel ensures tight and consistent patterns, and its extended magazine tube allows for increased capacity. This shotgun is also versatile, with the ability to shoot both standard and magnum load shells, allowing for greater flexibility when taking on different tasks. Additionally, with the various customization options available, the Wicked Wing can be tailored to fit any shooter’s needs.
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is an impressive shotgun that combines classic design with modern performance. With its lightweight construction, gas-operated system, and multi-lug rotating bolt, the Wicked Wing is a reliable, high-performance shotgun that is the perfect choice for avid waterfowl hunters and competitive shooters. With its reliable performance, high-grade materials, and customizable features, the A5 Wicked Wing is an exceptional shotgun that is sure to deliver the results you’re after.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing shotguns have fast rates of fire and good accuracy when used with the appropriate quality ammunition.
- The Browning A5 is a semi-automatic shotgun, making it a good choice for those that prefer lighter recoiling shotguns.
- The shotgun can be upgraded with components to customize its performance and features.
Cons:
- The Browning A5 needs manual maintenance and occasionally has mechanical issues.
- The recoil of the shotgun is considered by some to be higher than average.
- While accurate, the shotgun is more expensive than some alternative semi-automatic shotguns.
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a reliable waterfowl hunting shotgun should buy the Browning A5 Wicked Wing. It is an excellent choice for hunters who want premium performance and improved features that offer increased accuracy and reliability.
People who are looking for a shotgun for clay pigeon shooting should not buy the Browning A5 Wicked Wing. The A5 is designed for hunting and not as suitable for sporting clay shooting.
Comparisons
| Specification | Browning A5 Wicked Wing | Other Similar Product 1 | Other Similar Product 2 | Other Similar Product 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 12, 20 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Barrel Length | 28 in. | 28 in. | 28 in. | 30 in. |
| Chamber Length | 3 in. | 3 in. | 3 in. | 3.5 in. |
| Magazine Capacity | 4+1 | 4+1 | 5+1 | 5+1 |
| Weight (lb.) | 8.5 | 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Overall Length | 49 in. | 49 in. | 48.5 in. | 46.5 in. |
| Receiver Finish | Mossy Oak Blades | Realtree Max-5 | Realtree Max-5 | Mossy Oak Duckblind |
| Chamber Finish | Chrome plated/steel | Chrome plated/steel | Chrome plated/steel | Black chrome/steel |
| Wood Finish | Grade II/III walnut | Grade IV/V walnut | Grade III/IV walnut | Grade III/IV walnut |
| Sight | Fiber optic front | Fiber optic front | Fiber optic front | Brass bead front |
| Choke Configuration | Invector-DS | Invector-DS | Invector-DS | Invector-DS + Turkey |
Features / Specs
• Weight: 7 lbs 12 oz
• Barrel Length: 28"
• Stock: AA-Graded Satin Walnut
• Finish: Cerakote Burnt Bronze
• Action: Long-Recoil Semi-Automatic
• Choke: Invector-DS Flush
• Chamber: 3.5"
• Chamber: 10+1 Capacity
• Overall Length: 49.5"
• Sight: HiViz Pro-Comp Sight
• Trigger: Lightened Speed Pull
Popular Accessories
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- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Cortex Drawlock Forearm
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Recoil Pad
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing HiViz Front Sight
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Long Barrel
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Stock Kit
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Extended Choke Tube Set
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Circular Comb
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Swivel Studs
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Sling
- Browning A5 Wicked Wing Barrel Lock
Accuracy
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is an iconic semi-automatic shotgun that boasts legendary accuracy. Its modern recoil operated system is engineered to deliver smooth, fast cycling and precise shot placement. With a full choke constriction, the A5 Wicked Wing is capable of driving hard hitting 2 ¾” and 3” shells to accurate distances. In addition, the reliable inertia-driven system minimizes felt recoil and maximizes performance. All in all, the A5 is a dependable and precise shotgun with excellent long-range accuracy and solid performance at close range.
