BROWNING AUTO-5

Posted Jun 16, 2023

The Browning Auto-5 (A-5) Shotgun is one of the world’s first true semi-automatic shotguns, and is one of the most iconic and recognizable shotguns ever designed. It was first introduced in 1905 by John Moses Browning, the father of modern firearms design, and has been in production, in various incarnations, for the past 115 years. The A-5 is most commonly associated with sporting clays shooting and bird hunting, however it has also seen successful use in the fields of law enforcement, combat, and even self-defense.

The A-5 is renowned for its extreme reliability, smooth "sprint" action, and relatively low-recoil design. This combination of features makes the A-5 an ideal choice for shooters of all skill levels, making it an extremely popular shotgun for beginners and experienced shotgunners alike. The A-5 is offered in a wide variety of variants, ranging from the classic 12 gauge design to specialty models chambered for popular magnum calibers such as 3.5” and 3” shells.

The design of the A-5 follows the classic Browning “long-recoil” firearm system, with the barrel and the forend moving rearward and then forward when fired. This long-recoil system not only keeps the felt recoil to a minimum, but it also helps to reduce muzzle jump, allowing for faster, more accurate follow-up shots. The Auto-5 is also known for its quick yet smooth action, with the barrel unlocking from the breech after each shot and then returning to battery automatically. This allows the shooter to keep their eyes on the target for quicker follow-up shots and higher score in sporting clays shoots.

In terms of reliability, the A-5 is one of the best semi-automatic shotguns ever produced. It has a well-proven design that is a long standing favorite of hunters and sporting clays shooters everywhere. The long-recoil mechanism also helps the A-5 run cleaner by preventing debris from getting into the action and gumming up the works. The A-5 also features a reliable chrome-lined barrel that helps resist rust and corrosion for long-lasting performance. The A-5 has been known to shoot thousands of rounds without malfunctioning, making it one of the most reliable semi-automatic shotguns ever designed.

The A-5 is designed to be simple to operate and features a user-friendly safety mechanism along with a convenient, easy-to-use crossbolt design. The A-5 allows shooters to quickly select from three different firing modes, safe, pump, and semi-auto, all without ever having to remove their hands from the shotgun's pistol grip. The A-5 also features an easy-to-locate shell release on the trigger guard, making it simple to cycle through the action and ejecting spent shells quickly and easily. The A-5 also offers a well-designed and robust loading port on the right side of the shotgun, allowing shooters to quickly and easily reload while keeping their eyes on the target.

For those seeking more than just a basic shotgun, the Browning A-5 can be custom tailored to suit the shooter’s individual needs and preferences. There are all manner of accessories available, ranging from adjustable buttstocks to upgraded recoil pads, which can help tailor the A-5 to the shooter’s desired look and feel. The A-5 is also available with various barrel lengths and chokes, allowing users to tailor the A-5 to meet their shooting preferences and needs.

Overall, the Browning A-5 is an iconic and recognizable shotgun that has been in production for over 115 years. It is renowned for its extreme reliability, smooth action, and its low felt recoil design. Its simple yet reliable design, along with the ability to customize it to the user’s preferences make the A-5 an ideal choice for beginners as well as experienced shooters alike. For those seeking an iconic semi-automatic shotgun with solid reliability, practicality, and customizability, the Browning A-5 is a top choice worth considering.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

-Lightweight

-Smooth operation

-Large variety of gauges

-Affordable

-Very reliable and durable

Cons:

-Controls can be difficult to reach for smaller shooters

-Magazines can be expensive to replace

-Low ammunition capacity compared to other models

-Muzzle flip and recoil can be high with heavier loads

Who Should Buy

Anyone who is looking for an affordable yet dependable shotgun should consider buying a Browning Auto-5. This semi-automatic shotgun is well known for its durability and reliability, making it ideal for hunting and other outdoor activities. However, it may not be suitable for some shooters due to its recoil and heavy weight. It is also important to note that the Auto-5 is an older model and some parts are no longer made, which may be an issue for some. Therefore, it is important to research the gun thoroughly before making a purchase.

Comparisons

Feature	BROWNING AUTO-5	BENELLI M1 SUPER 90	FABARM L4S DELUXE HUNTER	REMINGTON VERSAMAX COMPETITION TACTICAL
Finish	Matte, blued or silver	Bronze Tone	Black	Black
Action	Semi-automatic	Semi-automatic	Semi-automatic	Gas-operated Semi-Automatic
Gauge	12 and 20	12	12	12
Barrel Length	28"	28"	28"	28"
Overall Length	47.5"-48"	48.5"	48"	48"
Weight	6 lbs 3 oz	6.4 lbs	7.2 lbs	8.5 lbs
Magazine Capacity	5	5	5	8

Features / Specs

-Recoil Operated

-Long Recoil Action

-Invented in 1902 by John Browning

-Gas-Operated

-Barrel Length: 18.5 to 30 Inches

-Overall Length: 43.25 Inches

-Weight: 7.5 lbs

-Double-bead Sight

-2-9 Round Capacity

-Black Composite Stock and Forearm

-Oil-finish Walnut

-Matte Blued Finish

-Crossbolt Safety

Popular Accessories

SHOTGUN?

Aftermarket Barrels

Stock and Forearm Sets

Magazine Extensions

Choke Tubes

Recoil Pads

Iron Sights

Magazine Followers

Bolt Release Switches

Cheek Pieces

Conventional Operation Parts and Accessories

Accuracy

The Browning Auto-5 is considered one of the most accurate semi-automatic shotguns ever made. It has a sweet shooting and smooth cycling action that can be depended on to fire virtually any load available. The high-end shotguns are extremely accurate. Thanks to its long and heavy barrel, the Auto-5 has proven itself to be a very accurate gun that is capable of taking down any game at any range with success. Its typical accuracy rating is slightly more than 4" at 35 yards, putting it in the same rank as many premium over/under shotguns.