Browning A-5 12 Gauge JM

[MemHeli]

Hi all, I picked up a Browning A5, and am finally getting time to shoot it.  I recall reading somewhere that you should not shoot steel shot out of these older A5's.  Not being very experienced with shotguns, I'm here to ask the experts.

Here's what I've found on the internet.  Would like comments.  I bought 100 rounds of #6 from Walmart, but have not shot any thru this gun yet...thinking I will use them elsewhere now if this is really an issue.

“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.”

I cannot speak for other individuals, but I know I have no interest in buying or shooting a shotgun with a ringed barrel, cosmetic or not. Steel and fine shotguns do not mix well; steel and vintage shotguns do not mix at all, as far as I’m concerned.

With the intermittent, unreliable availability of bismuth, there are only two viable choices for those seeking to protect vintage barrels while using no-tox shot today. They are Kent Tungsten-Matrix shotshells and the recently introduced Hevi-Shot “Classic Doubles” loads. Of the two, the Kent loads are closer to lead in density, 10.8 g/cc (lead considered 11.0 g/cc, showing as 11.35 g/cc on the periodic table). Both shotshell types are reviewed elsewhere, with the Kent shells being the current best of breed.

This is not meant to dissuade you from steel shotshells in modern screw-choked shotguns specifically designed for their use. Hopefully, it should give you a little food for thought before stuffing steel shotshells into an older, fixed choke shotgun that you want to keep in top condition.

[Smokin45]

42 minutes ago, MemHeli said:

Hi all, I picked up a Browning A5, and am finally getting time to shoot it.  I recall reading somewhere that you should not shoot steel shot out of these older A5's.  Not being very experienced with shotguns, I'm here to ask the experts.

Here's what I've found on the internet.  Would like comments.  I bought 100 rounds of #6 from Walmart, but have not shot any thru this gun yet...thinking I will use them elsewhere now if this is really an issue.

“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.”

 

I cannot speak for other individuals, but I know I have no interest in buying or shooting a shotgun with a ringed barrel, cosmetic or not. Steel and fine shotguns do not mix well; steel and vintage shotguns do not mix at all, as far as I’m concerned.

 

With the intermittent, unreliable availability of bismuth, there are only two viable choices for those seeking to protect vintage barrels while using no-tox shot today. They are Kent Tungsten-Matrix shotshells and the recently introduced Hevi-Shot “Classic Doubles” loads. Of the two, the Kent loads are closer to lead in density, 10.8 g/cc (lead considered 11.0 g/cc, showing as 11.35 g/cc on the periodic table). Both shotshell types are reviewed elsewhere, with the Kent shells being the current best of breed.

 

This is not meant to dissuade you from steel shotshells in modern screw-choked shotguns specifically designed for their use. Hopefully, it should give you a little food for thought before stuffing steel shotshells into an older, fixed choke shotgun that you want to keep in top condition.

Mem. Does the barrel have screw in chokes or fixed. If screw in make sure that they can handle steel shot. If fixed I have been with guys who shot steel through cylinder fixed chokes. I don't recommend it. Smokin45

 

[chances R]

I think your research sums it up....to ring or not to ring is the question.  

[MemHeli]

The choke is fixed.  I wish it wasn't...it's still a beautiful gun.

 

So it's confirmed...This brings to mind another question.  If I can't shoot steel shot, I guess there's a ready supply of lead for target and hunting?  I want to shoot bird and clay with this gun.  Going to look at alternatives on the Google now.  

 

[chances R]

If your intentions are to shoot clays.....I would recommend another semi-auto.  An A5 will beat on you pretty good.  If you want the gun for simply small game then possibly a different story.  Also better choices for waterfowl.  The 'new' A5 can swing both ways for you.  For clays, one of the gas operated autos would be a better choice, and again with the right choice you can hunt waterfowl as well.  Unless due to range restrictions there is no good reason to shoot steel loads for clays.