Browning A5

About the Browning A5

The Browning A5 is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun reintroduced by the Browning Arms Company in 2012 as a modern successor to the legendary Browning Auto-5, which was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun when it debuted in 1902. The modern A5 retains the iconic humpback receiver profile of its predecessor but is an entirely new design featuring the Kinematic Drive system -- a short-recoil operated action that harnesses kinetic energy to cycle the bolt. Unlike the original Auto-5's long recoil operation, the Kinematic Drive uses a short-recoil principle more similar to inertia-driven systems, resulting in faster lock time and reliable cycling with a wide range of ammunition from light 1-ounce field loads to heavy magnum turkey and waterfowl loads without adjustment. The A5 features an aluminum alloy receiver, chrome-plated chamber and bore, back-bored Vector Pro barrel with Invector-DS choke tubes, and Browning's Speed Load Plus feeding system. Available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge with 3-inch or 3.5-inch chambers depending on the model, the A5 is primarily a sporting and hunting shotgun. It was the first autoloading shotgun to carry a 100,000-round or five-year reliability guarantee.

The modern A5 pays homage to John Browning's original Auto-5, the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun when it debuted in 1902. The iconic 'humpback' receiver profile is preserved, but the Kinematic Drive system is an entirely new design. It was the first autoloading shotgun to carry a 100,000-round or five-year reliability guarantee.

Browning A5 specifications

The modern Browning A5 (2012) should not be confused with the original Browning Auto-5 (1902-1998), which used a long-recoil operating system designed by John Moses Browning. The original Auto-5 was manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Belgium from 1902 and later by Miroku in Japan from 1975 until 1998. The modern A5 is manufactured by Miroku in Japan. The Kinematic Drive system is distinct from Benelli's inertia-driven system, though both operate on similar short-recoil principles. The back-bored barrel (0.742 inches vs. nominal 0.729 inches) reduces friction and improves pattern consistency. The Invector-DS (Double Seal) choke tubes feature a longer taper and bronze seals to eliminate gas blow-by and fouling at the choke-barrel junction. The Speed Load Plus system allows quick loading of a single shell directly into the chamber by dropping it onto the carrier and pressing the bolt release. The Sweet Sixteen variant revives the beloved 16-gauge configuration from the original Auto-5 line.