Browning 20 gauge magnum shotgun

rchall · Mar 4, 2023

Just bought a real nice Browning 20 A-5 magnum. Just curious to see if anyone uses the light 20 spring and friction piece when shooting the
light 20 gauge field loads?? Or, would it be better to just use the magnum spring and remove the top 3 rings as recommended by the factory?? Don’t want to screw up anything on the gun, but just wondering if this could be done?? Or, maybe just shoot it and see what works or doesn’t work?? Thanks for any advice!

Oscar Zulu · Mar 4, 2023

I just take out the top three rings. Worked fine for 7/8oz target and field loads. I think it would be fine for standard target loads.
Nice shotgun, I've hunted with one since 78 or so.
There is a digram on the web out there,

OZ

rchall · Mar 4, 2023

Thanks! I will probably do that to see how it runs. First 20 mag. I ever owned. Had a 12 mag. once, but was similar to carrying a boat anchor so I sent it down the highway. Really like the look and feel of this 20. Seems like they keep going up in price too. This one had been in storage for a long time and had original cosmoline inside. Cleaned and oiled, really a well-built piece.

M29since14 · Mar 4, 2023

Dang! That is one shotgun I really wanted way back when, and of course never had the money to buy one. Sounds like you found a really prissy one. Congrats on the new A5.

rchall · Mar 5, 2023

Thanks! I’m like you, never had the funds till recently after I sold a few that were expendable. This one came out of an estate and had been put away for years so I jumped on it when I felt the price was right. No buyers remorse on this one, they are getting tough to locate.

Nevada Ed · Mar 5, 2023

Just make sure you use enough springs or rings to keep the "Magnum" loads from splitting the wood forearm, where it hits the receiver.

Enjoy that old hump back.

chief38 · Mar 6, 2023

I own a Browning A5 lightening in 12 gauge. I always keep the friction ring setting on full load configuration. I find that it functions 99.5% of the time, the recoil to my shoulder is reduced and there is less wear and tear on the gun. There are certain shells that do require the light setting as they are a bit less powerful but for the most part, the A5 functions well with the full power set up.

So..... what I'd say to try is use the heaviest setting you can while still getting reliable functioning. Certainly easy enough to try. Using a heavier setting with light loads can only help as long as they are reliable. lighten up the least amount to assure reliable functioning.

NOTE: when I do use the heavy full load setting while shooting light skeet and trap loads, the action does slow down a little but not enough to hinder me from quick follow up shots if needed. Basically, the gun functions faster than I do - even on the heavier setting.

Oscar Zulu · Mar 6, 2023

Chief;
the three inch Browning A-5, both 20 and 12 have five friction rings, two bronze with a gap and three steel with a bevel on one side. To shoot 2 3/4 shells the top three rings (two steel and one bronze) are removed. The remaining bronze and steel rings are different from the reversible friction rings used in a standard A-5. While I agree with your assessment of using the heaviest setting that will function in a standard A-5,I would not recommend using any combination other than factory recommended settings in shooting either magnum or standard loads in the magnum model.
oz

Browning 20 gauge magnum shotgun

rchall

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Oscar Zulu

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rchall

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M29since14

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rchall

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Nevada Ed

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chief38

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