Page 1
Page 2
We are pleased that you have chosen a Browning A-500G shotgun.
It is certainly a gun you can be proud to own. It represents the state-of-the-art in modern
gun design and manufacturing. The processes of design, testing and manufacturing were all
assisted by advanced computer systems. The result is superior dependability, greater easeof-operation, smoother handling and more reliable overall function. With a reasonable
amount of care, your A-500G shotgun should give you many years of dependable, enjoyable
service. Please feel free to write us immediately if you have any observations regarding its
performance and operation.
Thank You.
Route One Morgan, Utah 84050
Distributed in Canada by Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee, St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1 W6
Printed in Portugal
Browning A-5OOG
Gas Operated
Semi-Automatic
Shotgun
Page 3
NEW GUN OWNERS RECORD
KEEP THIS RECORD FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Browning Model
Serial Number
Gauge / Caliber
Purchase Price
Purchased From
Date of Purchase
Page 4
You Are Responsible for
Firearms Safety
As a gun owner, you accept a set of
demanding responsibilities. How seriously
you take these responsibilities can be the
difference between life and death.
There is no excuse for careless or abusive
handling of any firearm. At all times handle
your shotgun and any other firearm with
intense respect for its power and potential
danger.
PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND
ALL OF THE CAUTIONS, PROPER
HANDLING PROCEDURES AND IN
STRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS
BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR
NEW FIREARM.
-
1.
ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR
SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION,
even though you are certain the shotgun
is unloaded. Never point any firearm at
anything you do not intend to shoot. Be
extremely alert and aware of all persons
and property within the range of your
ammunition.
2. NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR
SHOTGUN’S MECHANICAL “SAFETY”
DEVICE.
The word “safety” describes a gun’s
trigger block mechanism, sear block
mechanism, hammer block mechanism
or firing pin block mechanism. These
mechanical devices are designed to place
your gun in a Safer status. No guarantee
can be made that the gun will not fire
even if the “safety” is in the “on safe”
position. The A
-
500G has a cross bolt
2
Page 5
“safety” which blocks the gun’s trigger.
See “Operation of the Safety” on page 14
for instructions on operation of this gun’s
safety.
LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE, A
“SAFETY” CAN SOMETIMES FAIL; IT
CAN BE JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY
MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE
CONDITION.
Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun
handling and are no excuse for pointing
your shotgun’s muzzle in an unsafe
direction.
While it is a good idea to “test” your
shotgun’s mechanical “safeties” periodi-
cally for proper function,
NEVER TEST THE “SAFETY” WHILE
YOUR SHOTGUN IS LOADED OR
POINTED IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION.
Safe gun handling does not stop with
your gun’s mechanical “safety” devices
— it starts there. Always treat this
shotgun with the respect due a loaded,
ready-to-fire firearm.
3. WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM,
OR HAND lT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS
OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY,
VISUALLY CHECK YOUR SHOTGUN’S
CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND
MAGAZINE.
Make certain that they do not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always
keep the chamber empty and the “safety”
in the “on safe” position unless shooting
is imminent.
4. DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR SHOTGUN
LOADED, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD,
GUN CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER.
5. HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREE STANDS IS
DANGEROUS,
and may increase the risk of handling a
firearm. The following rules should
3
Page 6
always be observed by you and those
you hunt with: Always make certain that
the stand being used is safe and stable.
Always make certain that your firearm is
unloaded when it is being taken up and
down from the stand. Always make
certain that your firearm is not dropped
from the stand, or dropped while it is
being taken up or down from the stand.
Remember, a loaded firearm may
discharge when dropped, even with the
safety in the “on safe” position.
6. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS,
for the safety of both your gun and
yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite
variety of other objects may inadvertently
lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one
small obstruction to cause dangerously
increased pressures that can ruin (swell
or rupture) the finest shotgun barrels.
4
BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL
OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN NO LIVE
ROUND IS IN THE CHAMBER AND
THAT THE MAGAZINE AND FEED
MECHANISMS ARE COMPLETELY
EMPTY. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE
“ON SAFE” POSITION
See page 23 for instructions on unloading). After assuring yourself that the
shotgun is completely empty, again,
open the breechblock, locking it to the
rear, and look through the barrel to be
sure it is clear of any obstruction. If an
obstruction is seen, no matter how small
it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning
rod and patch as described in “Cleaning
and Maintenance Suggestions” on page
44. Before the first firing, clean the bore
with a cleaning rod and patch, and wipe
away any anti-rust compounds in the
action/ chamber areas.
Page 7
7. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN
WHEN NOT lN USE. REFER TO PAGE
20 OF THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
EXPLAINING THE UNLOADING OF
YOUR SHOTGUN.
As a safety precaution, it is preferable to
disassemble your gun for storage. Store
your gun and ammunition separately —
well beyond the reach of children. Take
all safeguards to ensure your shotgun
does not become available to untrained,
inexperienced or unwelcome hands.
8. USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION.
The barrel and action of this shotgun
have been made with substantial safety
margins over the pressures developed by
established American commercial loads.
Nevertheless, Browning assumes no
liability for incidents which occur
through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimensions which develop
pressures in excess of commercially
available ammunition which has been
loaded in accordance with standards
established by the Sporting Arms and
Ammunition Manufacturers Institute
(SAAMI).
BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITlON MALFUNCTION.
If you detect an off sound or light recoil
when a shell is fired,
DO NOT LOAD ANOTHER SHELL INTO
THE CHAMBER.
Open the action and remove all shells
from the magazine, chamber and action
areas. With the action open, glance
down the barrel to make sure that a wad
or other obstruction does not remain in
the barrel. Completely clear the barrel
before loading and firing again. Failure
to follow these instructions can cause
extensive damage to your gun and
possible serious injury to yourself and
others.
5
Page 8
9. DO NOT PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A
12 GAUGE GUN.
Store all shells of different gauges in
completely separate and well-marked
containers. Do not store shells of mixed
gauges in a common container or in
your pockets.
EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN
YOUR GUN.
The most certain way to bulge or rupture
a barrel is to drop a 20 gauge shell into a
12 gauge chamber. The 20 gauge shell,
unfortunately, will not fall completely
through the barrel; its rim is caught by
the front of a 12 gauge chamber. Your
gun will misfire (with the chamber
appearing to be empty). It is then
possible to load a 12 gauge shell behind
the 20 gauge shell. If the 12 gauge shell
is then fired, the result will be a so-called
"12-20 burst" which can cause extensive
damage to your gun and possible serious
injury to you and others.
10. CAUTION: DO NOT USE 3 1/2" SHOT-
6
GUN SHELLS IN ANY SHOTGUN OR
BARREL WlTH A 2 3/4" OR 3" CHAMBER. DO NOT USE 3" SHELLS lN
SHOTGUN CHAMBERED FOR 2 3/4"
SHELLS. THE SIZE OF THE CHAMBER
lS lNSCRlBED, ALONG WITH GAUGE
AND CHOKE DESIGNATIONS, ON THE
SIDE OF THE BARREL.
Your A-500 is chambered for factory
2 3/4" and 3" shells only.
11. DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN
EMPTY CHAMBER- THE CHAMBER
MAY NOT BE EMPTY!
Treat every gun with the respect due a
loaded gun, even though you are certain
the gun is unloaded.
12. KEEP YOUR FINGERS A WAY FROM
THE TRIGGER WHILE UNLOADING,
LOADING, UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO
SHOOT.
Page 9
13. BESURE OF YOUR TARGET AND
BACKSTOP.
Particularly, be sure during low light
periods. Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard
objects.
14. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN’S
CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A
FENCE, CLlMBlNG A TREE, JUMPING A
DlTCH OR NEGOTlATlNG OTHER
OBSTACLES.
Refer to page 23 of this instruction book
for instructions on the unloading of your
shotgun. Never place your shotgun on or
against a fence, tree, car, or other similar
object.
15. WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION
WHEN SHOOTING.
Unprotected, repeated exposure to
gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear
ear protectors (shooting ear plugs or
muffs) to guard against such damage.
Wear shooting glasses to protect your
eyes from flying particles. Also, wear eye
protection when disassembling and
cleaning your shotgun to prevent the
possibility of springs, spring-tensioned
parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.
16. DROPPING A LOADED GUN CAN
CAUSE AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE
even with the “safety” in the “on safe”
position. Be extremely careful while
hunting or during any shooting activity,
to avoid dropping any firearm.
17. IF YOUR SHOTGUN FAILS TO FIRE,
KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A
SAFE DIRECTION.
Hold this position for a minimum of 30
seconds. Carefully open the action and
remove the cartridge. If the primer is
indented, the cartridge should be
7
Page 10
disposed of in a way that cannot cause
harm. If the primer is not indented, your
firearm should be examined by a
qualified gunsmith and the cause of the
malfunction should be corrected before
further use.
18. BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD
AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING
AROUND YOU AND
OTHERS.
Don't be timid when it comes to gun
safety. If you observe other shooters
violating any of these safety precautions,
politely suggest safer handling practices.
19. BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS
UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING.
Because so many gun accidents occur
when a firearm is being cleaned, special
and extreme care should be taken to be
sure your gun is unloaded before
8
disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.
Keep ammunition away from the
cleaning location. Never test the
mechanical function of any firearm with
live ammunition.
20. EDUCATE AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS
SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR
FAMILY- ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN
AND NONSHOOTERS.
Closely supervise newcomers to the
shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in
hunting/shooting safety courses.
21. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVER-
AGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS
BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING.
Your vision and judgment could be
dangerously impaired, making your gun
handling unsafe to you and to others.
Page 11
22. READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS IN
THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK AND ON
AMMUNITION BOXES.
It is your responsibility to secure the
most up-to-date information on the safe
handling procedures for your Browning
gun. Browning cannot assume any responsibility when unsafe or improper
arms and ammunition combinations are
used.
23. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-AVOID
UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
Your shotgun is a mechanical device
which will not last forever, and as such,
is subject to wear and requires periodic
inspection, adjustment, and service.
Browning firearms should be serviced by
a Browning Recommended Service
Center or by Browning’s service facility
in Arnold, Missouri. Browning cannot
assume any responsibility for injuries
suffered or caused by unauthorized
servicing, alterations or modifications of
Browning firearms.
IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO
ALTER THE TRIGGER, SAFETY OR
OTHER FIRING MECHANISM PARTS OF
THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM.
BE CAREFUL!
9
Page 12
Nomenclature
In conventional gun terminology, the
position and movement of gun parts are
described as they occur with the gun
horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e.,
the muzzle is forward or front; butt stock is
rearward or rear; trigger is downward or
underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For
general parts nomenclature refer to Figure
1-A. See Figure 1-B for names of all parts
and assemblies covered in disassembly and
cleaning procedures.
FIGURE 1-A
10
General Operating Procedures
The Browning A-5OOG shotgun is a gasoperated, semi-automatic shotgun. It is
capable of shooting five shots (with the
magazine plug removed) in rapid succession
with each pull of the trigger. The rotary bolt
locks into the barrel with four lugs. Upon
firing, high pressure gas from the barrel
passes through two ports in the barrel,
through the barrel ring guide and into the
gas cylinder. The high pressure gases force
the gas piston rearward, applying pressure
to the sleeve bar assembly. The special gas
Page 13
FIGURE 1-B
11
Page 14
A. Barrel Extension Guides
B. Barrel Ring Guide/Gas Cylinder
C. Front Action Springs
D. Bolt Release Button (Carrier Latch Button)
E. Breechblock Assembly
F. Carrier
G. Forearm
H. Sleeve Bar Assembly
I. Magazine Tube
J. Magazine Cap
K. Magazine Spring Retainer
pressure regulation valve releases excess gas
pressure that is not necessary for operating
the action. This keeps bolt speed more
consistent and allows you to shoot all
factory 2 3/4" and 3"' loads interchangeably, without adjustment. As the
piston moves the sleeve reward, the action
bar -which extends from the sleeve —
pushes the breechblock rearward, operating
the action. As the breechblock moves
rearward, it turns and unlocks the 4-lug
rotary bolt, recocks the hammer, and ejects
the fired shell.
L. Magazine Follower
M. Magazine Spring
N. Operating Handle
O. Return Spring
P. Rotary Bolt Head
Q. Three Shot Adapter
R. Trigger Group
S. Trigger Guard Retaining Nut
T. Trigger Guard Retaining Screw
U. Gas Piston
After full rearward travel, the breech-block
returns forward, picking up a new shell
from the magazine and chambering it
automatically. After the last shell has been
fired, the breechblock locks to the rear,
instead of returning forward. This facilitates
speedy, convenient reloading.
NOTE: The A-500G is delivered with the
magazine adaptor in the magazine which
limits the gun to three shots, in accordance with federal migratory bird laws. If
you do not want your gun to be so lim-
12
Page 15
ited, merely take out the three shot
adapter as explained on page 34 under
“Three Shot Adapter.”
Initial Cleaning
Various exposed metal parts of your new A-
500 have been coated at the factory with a
rust preventative compound. Before
assembling your A-500G, clean the anti-rust
compound from the inside of the barrel,
receiver and the action/ chamber areas.
Browning Oil is ideal for removing this
compound and for giving your new gun its
first lubrication. However, any quality gun
oil may be used. Use a cleaning rod and
patch as explained under “Cleaning and
Maintenance Suggestions” on page 44.
Serial Number
The serial number of your A-500G shotgun
is found on the left side of the receiver, at
the lower rear, near the grip portion of the
buttstock.
Ammunition
The A-500G has a 3-inch chamber and is
designed to shoot and function with all 12
gauge factory loads: 3-inch Magnum, 2 3/4”
Magnum, 2 3/4” High Velocity loads, 2 3/4”
Field and 2 3/4” Target loads. It is especially
suited to shooting factory steel shot loads.
Loads can be intermixed, in any order.
Browning can assume no responsibility for
incidents which occur through the use of
cartridges of nonstandard dimension or
those developing pressures in excess of
standards established by the Sporting Arms
and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute
(SAAMI).
13
Page 16
FIGURE 2
Operation of the “Safety”
The cross bolt “safety” prevents the trigger
from being pulled when in the “on safe”
position. The safety is located conveniently
at the rear of the trigger guard (See Figure
2). In the “off safe” or “fire” position a
conspicuous red warning band is visible on
the safety button on the left side of the
trigger guard. To place the gun “ON
SAFE,”
press the “safety” button to the right. To
move the “safety” to the
FIRE position,
press the “safety” to the left.
The safety is reversible and can be reversed
from right- to left-handed by a competent
gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed
“safety” will have the “safety” button’s red
warning band on the
RIGHT side of the
trigger guard.
DO NOT DEPENDON THE RED COLOR
ALONE TO INDICATE YOUR GUN’S SAFETY
STATUS.
Time, exposure to the elements, as well as
the abrasive action of cleaning agents can
erase it.
14
Page 17
As previously explained, never rely on your
shotgun’s mechanical “safety” devices as the
sole provision for safety.
NEVER POINT YOUR SHOTGUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT INTEND TO SHOOT.
Always treat your shotgun, even when
unloaded, with the respect due any loaded,
ready-to-fire firearm.
Assembly of Barrel and Gas
System Components
CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE
CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND
MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO SHELLS.
The A-500G is delivered, in the box, with
the barrel removed and the forearm-with
the gas piston, sleeve bar assembly and
return spring inside-assembled on the
magazine tube. Perform the following steps
to assemble your A-500G and make it ready
for shooting.
1. Take the receiver in hand. First, lock the
breechblock rearward by pulling the operating handle fully to the rear. Then remove the forearm from the magazine
tube by unscrewing the magazine cap
and sliding the forearm forward, off of
the magazine tube.
DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD ON THE OPEN
REAR END OF THE FOREARM. TOO
MUCH PRESSURE COULD CAUSE THE
WOOD TO SPLIT.
15
Page 18
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4
2. The gas piston, sleeve bar and return
spring will remain in place and do not
need to be removed, except for cleaning.
If the forearm assembly parts have been
removed, reinstall them as explained below. Otherwise, proceed to step 6.
3. Insert the return spring into the round
hole in the end of the sleeve portion of
the sleeve bar assembly — the end
which has the action bar protruding —
not in the ten sided, decadon-shaped
end (See Figure 3). It is important to
note that the diameter of the spring is
different on each end. The large end is
inserted into the sleeve. The smaller diameter end goes toward the end of the
action bar.
Page 19
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 6
4. Slide the sleeve bar assembly onto the
magazine tube with action bar and return
spring first. Align the end of the action bar
so it rides in the track on the left side of the
receiver (See Figure 4).
5. Insert the gas piston onto the magazine
tube, flanged end first. Slide it down to
the sleeve bar assembly (See Figure 5).
6. With the gun in the horizontal position,
ejection port up, attach the barrel by
sliding the barrel guide ring/gas cylinder
over the magazine tube. You will need
to slide the sleeve bar and return spring
forward about 1/2" toward the end of the
magazine tube in order for the barrel extension rails to fit behind the sleeve and
allow the rails to properly engage in the
receiver tracks (See Figure 6). Do not
17
Page 20
slide it so far forward that the end of the
action bar disengages from the track in
the receiver.
7. When the barrel extension rails are fully
seated in the receiver tracks, position
your shotgun vertically, barrel up. The
barrel extension will usually hang up
slightly where the end of the extension
contacts the face of the rotary bolt, and
at this point is only partly engaged. To
fully seat the extension rails pull rearward on the operating handle (several
times if necessary) until the bolt rotates
slightly and the barrel slips solidly into
position.
8. Replace the forearm onto the magazine
tube by sliding it onto the magazine
tube, over gas piston and the sleeve bar
assembly. Install the magazine cap. Make
sure that the magazine cap is fully tight-
18
ened down. If the magazine cap threads
won’t engage the magazine tube threads
the barrel extension is still not properly
seated. You must repeat step 7 until it
fully engages. Your A-500G is now fully
assembled.
Disassembly of Barrel and Gas
System Components
CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CHAM-
BER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE
CONTAIN NO SHELLS.
Disassembly of the barrel from the receiver
is important for cleaning and is also a
convenient way to store your A-500G.
1. Unscrew the magazine cap.
2. Remove the forearm by sliding it forward
on the magazine tube.
Page 21
3. For cleaning, remove the gas piston and
sleeve bar assembly by sliding them forward off of the magazine tube. It is not
necessary to disassemble any part of the
gas pressure regulation valve. See
“Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions”
on page 44 for suggested cleaning procedures.
If you are disassembling for storage, return the sleeve bar assembly and the gas
piston onto the magazine tube as shown
previously in Figure 6. Reinstall the forearm over the magazine tube and screw
on the magazine cap. You will then have
two compact units: the barrel, and the
action with forearm and stock.
CAUTION: AFTER THE BARREL HAS
BEEN REMOVED FROM YOUR GUN,
LEAVE THE BREECHBLOCK IN THE
OPEN POSITION. DO NOT PRESS
THE BOLT RELEASE BUTTON,
If the breechblock is released forward
with the barrel removed, the operating
handle will be driven against the edge of
the ejection port, which will cause damage to the receiver.
Loading Procedures
There are two basic methods for initially
getting a loaded shell into the chamber of
your A-500G.
CAUTION: AT ALL TIMES DURING THE
LOADING PROCEDURE, BE SURE YOUR
MUZZLE IS POINTING IN A SAFE DIREC-
TION AND THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE “ON
SAFE” POSITION. REMEMBER: DO NOT
PUT A 20 GAUGE OR 3 1/2” MAGNUM
SHELL IN YOUR A-500G 12 GAUGE
SHOTGUN. NEVER STORE SHELLS OF
MIXED GAUGES IN A COMMON CON-
TAINER OR IN YOUR POCKETS.
19
Page 22
See caution number 8 on page 5 of this
booklet for an explanation.
CAUTION: WHENEVER A SHELL HAS
BEEN CYCL ED INTO THE CHAMBER—
DURING LOADING OR ANY OTHER
TIME, AUTOMATICALLY OR MANUALLY- THE SHOTGUN IS READY TO
FIRE BY SIMPLY MOVING THE
“SAFETY” TO THE OFF SAFE POSI-
TION.
METHOD ONE: LOADING THE CHAMBER
THROUGH THE EJECTION PORT —
1. After making sure the “safety” is “on
safe,” pull the operating handle to the
rear until the breechblock locks in the
open position.
20
FIGURE 7
VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER,
CARRIER, AND MAGAZlNE TO MAKE
SURE THEY ARE CLEAR OF ANY OBSTRUCTIONS.
2. While pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, hold your A-500G with the ejection port up, and insert a cartridge of the
Page 23
proper gauge through the ejection port
into the open breech (See Figure 7).
Press the breechblock release button.
KEEP YOUR FINGERS CLEAROFTHE
EJECTION PORT.
This will automatically cause the shell to
be picked up and delivered to the chamber correctly. The chamber is now
loaded.
3. With the chamber loaded, load the
magazine to full capacity as explained
below under “Loading the Magazine.”
METHOD TWO: LOADING THE CHAMBER
MANUALLY FROM THE MAGAZINE —
1. Make sure the muzzle is pointed in a
safe direction and the “safety” is in the
“on safe” position.
2. To load the magazine, follow the instructions under “Loading the Magazine”
listed below. With the magazine loaded,
and the breechblock closed, merely pull
back on the operating handle, fully to
the rear, and release it, allowing the
breechblock to close. This will automatically cycle a shell from the magazine to
the chamber.
3. To again load the magazine to full capacity, thumb another shell into the
magazine as explained below under
“Loading the Magazine.”
LOADING THE MAGAZINE —
1. MAKE SURE THE MUZZLE IS POINTED
IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THE
“SAFETY” IS IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION.
Close the breechblock by pressing the
2.
breechblock release button (as explained
above).
21
Page 24
FIGURE 8
22
sure the rim of the shell engages the carrier latch and is held fully inside the
magazine tube. It will make an audible
click when fully inserted. Repeat this
procedure until the magazine is fully
loaded.
CAUTION: WHENEVER A SHELL HAS
BEEN CYCLED INTO THE CHAMBER-
AUTOMA TICAL L Y OR MANUAL L Y—
THE SHOTGUN IS READY TO FIRE BY
SIMPLY MOVING THE "SAFETY" TO
THE OFF SAFE POSITION.
MAKE SURE YOUR FINGERS ARE
CLEAR OF THE EJECTION PORT.
3. Insert a shell, of the proper gauge,
through the loading port at the bottom of
the receiver, up into the magazine, using
your thumb to position it fully forward in
the magazine tube (See Figure 8). Make
MAGAZINE CAPACITY —
With the three shot adapter installed, the
magazine will hold TWO 2 3/4" or 3-inch
shells. With the three shot adapter removed, the magazine holds FOUR 2 3/4"
or THREE 3-inch shells.
Page 25
Unloading your A-500G
CAUTION: WHENEVERUNLOADING, ALWAYS BECERTAIN THAT THE MUZZLE IS
POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND
THAT THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE “ON
SA FE” POSITlON.
1. One way to unload the A-500G is simply to grasp the operating handle and
cycle the action until all rounds are
ejected.
2. The magazine can also be unloaded
manually by reaching inside the loading
port with your index finger, and simultaneously pressing in on the bottom of the
carrier and pressing the carrier latch
(See Figure 18 on page 36). Release and
remove one shell at a time from the
magazine, until empty. Remove the shell
from the chamber by cycling the action.
ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER,
ACTION, CARRIER AND MAGAZINE
VERY CAREFULLY AFTER UNLOADING TO BE SURE ALL LIVE ROUNDS
ARE CLEARED FROM THE GUN.
Breech Remains Open After
the Last Shot
The breech of the A-500G remains open,
with the breechblock locked to the rear,
after the last shot has been fired. This allows
convenient and fast reloading as follows:
1. Place the “safety” in the “on safe” position.
2. Drop an appropriate shell into the open
breech.
3. Close the action by depressing the
breechblock release button.
23
Page 26
BROWNING A-500G GAS OPERATED SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
Schematic is provided for parts identification
only and should not be used as a guide to
assemble guns.
IMPORTANT: When ordering parts, list part
number, part name, caliber, model and serial
number.
CAUTION: Browning parts are made
exclusively for Browning guns and are not
recommended for use in other guns even
though models may be similar. Inadequately
fitted parts may be dangerous
24
25
Page 27
PARTS LIST A-500G SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN
KEY BROWNING DESCRIPTION
NO. PART NO.
1 P014001
2 P014006
3 P014007
4 P014012
5 P014016 Action Spring Rear (2) 34 P014178 Firing Pin 61 P014350 Stock Screw
*6 P014030 Bolt Assembly 35 P014182 Firing Pin Cover 62 P014354 Stock Screw Lock
7 P014034 Boll Cam Pin 36 P014186 Firing Pin Spring Washer
*8 P014044 Breech Block 37 P014190 Firing Pin Stop Pin 63 P014358 Stock Screw Washer
*9 P014048 Breech Block Buffer 38 P014210 Front Sight *64 P014364 Trigger
*10 P014052 Breech Block Buffer *39 P014215 Hammer 65 P014370 Trigger Guard
*11 P014056 Breech Block Lever 41 P014225 Magazine Cap 66 P014375 Trigger Guard Pin
12 *P014060 Breech Block Lever Pin 42 P014230 Magazine Cap Sleeve
13 P014065 Breech Block Lever Retainer 67 P014385 Trigger Guard Screw &
14 P014076 Butt Stock
*15 P014084 Carrier 44 P014240 Magazine Cutoff & Pin 69 P014395 Trigger Spring
*16 P014069 Carrier Dog 45 P014248 Magazine Cutoff 70 P014420 Barrel Extension
17 P014095 Carrier Dog Pin Plunger Assembly 71 P014404 Magazine Tube
*18 P014101 Carrier & Car Dog 46 P014262 Magazine Follower **71 P014415 Receiver
19 P014105 Carrier Pin 48 P014274 Magazine Spring 73 P014424 Sleeve Bar
20 P014110 Carrier Pin Circlip Retainer 74 P014426 Intermediate Tube
*21 P014115 Carrier Latch 49 P014280 Magazine 3-Shot 75 P014428 Rear Piston
22 P014120 Carrier Latch Spring Adapter A-500 76 P014429 Front Piston
*23 P014125 Cartridge Stop 50 P014286 Mainspring 77 P014430 Regulation Valve
24 P014130 Cartridge Stop & 51 P014290 Mainspring Guide 78 P014432 Regulation Spring
25 P014134 Cartridge Stop & Pin 53 P014302 Operating Handle 80 P014436 Locking Ring
26 P014138 Cartridge Stop Spring *55 P014320 Safety 82 P014496 Forearm
*27 P014144 Disconnector
28 P014148
Action Spring Front (2)
Action Spring Guide (2)
Action Spring Guide Pin
Action Spring Guide
Washer 33 P014172 Extractor Pin 60 P014344 Sear Pin
Core 40 P014220 Hammer Pin Assembly
Spring
Spring 47 P014268 Magazine Spring 72 P014422 Return Spring
Carrier Latch Pin 52 P014294 Mainspring Guide Pin 79 P014434 Centering Washer
Clip 54 P208466 Recoil Pad 81 P014470 Bearing Ring
Disconnector Pin
KEY BROWNING DESCRIPTION
NO. PARTNO.
29 P014155
30 P014160
31 P014164
32 P014168
43 P014234 Magazine Cap With Nut Assembly
* Indicates pan must be fitted by Browning Service Department or by a Browning Recommended Service Center
**Pan may be purchased by holders of current. valid Federal Firearms License
Ejector *56 P014324
Extractor 57 P014328
Extractor Inner Spring 58 P014332
Extractor Outer Spring *59 P014340
Eyelet 68 P014390 Trigger Pin
KEY BROWNING DESCRIPTION
NO. PARTNO.
Safety Plunger
Safety Plunger Spring
Safety Spring Stop Pin
Sear
26
Page 28
Load the magazine as explained above
4.
under “Loading the Magazine” on page
23.
EVEN WITH THE BREECH LOCKED
OPEN AFTER SHOOTING, DO NOT ASSUME YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED.
ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER,
CARRIER AND MAGAZINE TUBE TO BE
SURE THEY CONTAIN NO CAR-
TRIDGES. THEN, REMEMBER TO ALWAYS TREAT ANY GUN AS IF IT WAS
LOADED. ALWAYS HANDLE YOUR
SHOTGUN WITH CAUTION.
Operation of the Magazine Cut-off
The magazine cut-off lever is located at the
front end of the left side of the receiver.
This cut-off has the purpose of locking the
shells in the magazine so that they will not
feed into the chamber. This permits you to
quickly change the load in the chamber of
the gun without going to the trouble of un-
FIGURE 9-A
loading the whole magazine. For instance,
in this way a duck load can quickly be
taken out and a goose load inserted, if the
need arises. To operate the magazine cutoff, merely manipulate the lever to the
“MC” or “R” positions. The “MC” position
engages the magazine cutoff (See Figure 9A). The “R position (See Figure 9-B) places
the magazine in conventional repeater posi-
FIGURE 9-B
27
Page 29
tion, chambering a shell from the magazine
each time the breechblock cycles rearward
(as when you shoot or manually cycle the
breechblock). Also, with the magazine cutoff in operation, and with the chamber
empty and the breechblock locked in the
rearward position, a loaded shell may be instantly delivered from the magazine to the
chamber by merely moving the lever from
the “MC” position (magazine cut-off), to the
“R” (repeater) position. When the breechblock is locked rearward,
BECAREFUL TO KEEP YOUR FINGERS
CLEAR OF THE LOADING PORT AND
EJECTION PORT WHEN MOVING THE
LEVER FROM “MC” TO “R”.
28
Full Disassembly:
Trigger Group and Breechblock
It is not necessary or recommended that the
trigger group or breechblock be removed
except if a malfunction occurs, or if the
action becomes excessively dirty or wet. If
this occurs, disassemble the action for a
complete cleaning as explained below.
Detailed cleaning procedures are outlined
under “Cleaning and Maintenance” on page
44. Full disassembly involves removal of the
breechblock assembly and the trigger group.
Any disassembly beyond this should only be
performed by a competent gunsmith.
ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN
PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE OR
DISASSEMBLY.
Page 30
REMOVING THE TRIGGER GROUP —
You will need two medium blade screw-
drivers to remove the trigger guard retaining
screws (the trigger guard retaining nut and
the trigger guard retaining screw). Make
sure the screwdrivers are of appropriate size
to prevent damage to the slotted heads. No
other tools are necessary.
1. Remove the barrel as explained under
“Disassembly’ on page 18. Set the forearm, as well as the forearm buffer and
spring, aside.
2. Release the breechblock to its forward
position as follows: While holding the
operating handle back (by applying rearward pressure) depress the breechblock
release button. Allow the breechblock to
travel slowly forward, controlling and
slowing its forward travel until it is fully
forward. The head of the rotary bolt
FIGURE 10
should project about 1/2” from the front
of the receiver.
3. Insert a screwdriver into the retaining nut
slot and the other screwdriver into the
retaining screw slot. Hold one side from
turning while unscrewing the opposite
side (See Figure 10).
29
Page 31
FIGURE 11
30
FIGURE 12-A FIGURE 12-B
4. Remove the retaining nut and screw
from the receiver.
5. With the gun inverted (trigger guard up),
grasp the trigger guard and pull it up,
forward and out from the receiver (See
Figure 11).
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER
GROUP BEYOND THIS POINT.
Perform all cleaning with the trigger
group kept intact as an assembly.
REMOVING THE BREECHBLOCK —
Normal procedure is to remove the barrel
and trigger group first, as explained
previously.
1. Remove the operating handle as follows:
Page 32
FIGURE 13
With your left hand, push on the bolt
head moving the breechblock about 1/2"
back into the receiver, lining up the operating handle with the notch at the bottom front of the ejection port (See Figure
12-A). With your right hand grasp the
operating handle and pull it outward,
removing it from the breechblock (See
Figure 12-B).
2. The breechblock will now be able to
move forward about another 1/2”. Again,
push rearward on the bolt head, depressing the breechblock back into the receiver about 1/4". With your right hand,
reach in with a finger and push on the
breechblock lever found on the bottom
side of the breech block (See Figure 13).
The breechblock lever serves to retain
the breechblock in the receiver.
SPEClAL NOTE: It is possible to remove
the breechblock first before removing
the trigger group. You will need to
simultaneously push rearward 1/4" on
the breechblock and "reach" in through
the opening at the front of the carrier to
depress the breechblock lever, using the
eraser end of a pencil, a small wood
dowel, a screwdriver, or other similar
object.)
31
Page 33
FIGURE 14
32
FIGURE 15
3. With the breechblock lever pressed, remove the breechblock, forward, out of
the front of the receiver. The action
springs will stay attached to the breechblock, projecting from the rear. The
breechblock is now fully removed.
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE
BLOCK BEYOND THIS POINT.
BREECH
Reassembly:
Trigger Group and Breechblock
REINSTALLING THE BREECHBLOCK
ASSEMBLY —
1. Insert the breechblock into the receiver
opening, action springs first. The guides
Page 34
on the breechblock must fit in the receiver tracks. Make sure the front action
springs fit over the ends of the action
spring guides (See Figure 14). Push the
breechblock in far enough so that the
breechblock lever engages, holding the
breechblock in the receiver. Simultaneously push back on the breechblock
while depressing the breechblock release button until the notch in the ejection port lines up with the operating
handle recess on the breechblock. Make
sure that the action springs are compressed inside the recesses in the
breechblock, and that the ends of the action spring guides start into the recesses
in the breechblock without kinking the
front action springs.
2. Insert the operating handle into the recess (Refer to Figure 12-B). The breechblock is now installed.
REINSTALLING THE TRIGGER GROUP —
1. Reinsert the trigger group into the bottom of the receiver, moving it rearward
to assure correct location of the rear pins
into the holes in the receiver. Then start
at the back and hinge the trigger guard
forward (See Figure 15).
2. Line up the hole in the trigger guard
with the holes on each side of the re-
ceiver. Insert the trigger guard retaining
nut completely through the receiver.
Start the retaining screw with your fin-
gers and tighten using two screwdrivers,
one for each slotted head on each side
of the receiver.
33
Page 35
Three-Shot Magazine Adapter
The A-500G shotgun is delivered with the
three-shot magazine adapter installed in the
magazine, limiting magazine capacity to two
shells — allowing three shots total in
compliance with federal migratory bird
regulations. If you do not wish to be limited
to three shots — when it is not required by
law — you can remove or reinstall the
three-shot adapter (plug) as follows:
ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE SAFETY
GLASSES DURING THIS OPERATION.
1. Unscrew the forearm cap and remove
the forearm, BARREL, gas piston,
sleeve bar assembly, and return spring
from the gun as explained under “Disassembly of Barrel and Forearm Assembly”
on page 18.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD
YOU PERFORM THE FOLLOWING
PROCEDURES WITH THE BARREL AT-
TACHED.
2. Reinstall the magazine cap on the magazine tube approximately one turn, engaging at least ONE FULL TURN Of
THREADS solidly.
3. Release the breechblock forward slowly
by pressing the breechblock release button and slowly allowing the breechblock
to travel forward. Do this
the button with one hand and offering
resistance on the operating handle with
the other hand, gently easing it forward
to the fully forward position.
4. Pull back approximately 1/4” of an inch
on the operating handle. With your other
hand: insert two 2 3/4” (or two 3-inch
magnum shells) into the magazine if you
by pressing
34
Page 36
are it removing the three-shot adapter
OR insert four 2 3/4" shells (or three 3inch magnums) if the three-shot adapter
was removed previously and you are it
reinstalling it. Position an additional
shells as if you were going to insert it
into the magazine (it will stop only partially inserted because of the full magazine).
5. Apply steady, hard pressure on the shell,
pushing all the shells forward in the
magazine until the magazine spring retainer is dislodged from its compressed
fitting at the end of the magazine (See
Figure 16). You will feel forward movement of the shells in the magazine when
it is dislodged.
IF IT WILL NOT DISLODGE WITH
STEADY PRESSURE you may have to
work the last shell in and out to increase
FIGURE 16
force on the shells in the magazine. If
this also fails to dislodge the magazine
spring retainer, place another shell behind the one partially inserted and apply
increased pressure with the palm of
your hand, or strike the back of the last
shell with the palm of your hand until
35
Page 37
FIGURE 17
36
FIGURE 18
the retainer is dislodged (See Figure 17).
DO NOTUSEANYOTHER OBJECT
THAN THE PALM OFYOURHANDTO
APPLY PRESSURE TO THE LAST
SHELL
6. With the retainer dislodged,
IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THESHELLS
FROM THE MAGAZINE. DO NOT UN-
SCREW THE MAGAZINE CAP WITH
SHELLS IN THE MAGAZINE.
Remove the shells as follows: first, hold
the operating handle back approximately
1/4". Then release the shells from the
magazine by reaching inside the loading
port and simultaneously pressing in on
the bottom of the carrier and pressing
Page 38
FIGURE 19
the carrier latch with your finger (See
Figure 18). Release and remove one shell
at a time from the magazine.
IMMEDIATELY PUT ALL THESHELLS
AWAY IN YOUR AMMUNITION STOR
AGE AREA—AWAY FROM YOUR
A-500G AND OTHER GUNS.
7. Carefully unscrew the magazine cap
from the magazine.
CAUTION: THE MAGAZINE SPRING IS
UNDER TENSION AND WILL FORCE
OUT THE RETAINER, THREESHOT
ADAPTER, AND THE SPRING ITSELF
UNLESS CARE IS TAKEN.
Slowly lift the magazine cap off of the
magazine. At the same time, catch the
spring with your other hand as it begins
to come out (See Figure 19). If already
installed, the three shot adapter will be
on top of the magazine spring.
8. Remove the spring and adapter, if pres
ent, from the magazine tube. Remove the
magazine spring retainer from the inside
-
of the magazine cap. The magazine fol
lower can be removed by pointing the
magazine tube downward and dumping
it out.
-
-
37
Page 39
REASSEMBLY WITH THE THREE-SHOT
MAGAZINE ADAPTER INSTALLED.
To reassemble the magazine with the three-
shot adapter installed, first, position the gun
vertically, butt down. Then reinstall the
magazine follower in the magazine tube,
closed end first. Place the three-shot adapter
inside one end of the magazine spring,
small end first. Place the magazine spring
retainer over the top of the adapter. Insert
the other end of the magazine spring into
the magazine tube and compress it into the
magazine tube (See Figure 20). With hand
pressure, seat the magazine spring retainer
fully into the compression fitting on the end
of the magazine tube.
REASSEMBLY WITHOUT THE THREESHOT MAGAZINE ADAPTER.
Reassembly of the magazine without the
three-shot adapter is identical to reassembly
with the three shot adapter, with one
38
FIGURE 20
exception: after inserting the magazine
follower into the magazine tube, place the
magazine spring retainer directly on the end
of the magazine spring. Then insert the
other end of the magazine spring into the
magazine tube and compress it into the
magazine tube. With hand pressure, seat the
magazine spring retainer fully into the
Page 40
compression fitting on the end of the
magazine tube. Reassembly of the
magazine, and removal/installation of the
three-shot magazine adapter is now
completed. To prepare for replacing the
barrel and forearm on your A-500G, pull the
operating handle on the breech-block fully
rearward, locking the breechblock back.
You are now ready to reinstall the barrel/
forearm assembly to the receiver as outlined
in “Assembly of Barrel and Gas System
Components” on page 18.
Invector Interchangeable
Choke System
All A-500G shotgun barrels have been
threaded to accept the Browning Standard
Invector Interchangeable Choke System.
You may confirm this by looking on the
right side of your barrel where the
specifications are inscribed, and where the
choke markings are normally located. The
word INVECTOR denotes that the barrels
are threaded. The degree of choke tube is
indicated twice on each choke tube:
Inscribed on the side of the tube, and
indicated with a “notch” code on the top
rim of the tube. Invector Choke Tubes are
made with tempered steel and are fully
compatible with all FACTORY
AMMUNITION (loaded in compliance with
SAAMI specifications) including Magnum
lead and steel shot loads and rifled slug
loads.
DONOTFIRE THIS SHOTGUN WITHOUT
HAVING AN INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE IN-
STALLED.
Permanent damage may result to the
threads.
DO NOT USE BROWNING INVECTOR
CHOKE TUBES IN ANY SHOTGUN BARRELS NOT SUPPLIED BY BROWNING.
ALSO, DO NOT USE ANY OTHER CHOKING DEVICE IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL
SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. USE ONLY
CHOKE TUBES MARKED INVECTOR.
39
Page 41
CAUTION: WHENEVER HANDLING ANY
SHOTGUN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING OR INSTALLING A CHOKING DEVICE, MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE
GUN IS FULLY UNLOADED, AND THE
BOLT OR BREECH IS LOCKED OPEN!
NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR INSTALL A SHOTGUN CHOKING DEVICE ON
A LOADED FIREARM!
TUBE REMOVAL-
1. UNLOAD YOUR A-500G FULLY, INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE
THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS.
2. Open the action, locking it rearward, and
place the “safety” in the “on safe” position.
3. Use the Invector wrench to loosen the
tube, turning it counterclockwise. Fingertwist the tube the rest of the way out of
the barrel.
SURE
40
TUBE INSTALLATION-
1. UNLOAD YOUR A-500G FULLY. INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE SURE
THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS.
2. Open the action locking it rearward and
place the “safety” in the “on safe” position.
3. Before installing a tube, check the internal choke tube threads in the muzzle, as
well as the threads on the Invector
choke tube to be sure they are clean.
Lightly oil the threads with an oil like
Browning Oil.
4. Using your fingers, screw the appropriate
tube into the muzzle end of the barrel,
tapered end first, notched end outward.
When it becomes finger-tight, use the Invector choke wrench to firmly seat the
tube.
Page 42
THEINVECTOR CHOKE TUBESHOULD
BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED TO ASSURE THAT IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY
SEATED. BEFORE CHECKING, FOLLO W THE SAFETY GUIDELINES OUTLINED ABOVE.
Replacement and additional tubes and
wrenches are available from your Browning
dealer, or by writing to the
Browning Consumer Department, Route 1,
Morgan, Utah 84050. (801) 876-271 1.
Canadian customers please call or write to
Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee,
3167 De Miniac, St. Laurent, Canada H4S 1 W6.
(514) 333-7261.
INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE CODE —
To identify individual Invector tubes, refer
to the abbreviated indications on the side
of the tube, or use the identification mark(s)
located on the top rim of each tube (See
Figure 21).
INVECTOR TUBE SELECTION
To help you choose the correct choke tube
for each hunting situation, all Browning
Invector choke tubes are inscribed on the
side with the patterns they produce with
both lead and steel shot. Each Invector tube
also has notches in the top rim of the tube.
These notches are a code to allow you to
determine the choke designation while the
tube is installed. Rim notches refer
specifically to lead shot. You will need to
use the chart below to cross-reference from
lead to steel, and determine the appropriate
tubes for your ammunition and hunting/
shooting situation.
Several tubes are supplied with your
Browning shotgun. The tubes listed are also
available as accessories. Remember,
Invector-Plus and standard Invector tubes
are not interchangeable. Invector-Plus tubes
41
Page 43
FIGURE 21
are for Browning guns with back-bored
barrels and are not for use on your A-500G.
Before removing/installing tubes, or reading
the rim notch code, make sure your shotgun
is fully unloaded.
Rim
Notches
I
II
III
IIII
IIIII
No Notches
Knurled Ext
*Not for use with steel shot Using an over-tight choke
constriction with steelshot will result in an ineffective, "blown"
pattern.
**Extra Full Special with knurled rim and no rim code. Do not
use with steel shot.
***When more than one choke designation is listed for a given
steel shot pattern, use the more open choke listed for high
velocity, larger shot size steel shot loads
Pattern With
Lead Shot
Full
Imp. Modified
Modified
Imp. Cylinder
Skeet
Cylinder
X-Full Special
Pattern With
Steel Shot
*
Full***
Full***
Modified
Imp. Cylinder**
Imp. Cylinder ***
**
CAUTION: DO NOT USE STANDARD IN-
VECTOR CHOKE TUBES IN BARRELS
MARKED
INVECTOR-PLUS.
DO NOT USE
INVECTOR-PLUS CHOKE TUBES IN BARRELS MARKED INVECTOR. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW ALL OF THE ABOVE WARNINGS
CAN DAMAGE YOUR GUN AND CAUSE
INJURY TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS.
Page 44
Use of Extra Barrels
On all Browning A-500G shotguns, barrels
of the same gauge are completely
interchangeable, and no special fitting is
required. Thus, by merely buying another
barrel of a different length, or for a different
purpose (such as a Buck Special barrel),
and using the appropriate Invector choke
tube, you have acquired the utility of
another gun at a fraction of the cost of a
new gun; a duck gun becomes a fine
upland game gun, a pheasant gun becomes
a rifled slug deer gun.
Sight Adjustment for Buck Special
Barrels
Buck Special barrels are equipped with a
precision rear sight which is screw
adjustable for both horizontal and vertical
correction.
WINDAGE ADJUSTMENT —
To move point of impact to the RIGHT,
loosen the small screw on the right side of
the sight. Then tighten the small screw on
the left side of the sight. To move point of
impact to the LEFT loosen the small screw
on the left side of the sight and tighten the
screw on the right side. This is a process of
trial and error. Make small adjustments then
check the point of impact.
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT —
Adjustment of the sight is controlled by the
screw located on top of the sight. To RAISE
the point of impact, turn the screw in a
counterclockwise direction. To LOWER the
point of impact, turn the screw in a
clockwise direction. Vertical adjustment is
also a process of trial and error.
43
Page 45
Cleaning and Maintenance
Suggestions
You should clean your A-500G whenever it
becomes excessively dirty — and perform a
thorough cleaning at least once a year. The
barrel should be cleaned, and the action
wiped clean and oiled after every day of
shooting. The gas system should require
only occasional cleaning. If a malfunction
occurs, perform a thorough cleaning, to see
if it solves the problem, before seeking the
services of a Browning Recommended
Service Center, the Browning Service Facility
in Arnold, Missouri, or a competent
gunsmith.
Normal maintenance can be accomplished
with the barrel still attached to the receiver
(oiling and wiping down). More careful
cleaning requires removal of only the barrel
from the receiver (cleaning the barrel), and
the removal of several gas system
FIGURE 22
44
components. A complete cleaning requires
removal of the breechblock and trigger
group.
PERIODIC OILING —
Ordinary good judgment will indicate that
the metal parts of the gun should receive a
light film of oil after the gun has been
exposed to weather or handling.
Occasionally, a small drop of oil may be
Page 46
placed on the end of the action bar where it
slides along the track in the receiver (See
Figure 22). This will help to relieve friction
and ensure smooth operation.
Also, lightly lubricate the breechblock,
rotary bolt and spring guides. If the gun has
been exposed to much dust, dirt, mud or
water, the principal working parts including
the gas system, should be wiped clean and
lubricated with a light film of oil. Browning
Oil is recommended.
DO NOT POUR LARGE QUANTlTlES OF
OIL INTO THEACTION. A LARGE EXCESS
OF OIL WILL RUN BACK INTO THE WOOD
OFTHESTOCKAND CAUSE SOFTENING
OFTHE WOOD, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL
LOOSENING OFTHE STOCK.
CLEANING THE BARREL —
The correct procedure for cleaning your
A-500 shotgun is as follows:
1. BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUNS MAGAZINE, FEED MECHANISM AND CHAMBER ARE UNLOADED. PLACE THE
“SAFETY” IN THE “ON SAFE” POSI-
TlON AND LOCK THE BOLT ON THE
REAR. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
SAFETY GLASSES DURING ALL DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING PROCEDURES.
2. Remove the barrel so that it can be
cleaned from the breech end (See “Disassembly” on page 18).
3. Using a shotgun cleaning rod with tip
and patch large enough for a snug fit in
the bore, insert the rod and patch in the
breech end of the barrel and run back
and forth through the bore several times.
Remove and wipe the Invector tube,
tube threads and barrel threads, and
lightly oil.
45
Page 47
4. Inspect the bore from both ends for
leading by looking through bore toward
light. Leading will appear as dull longitudinal streaks and is usually more predominant near the muzzle and just forward of the chamber.
5. A normal amount of leading can be expected with today’s high velocity loads
and improved wads but this is not serious. If or when leading should become
heavy, it can be removed with a brass
bore brush. Make sure a choke tube is
installed. Spray the bore or the bore
brush with a good powder solvent, and
scrub the bore until leading is removed.
To prevent brass bristles from breaking
off, the brush should be pushed completely through the bore before being
withdrawn.
6. After leading has been removed, the
bore should be wiped dry with a clean
patch, and then a lightly oiled patch run
through it for preservation.
46
FIGURE 23
CLEANING THE GAS SYSTEM —
1. Remove the gas piston, sleeve bar assembly and return spring from the magazine tube. Spray the tube with Browning
oil (or a good quality powder solvent)
and wipe clean. Remove the return
spring from the sleeve and wipe clean.
Spray the inside of the sleeve and wipe
off of any buildup.
Page 48
To clean the gas system, first spray the
2.
gas piston with a good powder solvent
and brush it thoroughly to remove any
deposits (an old toothbrush is ideal for
this). Spray into the gap between the inner and outer portions of the piston.
3. Clean the gas regulation valve system (it
is located inside the barrel ring guide/gas
cylinder) by spraying it with a aerosol
Browning Oil or a good powder solvent,
and brushing any deposits free (See Figure 23). NEVER use a steel brush on any
of the gas components.
Pay special attention to the gas pressure
vents (two large holes on opposite sides
of the barrel ring guide/gas cylinder),
and the two gas ports (seen inside the
gas cylinder at the top, when viewed
from the breech end). Spray again to
wash away the loosened deposits and
wipe clean. A NONFLAMMABLE sol-
vent bath can be used to immerse the
parts, but it is not necessary.
CAUTION: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE
GAS
The parts are under spring tension and
require special tools for removal. It is not
necessary to remove the gas pressure
regulation valve assembly (from its location inside of the barrel ring guide/gas
cylinder) to perform cleaning. You
should note that all gas system parts on
the A-500G have been given extra protection against corrosion: the magazine
tube is chrome-plated, and all other gas
system parts, including the piston,
springs, barrel guide ring and gas regulation valve, are made from stainless steel.
4. Complete the cleaning of the gas system
by applying a very light film of Brown-
ing Oil to all parts for protection and lu-
brication.
CYLINDER.
47
Page 49
CLEANING THE ACTION AND TRIGGER
GROUP —
1. When the action becomes excessively
dirty, remove the trigger group and
breechblock assembly from the receiver
as explained under “Full Disassembly”
on page 28. Clean with an oil such as
Browning Oil or a gun solvent as necessary, using an old toothbrush to loosen
any caked-on grime. Wipe the receiver
cavity clean. Lightly oil the cavity (aerosol Browning Oil is ideal) and wipe it
dry. No further disassembly is required
for cleaning.
2. Reassemble the trigger group,
breechblock, gas system and the barrel to
the receiver as explained previously.
Then wipe all exposed metal surfaces
with an oiled cloth making sure to wipe
your A-500G clean of all finger marks
where moisture will accumulate.
3. The barrel and action should be in-
48
spected to assure that all cleaning
patches have been removed and not inadvertently left in the barrel or action.
4. The wood surfaces can also be wiped
with Browning Oil or they can be pol-
ished with any quality furniture wax (but
not both).
DO NOT TAKE YOUR GUN’S ACTION
APART BEYOND THE EXTENT EXPLAINED IN THIS MANUAL.
This is a specialized, finely fitted mecha-
nism, and you may mar it for life by an
attempt to disassemble the inner mecha-
nism assemblies. Do not disassemble the
breechblock, gas system or trigger group
more than described. If further disassembly is required, take your gun to a
Browning Recommended Service Center
or a competent gunsmith.
Page 50
Service or Repair
If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local
recommended Browning Firearms Service
Center. Contact your Browning sporting
goods dealer or call our Service Department for the address of the Service Center
nearest you. Otherwise, you may send
your firearm directly to our own Service
Department. For technical questions about
your firearm or service call our Service
Department.
Browning Service Department
3005 Arnold Tenbrook Road
Arnold, Missouri 63010-9406
Phone: 1-800-322-4626
Canadian Customers call or write:
Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee,
561 7 Chemin St-Francois
St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1 W6
Phone: (514) 333-7261
When returning your firearm for servicing,
you must do the following:
a. Be sure it is completely unloaded.
b. Package it securely in a cardboard
container.
c. Enclose a letter with your firearm
that clearly describes the trouble
experienced and the repairs or
alterations desired.
d. If convenient, send a copy of the
letter to us separately.
e. Never return ammunition with your
firearm. It is against postal and most
commerce regulations.
If you have any questions about this
manual or about any other Browning
products, call or write our Consumer
Information Department:
Browning Consumer Information
Morgan, Utah 84050
Phone: (801) 876-2711
Page 51
You Are Responsible For Firearms Safety.
As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these
responsibilities can mean the difference between life and death. Failure to follow any of these
instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and/or possible serious injury or death to
yourself and others. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all
times handle any firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger. READ AND
UNDERSTAND all of THE CAUTIONS AND PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES
OUTLINED IN THIS BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM.
1.
ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF ANY FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
Do this even though you are certain the firearm is unloaded. Never point any firearm at
anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property
within the range of your ammunition.
2.
NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR SHOTGUN'S MECHANICAL "SAFETY" DEVICE.
Always assume that your gun can be fired at any time, even with all the safety mechanism
engaged. The word "safety" describes a gun's trigger block mechanism, sear block mechanism,
hammer block mechanism or firing pin block mechanism. These mechanical devices are
designed to place your gun in a SAFER status. No guarantee can be made that the gun will not
fire even if the "safety" is in the "on safe" position. See "Operation of the Safety" in your
owner’s manual for instructions on operation of your gun's "safety."
3. LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE, A "SAFETY" CAN SOMETIMES FAIL; IT CAN BE
JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE CONDITION.
Mechanical "safeties" merely aid safe gun handling and are no excuse for pointing your
shotgun's muzzle in an unsafe direction.
While it is a good idea to "test" your shotgun's mechanical "safeties" periodically for proper
function, never test them while your firearm is loaded or pointed in an unsafe direction. Safe
gun handling does not stop with your gun's mechanical "safety" devices -- it starts there.
Always treat this shotgun with the respect a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.
MECHANISM OF ANY FIREARM WHILE IT IS LOADED OR POINTED IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION.
4. WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE MAKE SURE IT IS
COMPLETELY UNLOADED.
NEVER TEST THE
Always open the action immediately and visually check the chamber magazine. Make certain
the chamber does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty
and the "safety" in the "on safe" position unless shooting is imminent.
5. DO NOT TRANSPORT ANY FIREARM LOADED. KEEP ALL FIREARMS UNLOADED
DURING TRANSPORT, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD, GUN CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER.
6. HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREE STANDS IS DANGEROUS.
Doing so may increase the risk of handling a firearm. The following rules should always be
observed by you and those you hunt with: Always make certain that the stand being used is
safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up
and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand,
or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand. Remember, a loaded firearm
may discharge when dropped, even with the safety in the "on safe" position.
Page 52
7. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTION.
Do this for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of
other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to
cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest shotgun barrel.
BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS FULLY
UNLOADED.
Make sure no live rounds are in the chamber. Place the safety in the "on safe" position, open
the breech or action and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of any obstruction. If an
obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and
patch as instructed for your particular firearm. Before the first firing, clean the bore with a
cleaning rod and patch, and wipe away any anti-rust compounds in the action/chamber areas.
8. ALWAYS UNLOAD ALL FIREARMS WHEN NOT IN USE.
As a safety precaution, it is preferable to disassemble your gun for storage. Your
responsibilities do not end when your firearm is unattended. Store your gun and ammunition
separately -- well beyond the reach of children. Take all safeguards to ensure your firearm does
not become available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands.
9. USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION.
The barrel and action of all Browning firearms have been made with substantial safety margins
over the pressures developed by established American commercial loads. Nevertheless,
Browning assumes no liability for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of
nonstandard dimensions which develop pressures in excess of commercially available
ammunition with standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunitions Manufacturers'
Institute (SAAMI).
BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION MALFUNCTION.
If you detect an off sound or light recoil when ammunition is fired, DO NOT LOAD MORE
AMMUNITION INTO THE CHAMBER.
Open the action and remove all ammunition from the
chamber. With the action open, glance down the barrel to make sure that a wad or other
obstruction does not remain in the barrel. If there is an obstruction, completely clear the barrel
before loading and firing again. Failure to follow these instructions can cause extensive
damage to your gun and possible serious injury to yourself and others.
10.
DISCHARGE A FIREARM. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE TO AMMUNITION
OR CLEANING A FIREARM.
MAKE SURE OF ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE AREA THAT YOU
Lead exposure can be obtained from discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas,
cleaning firearms or handling ammunition. Lead is
a substance that has been known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other serious
injury.
11.
NEVER INSERT A SHELL OF THE INCORRECT GAUGE IN ANY SHOTGUN. The gauge of
your shotgun is marked on the side of the barrel. Store all shells of different gauges in
completely separate and well-marked containers. Never store shells of mixed gauges in a
common container or in your pockets.
12 GAUGE GUN.
EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR GUN. NEVER PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A
The most common way to bulge or rupture a shotgun barrel is to drop a 20
gauge shell into a 12 gauge chamber. The 20 gauge shell, unfortunately, will not fall
completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a 12 gauge chamber. Your gun
will misfire (with the chamber appearing to be empty). It is then possible to load a 12 gauge
shell behind the 20 gauge shell. If the 12 gauge shell is then fired, the result will be a so-called
“12-20 burst” which can cause extensive damage to your gun and possible serious injury to
you and others.
Page 53
12. USE SHELLS OF CORRECT LENGTH.
The size of the chamber is inscribed, along with gauge and choke designations, on the side of
the barrel. Do not use 31/2" shotgun shells in a shotgun or barrel with a 2 3/4" chamber or 3"
chamber. Do not use 3" shells in a shotgun chambered for a 2 3/4" shells. Doing so can result
in a build-up of dangerously high pressures that may damage your gun and possibly cause
serious injury to yourself or others.
13.
BE EMPTY!
DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN EMPTY CHAMBER -- THE CHAMBER MAY NOT
Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun, even though you are certain the gun is
unloaded.
14.
UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.
KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE LOADING AND UNLOADING
15. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP. Particularly during low light periods.
Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard objects.
16.
CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER
OBSTACLES.
ALWAYS UNLOAD THE CHAMBER AND MAGAZINE OF ANY FIREARM BEFORE
Never lean or place your loaded shotgun on or against a fence, tree, car or other similar object.
17.
WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. Unprotected, repeated exposure
to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protectors (shooting earplugs or muffs) to
guard against such damage. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles.
Always keep a safe distance between the muzzle of your firearm and any persons nearby, as
muzzle blast, debris and ejecting shells could inflict serious injury. Also, wear eye protection
when disassembling and cleaning all firearms to prevent the possibility of springs, springtensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.
18. DROPPING A LOADED GUN CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE.
This can occur even with the "safety" in the "on safe" position. Be extremely careful while
hunting or during any shooting activity to avoid dropping any firearm.
19. IF ANY FIREARM FAILS TO FIRE, KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
Hold this position for a minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully open the action and remove the
shell. If the primer is indented, the shell should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm.
If the primer is not indented, your firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the
cause of the malfunction should be corrected before further use.
20. BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU
AND OTHERS
. Don’t be timid when it comes to gun safety. If you observe other shooters
violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices.
21. BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING.
Because so many accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care
should be taken to be sure your gun is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.
Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any
firearm with live ammunition.
Page 54
22. SUPERVISE AND TEACH FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY --
ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NONSHOOTERS.
Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting
safety courses.
23. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR
DURING SHOOTING.
Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to
you and to others.
24. PERFORM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE -- AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
Your firearm is a mechanical device which will not last forever, and as such, is subject to wear
and requires periodic inspection, adjustment and service. Browning firearms should be
serviced by a Browning Recommended Service Center or by Browning's service facility in
Arnold, Missouri. Browning cannot assume any responsibility for injuries suffered or caused
by unauthorized servicing, alterations or modifications of Browning firearms.
25.
READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS in these instructions, on ammunition boxes and with
all accessories that you install on your firearm. It is your responsibility to secure the most upto-date information on the safe handling procedures of your Browning gun. Browning assumes
no liability for incidents which occur when unsafe or improper gun accessories or ammunition
combinations are used.
26. Browning reserves the right to refuse service on firearms that have been altered, added
to or substantially changed. Removal of metal from barrel(s), or modification of the firing
mechanism and/or operating parts may lead to Browning’s refusal of service on such firearms.
Browning will charge the owner for parts and labor to return the firearm to original Browning
specifications.
DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ALTER THE TRIGGER, SAFETY OR
OTHER PARTS OF THE FIRING MECHANISM OF THIS OR ANY OTHER
FIREARM. FAILURE TO OBEY THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR
DEATH TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS.
BE CAREFUL!
Page 55
Loading...