A5™
autoloading shotgun owner’s manual
Important operating instructions for:
B r o w n i n g A 5 ™
a u t o l o a d i n g s h o t g u n s
If you have any questions about your new firearm, this owner’s manual or other Browning products, contact:
Browning Customer Service One Browning Place Morgan, UT 84050-9326 Phone: (800) 333-3288 browning.com
Please use the space below to record information about your new firearm.
Model ___________________________________________________
Serial Number_____________________________________________
Purchased From_ __________________________________________
Date of Purchase___________________________________________
T H A N K Y O U F O R c h o O s I N G a B r o w n i n g A 5 S h o t g u n .
The A5 shotgun represents the most advanced recoil-operated technology available in autoloading shotguns. A5 shotguns combine the best of traditional Browning craftsmanship with state-of-the-art design and manufacturing. Every detail of the A5 shotgun is engineered to provide you the best in reliable operation and handling.
With a reasonable amount of care, your A5 shotgun is designed to give you many years of dependable, enjoyable service.
C o n t e n t s |
P a g e |
State Warning............................................................................................ |
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WARNING: You are Responsible for Firearms Safety............................ |
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General Description and Operation........................................................ |
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Nomenclature......................................................................................... |
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Serial Number......................................................................................... |
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Initial Cleaning....................................................................................... |
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Operation of the “Safety”....................................................................... |
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Bolt Latch................................................................................................ |
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Assembly................................................................................................. |
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Disassembly............................................................................................. |
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Ammunition........................................................................................... |
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Magazine Capacity................................................................................. |
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Three-Shot Adapter (Plug).................................................................... |
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Loading................................................................................................... |
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Firing....................................................................................................... |
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Unloading............................................................................................... |
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Interchangeable Choke Tube System..................................................... |
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Adjusting Length of Pull........................................................................ |
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Adjusting Cast and Drop at Comb........................................................ |
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Extra Barrels............................................................................................ |
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Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions................................................ |
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Removal of the Trigger Group............................................................... |
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Removal of the Slide Assembly.............................................................. |
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Lubricating the Action Tube and Spring............................................... |
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Maintenance of Oil Finish Stocks.......................................................... |
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Models with Special Finishes................................................................. |
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Service or Repair..................................................................................... |
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S t a t e W a r n i n g
According to state law, California requires that firearm manufacturers, distributors and retailers include conspicuous, specific warnings with firearms sold in that state.
W a r n i n g : Y o u A r e R e s p o n s i b l e
F o r F i r e a r m s S a f e t y
Failure to follow any of the following warnings could result in serious injury or death.
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 this firearm and all other firearms with intense respect for their power and potential danger.
Please read and understand all of the cautions, warnings, notices, proper handling procedures and instructions outlined in this owner’s manual before using your new firearm.
1ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR firearm POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION even though you are certain it 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.
2Never rely totally on your Firearm’s mechanical “safety” device. Like any mechanical device, a “Safety” can sometimes fail; it can be jarred or inadvertently manipulated into an unsafe condition.
The word “safety” describes a firearm’s trigger block mechanism, sear block mechanism, hammer block mechanism or firing pin block mechanism. Mechanical “safeties” are designed to place your firearm in a safer status, and no guarantee can be made that the firearm will not fire even if the “safety” is in the on safe position. Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun handling and are no excuse for pointing your firearm’s muzzle in an unsafe direction. See “Operation of the Safety” on page 11 for instructions on the operation of this firearm’s “safety.”
Remember, safe gun handling does not stop with your firearm’s mechanical “safety” devices, it starts there. Always treat this firearm with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.
Some firearms do not have a mechanical “safety.” Many target firearms, lever-action firearms and pistols do not have manual “safety” mechanisms. Therefore it is critical to read and understand the owner’s manual for every firearm which explains the safe operation of the firearm.
While it is a good idea to test your firearm’s mechanical “safety” periodically for proper function, never test the “safety” while your firearm is loaded or pointed in an unsafe direction.
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3Whenever you handle any firearm, or hand it to someone, always open the action immediately and visually check the firearm’s chamber to Make certain that the firearm is completely unloaded.
Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent.
4Always WEAR Ear AND Eye PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING.
Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear hearing protection (shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage.
Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Allow proper distance (eye relief) between a scope and your eye when firing a scoped rifle, shotgun or pistol. Do not use
unorthodox shooting methods that could cause the rearward travel of the slide or bolt of a firearm to contact your eyes, face or hands. 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.
Always wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning any firearm to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.
5Keep all firearms unloaded during transport, even when stored in a holster, gun case, scabbard or other container.
6DROPPING or jarring A LOADED FIREARM CAN CAUSE 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.
7hunting from elevated surfaces such as treestands is dangerous.
Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling 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.
8Store your firearm and ammunition separately, well beyond the reach of children.
Take prudent safeguards to ensure your firearm does not become available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands. Store all firearms in secure, locked cases or a gun safe. Keep your firearm unloaded when not in use.
9BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS.
Mud, snow and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It only takes a small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can damage your firearm and cause serious injury to yourself and others.
BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED, THERE IS Not a LIVE shell IN THE CHAMBER AND THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE ON SAFE POSITION.
After assuring yourself that the firearm is completely unloaded, open the breech or action and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of obstructions. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described on pages 37-38 of this owner’s manual.
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10Be alert to the signs of ammunition malfunction. if you detect an off sound or light recoil when a shell is fired, do not load another shell into the chamber.
If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Rotate the ejection area of the firearm away from you, carefully open the action and remove the shell from the chamber. If the primer is indented, the defective 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 corrected before further use. Glance down the barrel to make sure that no obstructions remain in the barrel. Completely clear the barrel before loading and firing again. Failure to follow these instructions can cause extensive damage to your firearm and possible serious injury to yourself and others.
11never insert a shell of the incorrect gauge into any firearm.
The gauge of your firearm is marked on 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. See pages 16-17 for more information on the correct ammunition for your firearm.
12examine every shell you put in your firearm.
We assume no responsibility for the use of unsafe or improper firearm and ammunition combinations or damage or injury caused by damaged ammunition. It is your responsibility
to read and heed all warnings in this owner’s manual and on ammunition boxes. See pages 16-17 for more information on the correct ammunition for your firearm.
13USE ONLY SAAMI APPROVED AMMUNITION.
The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with substantial safety margins beyond the pressures developed by established American commercial loads. Nevertheless, we can assume no liability for incidents which occur through the use of
shells of nonstandard dimensions or 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).
14Make sure of adequate ventilation in the area that you discharge a firearm. Lead exposure can occur 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. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure to ammunition or after cleaning
a firearm.
15do not snap the firing pin on an empty chamber; the chamber may not be empty!
Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded firearm, even though you are certain the firearm is unloaded.
16KEEP YOUR Fingers AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE LOADING and unloading UNTIL shooting is imminent.
17BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP, particularly during low light periods.
Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard objects.
18ALWAYS UNLOAD your firearm’s CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES.
Never place your firearm on or against a fence, tree, car or other similar object.
19BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS.
Don’t be timid when it comes to firearms safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices.
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20BE CERTAIN your firearm is UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING.
Because so many firearm accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your firearm 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.
21TEACH AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NON-SHOOTERS.
Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting and shooting safety courses.
22NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING.
Your vision, motor skills and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others.
23read AND HEED ALL WARNINGS in this owner’s manual, on ammunition boxes and with all accessories that you install on your firearm.
It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures of your Browning firearm. We assume no liability for incidents which occur when unsafe or improper firearm accessories or ammunition combinations
are used.
24Practice 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 Facility or by our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri. We assume no responsibility for injuries suffered or caused by unauthorized servicing, alterations or modifications of Browning firearms.
25WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE ON FIREARMS THAT HAVE BEEN ALTERED, ADDED TO OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED.
Removal of metal from the barrel, or modifications of the firing mechanism and/or operating parts, may lead to a refusal of service on such firearms. We will charge you for parts and labor to return the firearm to original 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.
B e c a r e f u l !
G e n e r a l d e s c r i p t i o n a n d O p e r a t i o n
The Browning A5 is a recoil-operated autoloading shotgun capable of quickly firing up to five shells (with the three-shot adapter removed, using 2¾" loads), one shell at a time, with each successive pull of the trigger. Upon firing, recoil acts upon the slide assembly and compresses the recoil spring. When the energy from the recoil spring is released, the energy causes the slide to travel rearward, unlocking the bolt from the barrel and cycling the action. As the slide assembly moves rearward, it cocks the hammer and ejects the fired shell. After full rearward travel, the slide assembly returns forward, picks up a new shell from the magazine and chambers it. After the last shell has been fired, the slide assembly locks to the rear for faster reloading.
Figure 1
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Receiver |
Operating Handle |
Rib |
Barrel |
Front Sight |
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Buttstock |
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Muzzle |
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Forearm |
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Bolt |
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“Safety” |
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Magazine Cap |
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Latch |
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Trigger |
Bolt Release Button |
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Recoil Pad |
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Figure 2
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Barrel |
Barrel Extension |
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Barrel Bracket |
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Operating Handle |
Forearm |
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Magazine Cap |
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Slide Assembly |
Magazine Spring |
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Receiver |
Magazine |
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Buttstock |
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Recoil Pad |
Trigger Group |
Follower Magazine Spring Retainer |
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Three-Shot Adapter (Plug)
Trigger Group Pins
N o m e n c l a t u r e
In conventional firearm terminology the position and movement of firearm parts are described as they occur with the firearm horizontal and in the normal firing position: i.e., the muzzle is forward or in front; the buttstock is rearward or to the rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts nomenclature, refer to Figure 1 on page 9. For specific parts names related to disassembly, refer to Figure 2.
S e r i a l N u m b e r
The serial number of your A5 shotgun is found on the right side of the receiver, below the bolt release button. Record this number in the space provided at the front of this owner's manual for future reference.
I n i t i a l C l e a n i n g
NOTICE! PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE CLEANING YOUR FIREARM.
C l e a n i n g P a r t s w i t h S p e c i a l F i n i s h e s
Be especially careful when cleaning firearms with camouflage, Dura-Touch® Armor Coating and other special finishes. Always
prevent these surfaces from coming in contact with cleaning solvents, barrel scrubbers and other strong chemicals. It is preferable to clean these surfaces with a lightweight gun oil containing no solvents, or with a damp cloth and mild dish soap (be sure to keep water out of the action). When cleaning your firearm’s bore and action, protect the external finishes from any contact with chemicals used. Also, avoid any contact between external finishes and other strong chemicals like those found in DEET-containing insect repellents, sunscreens, etc. Damage to camouflage, Dura-Touch and other finishes caused by chemicals is irreversible and not repairable.
C L E A N I N G
Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your shotgun, clean
the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and
the action/chamber areas. A highquality lightweight gun oil is ideal for removing this compound, and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication. Place a drop of
lightweight gun oil on both sides of the inside of the receiver on the rails on which the slide assembly moves (Figure 3). Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under “Cleaning the Barrel” on page 37.
o p e r a t i o n o f t h e “ S a f e t y ”
Always keep the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death.
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Figure 4 |
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Figure 5 |
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The “safety” shown in the on safe position. |
The “safety” shown in the off safe position. |
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The “safety” is designed to prevent the trigger from being pulled when in the on safe position. The “safety” is located at the rear of the trigger guard. In the off safe position, a red warning band is visible on the safety button on the left side of the trigger guard.
To place the firearm on safe, press the “safety” button to the right (Figure 4).
To move the “safety” to the off safe or fire position, press the safety button to the left. This exposes the red warning band on the “safety” button (Figure 5).
Do not depend on the red color alone to indicate your firearm’s safety status. time, exposure to the elements, and the abrasive action of cleaning agents can erase it. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
The “safety” can be reversed from rightto left-handed by a qualified gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed “safety” will have the “safety” button’s red warning band on the right side of the trigger guard.
B o l t L a t c h
The A5 shotgun features a bolt latch mounted just forward of the trigger guard, on the bottom of the shotgun. The bolt latch performs two functions:
•Allows the slide assembly to be locked in the open position when the magazine is unloaded.
•Releases a shell from the magazine to be loaded into the chamber.
The bolt latch must be slid rearward before pulling the operating handle completely rearward in order to lock the slide assembly in the open position or release a shell for the magazine to be chambered.
A S S E M B L Y
ALWAYS KEEP the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER and magazine TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. place the “safety” in the on safe position. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
The A5 shotgun is delivered in the box with the barrel removed from the receiver. Assemble the A5 according to the following procedures.
1Lock the slide assembly rearward by first sliding the bolt latch to the rear, then pulling the operating handle fully to the rear as explained above.
Notice! NEVER ALLOW THE ACTION TO SLAM CLOSED BY PRESSING THE bolt RELEASE BUTTON WITHOUT THE BARREL INSTALLED. If the slide assembly is released forward with the barrel removed, the operating handle will strike the receiver and cause damage.
2Unscrew the magazine cap by turning the it counterclockwise.
3Remove the forearm from the magazine tube.
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Notice! Do not squeeze hard on the open rear end of a wood forearm. Too much pressure could cause the wood to split.
4Remove the forearm retainer by sliding it forward and out of the forearm (Figure 6). Retain the forearm retainer for future use as it helps prevent damage to the receiver and forearm when the barrel is not installed on the shotgun.
Figure 6
Before assembly, unscrew the magazine cap and remove the forearm retainer.
5Angle the front of the forearm over the barrel bracket slightly, then push the forearm completely onto the barrel bracket (Figure 7). When the forearm is completely on the barrel bracket, press the rear of the forearm into place on the barrel (Figure 8).
Notice! Do not squeeze the open rear end of a wood forearm. Too much pressure could cause the wood to split.
6Slide the barrel and forearm over the magazine tube. Align the barrel extension and forearm studs with the recesses in the front of the receiver. The barrel extension should slip solidly into the receiver (Figure 9).
Figure 7 |
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Figure 8 |
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Angle the forearm onto the front of the barrel |
When the forearm is completely forward, snap |
bracket and push the forearm forward. |
the rear of it into position on the barrel. |
Figure 9 |
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Figure 10 |
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Slide the barrel and forearm over the magazine |
Press and hold the barrel down and install the |
tube and insert the barrel extension into |
magazine cap. |
the receiver. |
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7Continue to apply pressure on the barrel, pushing it into the receiver, while installing the magazine cap by turning it clockwise (Figure 10).
D I S A S S E M B L Y
ALWAYS KEEP the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. BEFORE STARTING DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, open the action and VISUALLY INSPECT THE Chamber and magazine TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. place the “safety” in the on safe position. Failure to follow this warning could result in serious injury or death.
1Lock the slide assembly rearward by first sliding the bolt latch to the rear, then pulling the operating handle fully to the rear as explained on page 13.
Notice! NEVER ALLOW THE ACTION TO SLAM CLOSED BY PRESSING THE bolt RELEASE BUTTON WITHOUT THE BARREL INSTALLED. If the slide assembly is released forward with the barrel removed, the operating handle will strike the receiver and cause damage.
2 Unscrew the magazine cap by turning it counterclockwise.
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