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
One Browning Place commerce regulations.
Arnold, Missouri 6301 0-9406
Phone: 1-800-322-4626
Canadian Customers call or write:
Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee,
561 7 Chemin St-François
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
If you have any questions about this
manual or about any other Browning
products, call or write our Consumer
Information Department:
Browning Consumer Information
One Browning Place
Morgan, Utah 84050-9326
Phone: (801) 876-2711
5 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
9 The barrel and action should be inspected to
assure that all cleaning patches have been
removed and not inadvertently left in the bar-
preservation. rel or action.
6 If the gun has been exposed to much dust,
dirt, mud or water, the principal working
parts should be wiped clean and lubricated
with a light film of oil. Browning Oil is recommended.
7 The magazine tube on the Automatic-5
should be wiped clean of all dirt and grit, and
then lubricated lightly with an oiled patch.
The friction pieces should be assembled according to the loads to be used, as covered
previously.
8 Reassemble barrel and wipe all exposed
metal surfaces with an oiled cloth making
sure to wipe gun clean of all finger marks
10 The wood surfaces can also be wiped with
Browning Oil or they can be polished with
any quality furniture wax (but not both).
DO NOT TAKE YOUR GUN’S ACTION APART.
This is a specialized, finely fitted mechanism;
and you may mar it for life by an attempt to
remove the inner mechanism. It is unnecessary, and may do damage to the inner mechanism, to disassemble it for routine cleaning
and oiling. Of course, misfortunes (such as
dropping your gun in water) require appropriate attention, and in such circumstances
we recommend you immediately take your
gun to a competent gunsmith.
where moisture will accumulate.
Important Warning
DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS, OR HANDLING
AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE
BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE.
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.
CLEANING YOUR AUTO-5
The correct procedure for cleaning your Auto-5
shotgun is as follows:
BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN’S MAGAZINE,
FEED MECHANISM AND CHAMBER ARE
UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE “ON
SAFE” POSITION AND LOCK THE BOLT TO THE
REAR. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE SAFETY
GLASSES DURING ALL DISASSEMBLY AND
CLEANING PROCEDURES.
1 Remove the barrel so that it can be cleaned
from the breech end.
2
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
the bore several times. Remove and wipe the
Invector tube, tube threads and barrel
threads, and lightly oil.
Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions
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 placed
on each receiver track in which the breech bolt
and barrel extension guides run during operation (See Figure 16). This will help to relieve
friction and insure smooth operation.
DO NOT POUR LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL
INTO THE ACTION. A LARGE EXCESS OF OIL
WILL RUN BACK INTO THE WOOD OF THE
STOCK AND CAUSE SOFTENING OF THE
WOOD, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL LOOSENING
OF THE STOCK.
3 Inspect the bore from both ends for leading
by looking through the bore toward light.
Leading will appear as dull longitudinal
streaks and is usually more predominate near
the muzzle and just forward of the chamber.
4 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.
notch code, make sure your shotgun is fully un-
loaded.
Rim Pattern With Pattern With
Notches Lead Shot Steel Shot
Knurled X-Full Turkey
I Full
Special **
*
CAUTION: DO NOT USE STANDARD INVECTOR
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.
Use of Extra Barrels
Your Auto-5 can be made suitable for multiple
shooting conditions merely by changing from
one barrel to another of different choke or
length. On all Browning Automatic-5 shotguns,
barrels of the same gauge and model are completely interchangeable and no special fitting is
required. Thus, by merely buying another barrel, 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.
II Imp. Modified Full***
III Modified Full***
IIII Imp. Cylinder Modified
IIIII Skeet Imp. Cylinder
No Notches Cylinder Cylinder
Rim Pattern With Pattern With
Notches Lead Shot Steel Shot
I Full
III Modified Imp. Modified
IIII Imp. Cylinder Modified***
IIIII Skeet Modified***
No Notches Cylinder Imp. Cylinder
*Not for use with steel shot. Using an ow-tight choke constriction with steel shot
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
****Has knurled extension beyond muzzle.
*
NOTE: 3-inch Magnum 12 gauge and 3-inch
Magnum 20 gauge barrels will not fit or work in
a Light 12 gauge or a Light 20 gauge action de-
signed for 2 3/4" shells and vice versa because
the feeding and ejection mechanisms are differ-
ent.
Sight Adjustment for the Buck Special
The Buck Special is equipped with a precision
rear sight which is screw adjustable for both horizontal and vertical correction (See Figure 15).
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.
THE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE SHOULD BE
PERIODICALLY CHECKED TO ASSURE THAT
IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY SEATED. BEFORE
CHECKING, FOLLOW THE SAFETY GUIDELINES OUTLINED ABOVE.
Replacement and additional tubes and wrenches
are available from your Browning dealer, or by
writing to:
Browning Consumer Department,
One Browning Place, Morgan, Utah 84050.
801-876-2711.
UNLOADED, AND THE BOLT OR BREECH IS
OPEN! NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR
INSTALL A SHOTGUN CHOKING DEVICE ON A
LOADED FIREARM!
Canadian customers please call or write to:
Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee,
5617 Chemin St-Francois,
St-Lament., Quebec, Canada H4S 1W6.
TUBE REMOVAL- (514) 333-7261.
UNLOAD YOUR A-5 FULLY. INSPECT THE
1
CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS.
INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE CODE—
To identify individual Invector tubes, refer to
the abbreviated indications on the side of the
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. Finger twist the
tube the rest of the way out of the barrel.
TUBE INSTALLATION-
1
UNLOAD YOUR A-5 FULLY. INSPECT THE
CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY
SHELLS.
2 Open the action 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 tube wrench to firmly seat the tube.
tube, or use the identification mark(s) located
on the top rim of each tube. (See Figure 14).
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 ac-
cessories. Remember, Standard Invector and
Invector-Plus tubes are not interchangeable.
Invector-Plus tubes are for Browning guns with
back-bored barrels, such as your new Auto-5.
Older Auto-5 shotguns are Standard Invector. Before removing/installing tubes, or reading the rim
SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED. ALWAYS INSPECT
THE CHAMBER, CARRIER AND MAGAZINE
TUBE TO BE SURE THEY CONTAIN NO
CARTRIDGES. THEN, REMEMBER TO
ALWAYS TREAT ANY GUN AS IF IT WAS
LOADED. AL WA YS HANDLE YOUR SHOTGUN WITH CAUTION.
Operation of the Magazine Cut-off
The magazine cut-off is located at the front end
of the left side of the receiver (See Figure 12).
lnvector Interchangeable Choke System
All current Auto-5 shotguns have barrels that are
threaded to accept the Browning Invector-Plus
Interchangeable Choke System. You may confirm this by glancing on the right side of your
barrel where the specifications are inscribed,
and where the choke markings are normally located. All older Auto-5 models and the Auto-5
Buck Special are conventionally choked. The
word, INVECTOR denotes that the barrel is
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 quickly to
change the load in the chamber of the gun without going to the trouble of unloading the whole
magazine. In this way a duck load can quickly
be taken out and a goose load inserted, if the
need arises.
To operate the magazine cut-off, merely pull the
cut-off lever back (See Figure 13). This will lock
the shells in the magazine. Push the cut-off lever
forward when you desire to release the shells in
the magazine so that they will feed automatically as the gun is fired.
With the magazine cut-off in operation, the
chamber empty, and the breech bolt locked in
the rearward position, a shell may be instantly
delivered from the magazine to the chamber by
merely pushing the magazine cut-off forward.
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
(loaded in compliance with SAAMI specifi-
TION
FACTORY AMMUNI-
cations) including magnum lead and steel shot
loads and rifled slug loads.
DO NOT FIRE THIS SHOTGUN WITHOUT HAVING
AN INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE INSTALLED.
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 BARRELS SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. USE
ONLY CHOKE TUBES MARKED INVECTOR.
CAUTION: WHENEVER HANDLING ANY
SHOTGUN FOR THE PURPOSE OF REMOVING
OR INSTALLING A CHOKING DEVICE, MAKE
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE GUN IS FULLY
open, pull rearward on the operating handle
until the breech bolt locks back. The gun is
now ready to load.
2 Hold the gun with either right or left hand at
the grip or forearm as you prefer or are accustomed. With the opposite hand, merely
introduce the front end of the shell into the
under side of the receiver and thrust completely forward as if loading the magazine —
then release the pressure of your thumb.
side of the receiver to close the action. The
bolt release button is still provided to close
the action on an empty chamber, if desired.
CAUTION: DO NOT PRESS THE BOLT
RELEASE BUTTON AND LET THE BOLT
SLAM HOME WITH THE BARREL REMOVED
FROM THE ACTION.
When the barrel is installed, the breech bolt
stops against the barrel extension, preventing
any damage. With the barrel removed, however, the operating handle will forcefully
strike the front edge of the ejection port causing damage to the receiver. If you wish to
close the bolt with the barrel removed, be
sure to hold the operating handle as you depress the bolt release button. Let the bolt ride
home slowly.
Unloading Your Auto-5
CAUTION: WHENEVER UNLOADING, ALWAYS BE
CERTAIN THAT THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION AND THAT THE “SAFETY” IS “ON SAFE’’.
(See Figure 11.) The shell is immediately and
automatically driven rearward, tripping the
feed mechanism, and delivered instantly into
the chamber without further manipulation.
The breech bolt automatically closes during
the loading operation.
THE GUN IS NOW LOADED AND READY FOR
3
FIRING.
To load the magazine, continue the same procedure, slipping shells past the carrier into
the magazine until the latter is full. (Without
the magazine plug, the magazine will hold 4
shells; 2 shells if the plug has been inserted.)
Be sure to insert each shell completely into
the magazine before releasing.
The speed loading system is equally convenient for right or left-hand shooters. The instant delivery of the first shell to the chamber
in one simple operation eliminates entirely
the conventional process of dropping the first
shell into the open receiver port and then
pressing the bolt release button on the right
The recommended way to unload the Auto-5 is
simply to grasp the operating handle and cycle
the action until all rounds are ejected.
ALWAYS lNSPECT THE CHAMBER, ACTlON 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 Auto-5 remains open 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 breech-
block release button.
EVEN WITH THE BREECH OPEN AFTER
SHOOTING, DO NOT ASSUME YOUR
You will note, however, that the mechanism
must receive a certain amount of force if it is to
operate automatically. The addition of any sort
of weight to a barrel will have somewhat the
same effect. When such factors as these are introduced, care must be given to suitable adjustment of the friction ring setting. It is desirable to
utilize the setting for heavy loads as long as the
mechanism functions properly. When resistance
to recoil is too great to permit proper ejection,
the light load setting should be used.
Oil on the Magazine tube
Whether the friction ring is set for heavy loads
or light loads, the amount and kind of oil on the
magazine tube will, by varying the amount of
friction, have an effect upon the amount of recoil. In general, the more oil that is put on the
magazine tube (or bronze friction piece), the
easier this friction piece will slide on the tube;
hence, a greater degree of recoil will be obtained.
Should your gun at any time commence to give
ejection trouble, one or more of the following is
usually the cause:
1 Insufficient oil on the magazine tube, rust,
gum, or hardened grease, any of which may
interfere with normal operation of the recoil
spring and friction pieces.
2 The friction rings are not properly set.
A slight swelling of the forearm (sometimes
3
unavoidable under conditions of excessive
exposure to moisture) may cause sufficient
resistance to the barrel to affect normal operation. If a side of the barrel shows signs
that it is rubbing against the forearm, the application of a fine piece of emery cloth to the
interfering portion of the inside of the forearm will quickly rectify the problem.
Using the Speed Loading Feature
WARNING: WHENEVER LOADING, ALWAYS BE
CERTAIN THAT THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A
If you are firing a light load and the gun fails to
eject, the addition of oil to the magazine tube in
the region of the bronze friction piece will sufficiently increase recoil to a point satisfactory for
good ejection.
Oil which congeals in cold weather or deposits
gummy residue may reduce recoil to the point
where the gun will fail to eject, Use a high qual-
ity lubricant. Occasionally clean the magazine
tube and relubricate. If temperatures of ten to
thirty degrees below freezing are likely to be
encountered, it is best to utilize an oil which
maintains its fluidity in such temperatures.
Browning Gun Oil is particularly well suited for
this purpose.
At all times there should be a film of oil on the
magazine tube except when 12 gauge, 2 3/4”
magnum loads are being used. With this load it
is desirable to wipe the magazine tube practi-
cally dry. Function will not be affected and you
will find these heavy loads much more comfort-
able to shoot.
SAFE DIRECTION AND THAT THE SAFETY IS
“ON SAFE”. KEEP YOUR HAND AWAY FROM
THE EJECTION PORT TO A VOID BEING STRUCK
BY THE BREECH BOLT, WHEN THE ACTION
CLOSES.
The Browning Auto-5 shotgun is equipped with
the speed loading system. Its design will enable
you to load faster and easier. It is not necessary
to press the bolt release button on the right side
of the receiver during the loading process, and
the same procedure is used in loading the first
shell into the chamber as in loading the remaining shells into the magazine.
CAUTION: WHENEVER A SHELL HAS BEEN
CYCLED 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 POSITION.
1 BE SURE THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A
SAFE DIRECTION AND THE “SAFETY” IS
“ON SAFE”.
If the breech bolt is not already
Parts List: Auto-5 Semi-Automatic Shotgun 12, 16 and 20 Gauge
PART NO. DESCRIPTION
01 P011001 Action Spring All Gauges 21 P011111 Carrier Spring Trigger
02 P011003 Action Spring Follower
03 P011005 Action Spring Plug
04 P01 1007 Action Spring Plug Pin All Gauges
05 P01 1009 Action Spring Tube Magnum 20 Gauge
06 *P011015 Barrel Extension Assembly, 20 Gauge
06 *P011017 Barrel Extension
06 *P011022 Barrel Extension
06 *P011024 Barrel Extension
06 *P011025 Barrel Extension Assembly, 29 P011147 Extractor Left 12M-12-16- 51 P011279 Locking Block Latch Spring 71 P011399 Sight Body-Rear-Buck
07 P011027 Breech Block 12M-12
07 P011032 Breech Block 16
07 P011035 Breech Block Magnum 31 P011149 Extractor Magnum
07 P011036 Breech Block 20
08 *P011040 Butt Plate All Gauges
09 P011042 Butt Plate Screws All Gauges
10 *P011046 Butt Stock Magnum W/ 12M-12-16-20 55 P011295 Magazine Cutoff - Magnum 76 *P011405 Satety Sear 12M-12
10 *P011048 Butt Stock Field 1 5/8”x 35 P011162 Extractor Spring Right 55 P011298 Magazine Cutoff 16 77 P01 1408 Safely Sear Pin All Gauges
10 *P011056 Butt Stock Field 1 5/8”x 36 P011163 Extractor Spring Magnum Gauges
All Gauges
All Gauges
All Gauges
All Gauges
Magnum 12 Gauge
Assembly, 12
Assembly, 16
Assembly, 20
Magnum 20 Gauge
20 Gauge
All Gauges
Recoil Pad 1 5/8”x2 1/2 “x 35 P01 1160 Extractor Spring Right
14 14”12M
2 1/2" x14 114" 12
PART NO. DESCRIPTION PART NO. DESCRIPTION
22
22 P011117 Cartridge Stop 16-20-20M 48 P011261 Locking Block 16-20-20M 66 P011382 Recoil Spring Magnum
23 P011120 Cartridge Stop Spring 49 P011264 Locking Block Latch 20 Gauge
24 P01 1121 Ejector & Ejector Rod 49 P01 1265 Locking Block Latch All Gauges
25 P011124 Ejector Spring Magnum 49 *P011269 Locking Block Latch All Gauges
26 P011126 Ejector Spring Retainer 49 *P011272 Locking Block Latch
27 *P011127 Ejector 12 & Prewar 16 50 P011275 Locking Block Latch Pin 70 P011397 Sight Base-Rear-Buck
27 *P011134 Ejector 16-20 & 12M All Gauges Special 16
28 *P011136 Ejector Rivet 12 51 P011277 Locking Block Latch Spring 70 P011398 Sight Base-Rear-Buck
28 *P011142 Ejector Rivet 12M 16 20
30 P011148 Extractor Spring Follower 52 P011280 Lock Screw All Gauges 72 P011400 Sight Aperture-Rear-Buck
32 P01 1 150 Extractor Right
33 P011155 Extractor Pin Left & Right
34 P011159 Extractor Spring Left
Plate Type 16-20-20M
P011115 Cartridge Stop 12M 12
Magnum 20 Gauge 2-Piece Carrier 16-20 Special 12-12M
20 16-20-2OM Special All Gauges
Magnum 20 Gauge 53 P011285 Magazine Cap-W/O Swivel
12M-12-16-20
12M-12 55 P011297 Magazine Cutoff 12
16-20 55 P01 1299 Magazine Cutoff 20-20M 78 P01 1410 Safety Sear Spring All
20 Gauge
47 *P011252 Link Pin 12M-12 66 P011378 Recoil Spring 12
47 *P011254 Link Pin 16-20-20M 66 P01 1379 Recoil Spring 16
48 P011256 Locking Block 12M-12 66 P011381 Recoil Spring 20
Magnum 20 Gauge 67 *P01 1385 Safety Crossbolt Right
Magnum 12 Gauge 68 *P01 1386 Safety Crossbolt Left
2-Piece Carrier 12 69 P01 1390 Safety Ball All Gauges
12M-12 Special 20-20M
53 P011287 Magazine Cap-W/O Swivel 20 Gauge
54 P011292 Magazine Cap W/Swivel 74 P011403 Sight Adjusting Screw-
54 P011294 Magazine Cap W/Swivel 75 P011404 Sight Roll Pin-Buck Special
Eyelet 12M-12 73 P011401 Sight Adjusting Screw-
Eyelet 16-20-20M
Eyelet 12-12M
Eyelet 16-20-20M
12 Gauge
PART NO. DESCRIPTION
70 P01 1395 Sight Base-Rear-Buck
Special All Gauges
Windage-Buck Special
All Gauge
Elevation. Buck Spec.
All Gauge
All Gauges
76 *P011406 Safely Sear 16-20-2OM
10 P01 1052 Bun Stock Composite 37 P011164 Extractor Spring Follower
11 P011057 Butt Stock Swivel Eyelet 38 P011165 Firing Pin 12M 12
12 *P011062 Carrier Assembly Magnum
12 *P011064 Carrier Assembly
12 *P011066 Carrier Assembly
12 *P01 1068 Carrier Assembly
13 *P011070 Carrier Dog 12M 12 40 *P011191 Forearm 5-Shot 20 60 P011330 Magazine Spring Retainer 83 P011435 Tang Screw for Pistol Grip
13 *P011071 Carrier Dog 16-20-20M 40 *P011192 Forearm Magnum 20 12M-12
14 P011076 Carrier Dog Follower
14 P011077 Carrier Dog Follower 40 P011176 Forearm Composite 12M 61 P011335 Magazine Tube 5-Shot 12 85 P011445 Trigger Pin All Gauges
15 P011079 Carrier Dog Pin 12M-12 Magnum 12 Gauge Safely 12-12M
15 P011080 Carrier Dog Pin 16-20-20M 41 P011197 Friction Piece Bronze 12
16 P011081 Carrier Dog Spring 12M-12 41 P011198 Friction Piece Bronze Safely 16-20-20M
16 P01 1083 Carrier Dog Spring 16-20-
17 P011085 Carrier Latch Assembly 42 P011205 Friction Ring 12M-12 61 P011343 Magazine Tube 5-Shot 20 87 P011477 Trigger Plate Screw-Front-
17 P011086 Carrier Latch Assembly 12 43 P011215 Friction Spring 12 62 P01 1344 Mainspring All Gauges 86 P01 1480 Trigger Plate Screw-Rear17 P011089 Carrier Latch Assembly 16 43 P011216 Friction Spring 16-20 63 P011345 Mainspring Screw All
17 P01 1090 Carrier Latch Assembly 44 *P01 1225 Hammer Assembly
18 P011092 Carrier Latch Button 12 44 *P011228 Hammer Assembly 64 P011347 Operating Handle
18 P01 1093 Carrier Latch Button Lightweight 12
18 P011094 Carrier Latch Button Lightweight 16-20-20M
19 P01 1098 Cartridge Stop-Carrier 46 *P01 1243 Link (Magnum) 20 Gauge
20 P01 1103 Carrier Screw All Gauges
21 P011107 Carrier Spring Trigger
12M-12 Right 16-20 All Gauges Follower All Gauges
(Buck Special)
12 Gauge
2 Piece 12
2 Piece 16
2 Piece 20-20M
12M-12
16-20-20M 41 P011 195 Friction Piece Bronze
20M
Magnum 12 Gauge 42 P011207 Friction Ring 16-20.20~ 61 P011338 Magazine Tube 12M 16-20-20M
20-20M Magnum 12 Gauge
12M-16 44 *P01 1232 Hammer Assembly
20-20M 45 *P011235 Hammer Pin AII Gauges 65 †*P011357 Receiver Magnum 20
Latch-Magazine Cutoff Pin 65
Plate Type 12M-12
38 P011167 Firing Pin 16-20-2OM
39 P011168 Firing Pin Stop Pin 12M 12
39 P011 169 Firing Pin Stop Pin
40 *P011170 Forearm 5-Shot Magnum 58 P011321 Magazine Follower 20-
40 *P011172 Forearm 5-Shot 12
40 *P011183 Forearm 5-Shot 16
40 P011 175 Forearm Composite 12 16-20-20M
41 P011199 Friction Piece Bronze 16-20 20M
46 *P011245 Link (Magnum) 12 Gauge
46 *P011247 Link 12
46 *P011251 Link 16-20
16-20-20M
12 Gauge
Gauge 60 P01 1333 Magazine Spring Retainer 84 *P01 1444 Trigger-Crossbolt Safety-
Magnum 20 Gauge
56 P011305 Magazine Cutoff Spring 79 P011414 Safety Sear Spring
57 P01 1310 Magazine Cutoff Spring 80 P01 1421 Sight Ramp-Front-Buck
58 P011315 Magazine Follower- 80 P01 1422 Sight Ramp-Front-Buck
58 P011319 Magazine Follower 16 81 P01 1423 Sight Gold Bead-Front-
59 P011325 Magazine Spring 12M-12
59 P011329 Magazine Spring
61 P011338 Magazine Tube 5-shot 86 *P011466 Trigger Plate for Crossbolt
61 P01 1339 Magazine Tube 5-Shot 16 86 *P011473 Trigger Plate for Crossboll
61 P011342 Magazine Tube 5-Shot 87 P011475 Trigger Plate Screw-Front-
64 P011346 Operating Handle 12M-12
65 †*P011355 Receiver Magnum 12
65 †*P011368 Receiver Sweet 16
65 †*P011372 Receiver Lightweight 20 valid Federal Firearms License.
66 P01 1375 Recoil Spring Magnum Do not order by key number.
Screw All Gauges Special 12M-12-16
12 Magnum & 12 Gauge
20M
16-20-20M
& 12M
12-M Only
Gauges 88 P01 1481 Trigger Plate Screw-Rear-
16-20-20M
Gauge
Gauge
†*P01 1362 Receiver Lightweight 1 2
12 Gauge
82 P011425 Sight Bead Plain & Vent
82 P011431 Sight Bead Plain & Vent
89 *P011486 Trigger Spring Pin
90 P011495 Trigger Spring Retaining
91 P01 1499 Magazine Plug Adapter 3
'Indicates part must be fitted by Browning
Service Department or qualified gunsmith.
†Part may be purchased by holders of current
Special 20M-20
Buck Special All Gauges
Magnum 12M
12-20-20M-16
Stock All Gauges
Gold Plated
12-16-20-20M
12M 12
12M-12
16-20-20M
Retained All Gauges
Pin All Gauges
Shot All Gauges
BROWNING AUTO-5 SHOTGUN LIGHT 12. SWEET 16 AND 20 GAUGE
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. Do not order by key number.
CAUTION: Browning parts are made exclusively
for Browning guns and should not be used in
other guns even though models may be similar.
Inadequately fitted parts may be dangerous.
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 DEPEND ON 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.
2 The bronze friction piece is then slipped over
the magazine tube with its beveled surface
up.
THE GUN SHOULD NEVER BE FIRED
WITHOUT BRONZE FRICTION PIECE IN
PLACE.
If the correct position of the recoil components
is not maintained you will get unnecessary recoil which will severely pound the mechanism
of your gun.
Friction Ring Adjustment for Auto-5 Light
12 and 20 Gauge Models
SETTINGS FOR SHOOTING 2 3/4-INCH MAGNUM,
STEEL SHOT, AND HIGH VELOCITY LOADS —
THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE ONLY
FOR 2 3/4-lNCH 12, SWEET 16 AND 20 GAUGE
MODELS, NOT FOR THE 3” MAGNUM 12 GAUGE
OR 3” MAGNUM 20 GAUGE SEMI-AUTOMATIC
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR
THOSE MODELS IN A SEPARATE MANUAL.
A great deal of attention has gone into the design of the recoil absorbing mechanism to minimize the recoil of the magnum loads as much as
possible. It is a mechanism specially arranged
for those loads. As shown, it consists of a
bronze friction piece and one coned friction
ring (See Figure 9).
1 with the butt of the stock down and the
magazine tube pointing up, one friction ring
is placed on top of the spring with the beveled surface UP.
NOTE: If steel shot loads will not function with
the heavy load setting, then set friction ring adjustment for light load settings.
Friction ring setting for light loads
The single difference from the arrangement
given for heavy loads is a change in the position
of the friction ring. For light loads this friction
ring is taken off and placed at the extreme rear
end of the magazine tube, between the rear end
of the recoil spring and the receiver with the
beveled edge turned toward the receiver. (See
Figure 10).
NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES REMOVE
THE BRONZE FRICTION PIECE FROM ITS POSI-
TION REARWARD OF THE BARREL GUIDE RING.
If the gun is fired with either the friction ring or
the recoil spring in direct contact with the barrel
guide ring, the rear surface of the barrel guide
ring will be deformed. Removal of the bronze
friction piece permits an excess of recoil. You
will be getting unnecessary recoil, thereby
pounding the mechanism of your gun severely.
AFTER THE BARREL HAS BEEN REMOVED
4
FROM YOUR GUN, LEAVE THE BREECH BOLT
IN THE OPEN POSITION. DO NOT PRESS THE
BOLT RELEASE BUTTON.
If the breechbolt is released forward with the
barrel removed, the operating handle will be
driven against the front edge of the receiver
ejection port, which will cause damage to the
receiver.
The semicircular wood ridge at the rear of the
forearm should fit into the matching groove
in the front of the receiver (See Figure 6).
Disassembly Procedures
CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE
CERTAIN THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM
AND MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO SHELLS.
1 Draw the breech bolt rearward and lock it
open.
2 Rest the butt end of the stock on any conve-
nient rigid surface. With the left hand apply
rearward pressure to the barrel, then unscrew
the magazine cap with the right hand. While
maintaining rearward pressure on the barrel,
remove the forearm from the magazine tube.
5 For the convenience in casing and carrying the
dismantled gun, return the forearm to its position on the magazine tube and screw on the
magazine cap. You will then have two neat
units. One is the barrel; the other is the action
with forearm and stock.
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 and has an enlarged head on the
right side designed to be conspicuous “ON SAFE”,
hence, a shooter is not likely to lose a shot
through failure to notice that his “safety” is on.
The enlarged head also aids you to move the
safety to FIRE position with unusual speed and
3 While continuing to hold the barrel firmly, convenience.
gradually release pressure and slide the barrel
directly forward off the magazine tube.
NOT SUDDENly RELEASE PRESSURE AGAlNST
THE BARREL.
If this is done, the strong recoil
DO
spring may throw the barrel off the gun.
In the “off safe” Or “fire” position a 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 (See figures 7 & 8).
out the plug, the end of which you will see in
the exposed end of the magazine tube. The
gun will then be a 5 shot semi-automatic.(See
Figure 2.)
If at some future time you wish to limit your
gun to three shots again, take the adaptor
and pass the shaft through the hole in the
magazine spring retainer which is exposed in
the end of the magazine tube. With this shaft
projecting into the magazine, press or lightly
tap the head of the adaptor to force the
magazine spring retainer downward until the
head of the plug is on a level with the end of
the magazine tube if it is not already so. Then
proceed with assembly as follows:
Check the friction ring setting to be sure the
3
friction rings are set according to the loads
you plan to shoot. See page 9 for proper setting of friction rings. Place the barrel guide
ring around the magazine tube and force the
barrel rearward against the resistance of the
recoil spring while guiding the barrel exten-
sion into the receiver. Note the guides on the
barrel extension which must be placed in the
receiver tracks (See Figure 3).
With the left hand maintaining rearward pres-
4
sure against the barrel to the point where the
front end of the barrel extension is even with
or slightly inside of the front end of the receiver (See Figure 4), replace the forearm
over the magazine tube and screw the magazine cap on tightly. Be careful not to squeeze
the rearward end of the forearm. Squeezing
too hard may cause it to crack (See Figure 5).
BE CERTAIN THE MAGAZINE CAP IS
SCREWED COMPLETELY DOWN FORCING
THE REAR END OF THE FOREARM INTO
FIRM CONTACT WITH THE FRONT END OF
THE RECEIVER.
Serial Number Initial Cleaning
The serial number of your Automatic-5 shotgun
is found on the underside of the receiver, just
forward of the loading port.
Ammunition
Automatic-5 Light Models are designed to shoot
and function with factory 2 3/4” lead and steel
shot loads. However, 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).
General Operating Procedures
The Browning Automatic-5 shotgun is a recoil
operated, semi-automatic shotgun. The breech
bolt locks into the barrel. Upon firing, recoil
causes the barrel and breech bolt to travel rearward, recocking the hammer. After full rearward
Various exposed metal parts of your new Auto-5
have been coated with a rust preventative compound for protection.
Before assembling your Auto-5, clean the antirust compound from the barrel, receiver, magazine tube 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.
Assembly Procedures
CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER,
FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CONTAIN
NO SHELLS.
The Auto-5 is delivered, in the box, with the
barrel removed and the forearm assembled on
the magazine tube. Perform the following steps
to assemble your Auto-5 and make it ready for
shooting.
travel, the breech bolt unlocks from the barrel,
The barrel begins forward movement an instant
before the breech bolt begins forward travel.
This split second delay lets the barrel “get
ahead” of the breech bolt, which is holding the
spent shell with dual extractors. This accomplishes extraction. Ejection occurs when the
ejector, located in the barrel extension, strikes
the rim of the spent shell during forward travel
of the barrel. During forward travel of the bolt,
a fresh round from the magazine is fed into the
chamber. After the last shell has been fired, the
breech bolt locks open, instead of returning
fully home. This facilitates speedy, convenient
reloading.
This operation is semi-automatic; the trigger must
be released and pulled to fire each successive shot.
1 Pull rearward on the operating handle and
draw the breech bolt rearward where it will
remain locked back. Rest the butt end of the
stock firmly on any convenient rigid surface.
With the left hand, pull rearward on the forearm to counteract the forward thrust of the
recoil spring around the magazine tube. with
the right hand unscrew the magazine cap.
Slide the wooden forearm forward off the
magazine tube.
DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD ON THE OPEN
REAR END OF THE FOREARM. TOO MUCH
PRESSURE COULD CAUSE THE WOOD TO
SPLIT.
2 The Automatic-5 is delivered with the maga-
zine adaptor in the magazine which limits the
gun to three shots total (to comply with Federal migratory bird regulations), If you do not
want your gun to be so limited, merely take
21 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.
22
READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS in this in-
struction book, 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 han-
dling procedures for your Browning gun.
Browning assumes no liability for incidents
which occur when unsafe or improper gun
accessories or 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!
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 posi-
tion; 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. See (Figure 1)
for names of all parts and assemblies covered in
disassembly and cleaning procedures.
10 CAUTION: DO NOT USE 3-1/2" SHOTGUN
SHELLS IN ANY SHOTGUN OR BARREL
WITH A 2 3/4” CHAMBER OR 3" CHAMBER.
DO NOT USE 3" SHELLS IN A SHOTGUN
CHAMBERED FOR 2 3/4" SHELLS. THE SIZE
OF THE CHAMBER IS INSCRIBED, ALONG
WITH GAUGE AND CHOKE DESIGNATIONS,
ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL.
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 AWAY FROM THE
TRIGGER WHILE UNLOADING, LOADING,
UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.
13 BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACK-
STOP. Particularly during low light
periods. Know the range of your
ammunition. Never shoot at water or
parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.
DROPPING A LOADED GUN CAN CAUSE AN
16
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.
IF YOUR SHOTGUN FAILS TO FIRE, KEEP
17
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 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
hard objects.
14
ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN'S
CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE,
CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR
NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES.
Refer to page 13 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. 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 your shotgun to prevent
the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned
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.
BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED
19
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
disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. Keep
ammunition away from the cleaning location.
Never test the mechanical function of any
firearm with live ammunition.
EDUCATE AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS
20
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.
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
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 Manufactur-
barrels. ers Institute (SAAMI).
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 12 and 13 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
BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION
MAL FUNCTION.
If you detect an off sound or light recoil
when a shell is fired,
OTHER SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER.
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. If there is an obstruction, completely clear the barrel before loading and firing again. Failure to follow these
instructions can cause extensive damage to
DO NOT LOAD AN-
Open
with a cleaning rod and patch as described in
“Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” on
page 17. 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.
ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN WHEN
7
NOT IN USE. REFER TO PAGE 13 OF THIS
INSTRUCTION BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE
UNLOADING OF YOUR SHOTGUN.
As a safety precaution, it is preferable to dis-
assemble 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.
USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION.
8
The barrel and action of this shotgun have
been made with substantial safety margins
over the pressures developed by established
American commercial loads. Nevertheless,
your gun and possible serious injury to yourself and others.
DO NOT PUT A 16 OR A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A
9
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.
You Are
JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE CONDITION.
Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun
Responsible For
handling and are no excuse for pointing your
shotgun’s muzzle in an unsafe direction,
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 3 WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, OR
AND INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS
BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM.
ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR
1
SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION,
While it is a good idea to “test” your
shotgun’s mechanical “safeties” periodically
for proper function,
NEVER TEST IT 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.
HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE
ACTION IMMEDIATELY, VISUALLY CHECK
YOUR SHOTGUN’S CHAMBER, FEED
MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE
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 CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER.
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 Auto-5 has a cross bolt
“safety” which blocks the gun’s trigger. See
“Operation of the Safety” on page 8 for instructions on operation of this gun’s “safety.”
LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE, A
“SAFETY” CAN SOMETIMES FAIL; IT CAN BE
Make certain that they do not inadvertently
contain any ammunition. Always keep the
chamber empty and “safety” in the “on safe”
position unless shooting is imminent.
DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR SHOTGUN
4
LOADED, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD GUN
5 HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES
SUCH AS TREE STANDS IS DANGEROUS,
and 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. Remem-
ber, a loaded firearm may discharge when
dropped, even with the safety in the “on
safe” position.
NEW GUN OWNERS RECORD
KEEP THIS RECORD FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Browning Model
Serial Number
Gauge / Caliber
Purchase Price
Purchased From
Date of Purchase
We are pleased that you have chosen a Browning Automatic-5 shotgun.
It is certainly a gun you can be proud to own. For over 90 years the Auto-5 has been recognized as
the most proven and reliable semi-automatic shotgun ever designed. The time-tested Auto-5 is one
of the greatest inventions of John Moses Browning, and is a hallmark to his incredible genius. With
a reasonable amount of care, your Automatic-5 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
One Browning Place, Morgan, Utah 84050
Distributed in Canada by Browning Canada Sports Ltd/Ltee, 561 7 Chemin St-Francois, St-Laurent, Quebec, Canada H4S 1 W6
Printed in U.S.A.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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