Browning Silver Owner's Manual
™
silver
AutoloAding shotgun
owner’s mAnuAl
Important operating instructions for:
B R O W NI N G S I LV E R™
A U T O LO 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 Consumer Information
One Browning Place
Morgan, UT 84050-9326
Phone: (801) 876-2711
www.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 OO S IN G A
B R O W NI N G S I LV E R S H O T GU N .
The Silver shotgun represents the most advanced gas-operated
technology available in autoloading shotguns. Silver shotguns combine
the best of traditional Browning craftsmanship with advanced
technology. Every detail of the Silver Hunter shotgun is engineered
to provide you the best in handling and reliable operation.
With a reasonable amount of care, your Silver shotgun is designed
to give you many years of dependable, enjoyable service.
C O N T EN T S P A G E
You are Responsible for Firearms Safety ................................................2
General Description and Operation .......................................................9
Nomenclature ...........................................................................................9
Serial Number ........................................................................................10
Initial Cleaning .......................................................................................10
Operation of the “Safety” ......................................................................11
Assembly .................................................................................................12
Disassembly ............................................................................................14
Ammunition ...........................................................................................15
Magazine Capacity .................................................................................16
Three-Shot Adaptor (Plug) ...................................................................16
Loading ...................................................................................................18
Firing ......................................................................................................21
Unloading ...............................................................................................22
Interchangeable Choke System .............................................................24
Stock Adjustment (Special Models) ......................................................28
Extra Barrels ...........................................................................................29
Mounting a Scope ..................................................................................30
Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions ...............................................32
Removal of the Trigger Group and Bolt Assemblies ............................35
Barrel Porting .........................................................................................41
Maintenance of Oil Finish Stocks .........................................................41
Models with Special Finishes ................................................................42
Service or Repair ....................................................................................43
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3
Y OU A R E R ES PO NS IB L E F O R F IR EA RM S S A F E T Y
fAilure to follow Any of the following wArn ings 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.
1 AlwAys keep the muZZle of your fireArm pointed in A sAfe
direction even though you Are certAin it is u nloA ded.
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 fireArm’s mechAni cAl “sAfety”
device. like Any mechAnicAl device, A “sAfety” cAn sometimes
fAil; it cAn be jArred or inAdvertently mAni pulAted 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.
3 whenever you hAndle Any fireArm, or hAnd it to someone ,
AlwAys open the Action immediAtely And visuAlly chec k the
fireArm’s chAmber to mAke certAin thAt t he fireA rm is
completely u nloAded.
Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any
ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety”
in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent.
4 AlwAys 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.
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5
5 keep All fireArms unloAded during trAnsport, e ven
when stored in A hol ster, gun cAse, scAbbArd or
other contAiner.
6 dropping 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.
7 hunting 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.
8 store 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.
9 bewAr e of bArrel obstructio ns.
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 unl oAde d, there is not A
live shell in the chAmbe r 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 page 32 of this owner’s manual.
10 be Alert to t he signs of Ammunition mAlfuncti on. if you
detect An off sound or light recoil when A shell is fired,
do not loAd Anot her shell into the chAmber.
If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. 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.
11 never insert A shell of t he incor rect 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 page 15 for more information
on the correct ammunition for your firearm.
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7
12 exAmine every shell you put in your fir eArm .
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 page 15 for more information on the
correct ammunition for your firearm.
13 use o nly 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 Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI).
14 mAke sure of AdequAte ventilAtion in the A reA thAt you
dischArge A fireArm. leAd exposure cAn occur from
dischArging fireArm s in poorly venti lAted 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.
15 do 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.
16 keep your fin gers AwAy from the trigger while loAding
And unloAding until shooting is imminent.
17 be sure of your tArget And bAckst op, pArticulA rly
during low light periods.
Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or
hard objects.
18 AlwAys unloAd your fireArm’s chAmber before crossing
A fence, climbing A tree, jump ing A ditch or negotiAting
other obstAcles.
Never place your firearm on or against a fence, tree, car or other
similar object.
19 be defe nsive And on guArd AgAinst unsAfe gun
hAndling Around you And others.
Don’t be timid when it comes to firearm safety. If you observe
other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely
suggest safer handling practices.
20 be certAin y our 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.
21 teAch And s upervise fireArms sAfety to All members of
your fAmily, esp eciA lly to chil dren And non-shoot ers.
Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage
enrollment in hunting and shooting safety courses.
22 never drink Alcoholic beverAges or tAke Any type
of drugs before or d uring shoo ting .
Your vision, motor skills and judgment could be dangerously
impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others.
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9
23 reAd And heed All wArni ngs 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.
24 prActice 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.
25 we rese rve the right to refuse service on fireArms thAt
hAve been Altered, Added t o or substAntiAlly c hAng ed.
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, u nder Any circums tAnces, 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 your self or others.
B E C A R E F U L !
fi gur e 1
Buttstock
Recoil Pad
“Safety”
Trigger
Bolt Handle
Receiver
Rib
Forearm
Carrier Release Button
Barrel
Muzzle
Magazine Cap
G E N E RA L D E S CR I PT I O N A N D O P ER AT I O N
The Browning Silver shotgun is a gas-operated, autoloading shotgun
capable of quickly firing up to five shells (with the magazine plug
removed, using 2¾" loads), one shell at a time, with each successive
pull of the trigger. Upon firing, high-pressure gases from behind the
shot charge pass through two ports in the barrel, through the gas
bracket and into the gas piston, forcing it and the sleeve bar rearward.
As the sleeve bar moves rearward, the sleeve bar push rod forces the
bolt to the rear, operating the action. As the bolt moves rearward, it
cocks the hammer and ejects the fired shell. After full rearward travel,
the bolt returns forward, picks up a new shell from the magazine and
chambers it automatically. The short-stroke and snug, gas sealing fit of
the gas piston limits the amount of combustion gases blown out of
the gas cylinder and into the receiver. After the last shell has been
fired, the bolt assembly locks to the rear instead of returning forward.
This facilitates fast reloading.
N O M E NC L A T U RE
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. For specific parts names related to
disassembly, refer to Figure 2.
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11
fi gur e 2
Barrel Extension
Gas Bracket
Trigger Group
Bolt
Sleeve Bar Spring
Bolt Handle
Bolt Slide
Magazine Cap
Gas PistonSleeve Bar
S E R I AL N U M B E R
The serial number of your Silver shotgun is found on the left side of
the receiver, above the trigger guard. Record this number in the space
provided at the front of this owner's manual for future reference.
I N I T IA L C L E AN I NG
NO TICE! pleAse tAke note of the followi ng informAtion before
cleAning your fireArm.
C LE ANI N G PARTS W IT H SP EC IAL FI N I SH ES
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 LE ANI 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 high-quality
lightweight gun oil is ideal for removing this compound, and for
giving your new firearm its first lubrication. Clean the barrel using
a cleaning rod and patch as explained under “Cleaning and
Maintenance Suggestions” on page 32.
O P E R AT I O N O F T H E “ S A F E T Y ”
fi gur e 3
AlwAys keep the “sAfety” in the on s Afe
position unless shootin g is imminent.
AlwAys keep the muZZle pointed in A sAfe
direction. fAilure to follow these wArnings
could result in serious injury or deAth.
The cross bolt “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 (Figure 3). 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. 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 4).
The thumb “safety” shown in
the “on safe” position.
fi gur e 4
The thumb “safety” shown in
the “off safe” position.
12
do not depend on t he red color Alone to indicAte y our
fireArm’s sAfety stAtus. t ime, exp osur e to the elements, And
the AbrAsive Action of cleAning Agents cAn erAse it. fAilure to
follow this wArni ng could result in serious injury or deAth.
The “safety” can be reversed from right- to 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.
A S S E MB LY
AlwAys keep the muZZle pointed in A sAfe direc tion. befo re
stArting Assembly procedures, visuAlly inspec t the chAmber
to be Absolutely certAin the fireArm is completely unloA ded.
plAce the “sAfety” in the on sAfe position . fAilure to follow
this wArnin g could result in serious injury or deAth.
The Silver shotgun is delivered in the box with the barrel removed
and the forearm attached to the magazine tube.
1 Take the receiver in hand. Lock the bolt rearward by pulling the
operating handle fully to the rear.
NO TICE! never Allow the Action to slAm c losed by pressin g the
cArrier releAse button without the bArrel instAlled. if the
bolt is releAsed forwArd w ith the bArrel removed, the
operAting hAndle will hit the r eceiver And cAuse dAmAge.
2 Remove the forearm from the magazine tube by unscrewing
the magazine cap and sliding the forearm forward, off the
magazine tube.
NO TICE! do not squeeZe hArd on t he open reAr end of A woo d
foreArm. too much pressure could cAuse the wood to s plit.
3 The components of the gas
fi gur e 5
system: the sleeve bar, sleeve
bar spring and gas piston
remain in place and do not
need to be removed except for
cleaning. If these components
have been removed, reinstall
them as explained below.
Otherwise, proceed to step 7.
4 Slide the sleeve bar spring,
sleeve bar, (push rod end first),
onto the magazine tube. Align
the push rod with the correct
Align the push rod with the slot in the receiver
(Silver 12 gauge shown).
fi gur e 6
slot in the receiver. The push
rod on a Silver 12 gauge model
goes in the slot on the left side
of the receiver (Figure 5). The
push rod on a Silver 20 gauge
model goes in the slot on the
right side of the receiver. Make
sure the sleeve bar spring is
properly positioned in the
sleeve bar.
5 Slide the gas piston into the
The gas piston fits int o the gas bracket.
fi gur e 7
gas bracket (Figure 6).
6 Align the gas bracket and gas
piston over the magazine tube
(Figure 7). Slide the gas bracket
and gas piston over the
magazine tube. The barrel
extension should slip solidly
down into the receiver. Make
sure the push rod moves freely
in its slot in the receiver.
Slide the barrel and pi ston over the magazine
tube and the barrel extensi on into the receiver.
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