Browning Auto 5 questions

[BNAllen]

I have a Browning Auto 5 with serial number 0M78XXX. From my review on Brownings site, I believe this shotgun was made in 1960 and it is a standard weight gun. When I search the Browning site, I find Auto 5 manuals for the Auto-5 Light and the Auto-5 Magnum. My shotgun is not a magnum, so, I am assuming that I have the "Light" (even though the serial number specifically identifies as a standard weight versus a light weight). Thank you, Brad

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=13

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/ownersmanuals/index.asp

 

[BNAllen]

Sorry, I can't seem to attach a photo. I'll keep trying

 

[Bill B.]

It will say Light 12 on the left side of the receiver if you have one.

 

[BNAllen]

It does not say Light 12 on the left side of the receiver.

Where do I find a manual for a standard weight (although I suspect there is little, if any difference in maintenance)?

Also, this 1960 shotgun will handle steel shoT or should I buy another barrel?

 

[Bill B.]

Maybe try here for a manual: http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/ctgy/browning-auto-5-field-service-manual

Don't think as you said there will be a major difference between the Light & Standard A5. I know very little about steel but most say not to use it in the older full choke barrels. If you have a Mod. or less I would think you should be ok.

 

[BNAllen]

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

Don't use steel in old Belgian barrels.
Get a Japanese barrel.
Use search if you want my reason.

 

[ky40601]

Two Cold Soakers,

Thanks for postng the information on steel shots not in Belgium A-5s. I have three of them and haven't thought that.

Again, thanks.

Jackie

 

[ElToro]

i beleive the difference between a light twelve and a regular was the stock is hollow ( or more hollow ?) weight difference is 10 oz.

edited to add this ( not mine, i found it on the net) :
the Light Weight 12 gauge was added to the Browning line in 1946. Around the 1948-1949 time frame the left side of the receiver was engraved with Light Twelve. Until 1951 the tirgger and safety was gold plated. The barrels and stocks interchange with standard ones.

It is simply a lighter version of the standard weight. Weight is saved by drilling three holes in the barrel ring; the rib on vent ribbed barrels is narrower; the receiver has additional material milled out of it and more wood is removed from the butt.

 

[rcmodel]

Nothing to do with the stock being hollow.
I can assure you they are not hollow.

There is a lot of steel removed internally from the Light-12 & Sweet-16 receiver that is still there on the standard weight guns.

rc

 

[Sauer Grapes]

Can't find my owners manual right now but I doubt the manual is any different for either the standard or light 12. They are the same gun except for wieght.