You Are Responsible for Firearms Safety

As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death. Mistakes made with guns are final and cannot be paid for with money or regret.

There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle your shotgun and any other firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE CAUTIONS, PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM.

1. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION even though you are certain the shotgun is unloaded. Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within the range of your ammunition.

2. NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR SHOTGUN’S MECHANICAL “SAFETY” DEVICE. The word “safety” describes a gun’s trigger block mechanism, sear block mechanism, hammer block mechanism or firing pin block mechanism. These mechanical devices are designed to place your gun in a SAFER status. No guarantee can be made that the gun will not fire even if the “safety” is in the “on safe” position. The A-500G has a cross bolt “safety” which blocks the gun’s trigger. See “Operation of the Safety” on page 15 for instructions on operation of this gun’s safety.

Like any mechanical device, a “safety” can sometimes fail; it can be jarred or inadvertently manipulated into an unsafe condition. Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun handling and are no excuse for pointing your shotgun’s muzzle in an unsafe direction.

While it is a good idea to “test” your shotgun’s mechanical “safeties” periodically for proper function, NEVER TEST THE “SAFETY” WHILE YOUR SHOTGUN IS LOADED OR POINTED IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION.

Safe gun handling does not stop with your gun’s mechanical “safety” devices — it starts there. Always treat this shotgun with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.

3. WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY, VISUALLY CHECK YOUR SHOTGUN’S CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE to be certain that they do not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the “on safe” position unless shooting is imminent.

4. DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR SHOTGUN LOADED, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD GUN CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER.

5. HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREE STANDS IS DANGEROUS, and may increase the risk of handling a firearm. The following rules should always be observed by you and those you hunt with: Always make certain that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand. Remember, a loaded firearm may discharge when dropped, even with the safety in the “on safe” position. 

6. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS, for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest shotgun barrels.

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.

After assuring yourself that the shotgun is completely empty, again, open the breechblock, locking it to the rear, and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of any obstruction. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described in “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions”.

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.

7. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN WHEN NOT IN USE. REFER TO PAGE 28 OF THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE UNLOADING OF YOUR SHOTGUN. 

As a safety precaution, it is preferable to disassemble your gun for storage. Store your gun and ammunition separately — well beyond the reach of children. Take all safeguards to ensure your shotgun does not become available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands.

8. USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION. The barrel and action of this shotgun have been made with substantial safety margins over the pressures developed by established American commercial loads. Nevertheless, Browning assumes no liability for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimensions which develop pressures in excess of commercially available ammunition which has been loaded in accordance with standards established by SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute).

9. DO NOT PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE GUN. Store all shells of different gauges in completely separate and well-marked containers. Do not store shells of mixed gauges in a common container or in your pockets. EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR GUN.

The most certain way to bulge or rupture a barrel is to drop a 20 gauge shell into a 12 gauge chamber. The 20 gauge shell, unfortunately, will not fall completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a 12 gauge chamber. Your gun will misfire (with the chamber appearing to be empty). It is then possible to load a 12 gauge shell behind the 20 gauge shell. If the 12 gauge shell is then fired, the result will be a so-called “12-20 burst” which can cause extensive damage to your gun and possible serious injury to you.

10. DO NOT USE 3” SHOTGUN SHELLS IN A BARREL WITH A 2 3/4” CHAMBER. THE SIZE OF THE CHAMBER IS INSCRIBED, ALONG WITH 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 or until you are ready to shoot.

13. 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.

14. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN’S CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES. Refer to the instructions on the unloading of your shotgun. Never place your shotgun on or against a fence, tree, car, or other similar object.

15. WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protectors (shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Also, wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning your shotgun to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.

16. DROPPING A WADED GUN CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE even with the “safety” in the “on safe” position. Be extremely careful while hunting or during any shooting activity, to avoid dropping any firearm.

17. IF YOUR SHOTGUN FAILS TO FIRE, KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. Hold this position for a minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully open the action and remove the cartridge. If the primer is indented, the cartridge should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the cause of the malfunction should be corrected before further use.

18. BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. Don’t be timid when it comes to gun safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices.

19. BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many gun accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your gun is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition.

20. EDUCATE AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY — especially to children and non-shooters. Closely supervise newcomers to shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting safety courses.

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 instruction book and on ammunition boxes. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures for your Browning gun. Browning cannot assume any responsibility when unsafe or improper arms and ammunition combinations are used.

23. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE — AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING. Your shotgun is a mechanical device which will not last forever, and as such, is subject to wear and requires periodic inspection, adjustment, and service. Browning firearms should be serviced by a Browning Recommended Service Center or by Browning’s service facility in Arnold, Missouri. Browning cannot assume any responsibility for injuries suffered or caused by unauthorized servicing, alterations or modifications of Browning firearms. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO ALTER THE TRIGGER, SAFETY OR OTHER FIRING MECHANISM PARTS OF THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM.

BE CAREFUL!

The serial number of your Automatic-5 shotgun is found on the underside of the receiver, just forward of the loading port.

The A-500 has a 3-inch chamber and is designed to shoot and function with all 12 gauge factory loads: 3-inch Magnum, 2 3/4” Magnum, 2 3/4” High-Velocity loads, 2 3/4” Field and 2 3/4” Target loads. It is especially suited to shooting factory steel shot loads. Loads can be intermixed, in any order. 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 SAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute) established standards.

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 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. 

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.

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. 

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 maga­zine 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 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: 

3. Check the friction ring setting to be sure the friction rings are set according to the loads you plan to shoot. See pages 9 and 12 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 extension into the receiver. Note the guides on the barrel extension which must be placed in the receiver tracks (See Figure 3). 

4. With the left hand maintaining rearward pressure 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. ­

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). 

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 conve­nient 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. 

3. While continuing to hold the barrel firmly, gradually release pressure and slide the barrel directly forward off the magazine tube. DO NOT SUDDENLY RELEASE PRESSURE AGAINST THE BARREL. If this is done, the strong recoil spring may throw the barrel off the gun. 

4. AFTER THE BARREL HAS BEEN REMOVED 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.  

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.

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 convenience. 

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). 

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. 

SETTINGS FOR SHOOTING 3-INCH MAGNUMS

THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE ONLY FOR 3-INCH 12 AND 20-GAUGE MODELS, NOT FOR THE 2 3/4" LIGHT 12 GAUGE OR 2 3/4" LIGHT 20 GAUGE 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 big 3-inch magnum loads as much as possible. This recoil mechanism is specially arranged for those loads. As shown, it consists of a large spring, two friction brakes, and three coned friction rings (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, on top of which a friction brake is placed. 

2.  The second friction ring is placed on top of it with the beveled surface DOWN. 

3. The third ring is then placed back to back, that is, with its beveled surface UP. The second friction brake is placed on top of it. This is the correct position for all 3-inch magnum loads. 

4. The three friction rings and the two friction brakes are identical to each other and may be placed in any position for ring or brake within the prescribed arrangement.  

If the correct position of all the recoil compo­nents is not maintained you will get unneces­sary recoil which will severely pound the mechanism of your gun. 

SETTINGS FOR SHOOTING 2 3/4" HIGH VELOCITY AND STEEL SHOT LOADS

This gun has been designed specially for the  3-inch magnum loads. However, 2 3/4" magnum loads or 2 3/4" high-velocity loads may be used if the recoil mechanism is adjusted as follows.

1.  Remove the recoil mechanism is adjusted as follows. two friction rings as shown in Figure 10. This is also the correct setting for all steel shot loads. The top friction rings and brake should be removed entirely and not simply placed under the recoil spring. 

2. Be sure that the removed parts are placed in a safe place where they will not be lost. You will undoubtedly want to later readjust your gun to 3-inch magnum loads. 

BROWNING AUTO-5 SHOTGUN 

Schematic is provided for parts identification only and should not be used as a guide to as­semble guns. 

IMPORTANT: When ordering parts, list part number, part name, caliber, model and serial number. 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. 

NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES REMOVE THE BRONZE FRICTION PIECE FROM ITS POSITION 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. 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 Cut-off

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. 

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 qua!- 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. 

Should you ever experience ejection problems, one or more of the following may be 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 and brakes are not properly set. 

3. A slight swelling of the forearm (sometimes 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 SAFE DIRECTION AND THAT THE SAFETY IS "ON SAFE". KEEP YOUR HAND AWAY FROM THE EJECTION PORT TO AVOID BEING STRUCK BY THE BREECH SOLT, 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 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 underside of the receiver and thrust com­pletely forward as if loading the magazine - then release the pressure of your thumb. (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. 

3. THE GUN IS NOW LOADED AND READY FOR 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 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. 

With the three shot adapter installed, the magazine will hold TWO 2 3/4" or 3-inch shells. With the three shot adapter re- moved, the magazine holds FOUR 2 3/4" or THREE 3-inch shells. 

Unloading your Auto-5

CAUTION: WHENEVER UNLOADING, ALWAYS BE CERTAIN THAT THE MUZZLE IS POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THA'r THE "SAFETY" IS "ON SAFE". 

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 INSPECT THE CHAMBER, ACTION 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 breech­block release button.

EVEN WITH THE BREECH OPEN AFTER SHOOTING, DO NOT ASSUME YOUR 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. ALWAYS 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). 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. 

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 con-

firm 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 threaded. The degree of choke tube is indicated twice on each choke tube: Inscribed on the side of the tube, and indicated with a "notch" code on the top rim of the tube. Invector Choke Tubes are made with tempered steel and are fully compatible with all FACTORY AMMUNI­TION (loaded in compliance with SAAM! speci­fications) 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 UNLOADED, AND THE BOLT OR BREECH IS OPEN! NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR INSTALL A SHOTGUN CHOKING DEVICE ON A LOADED FIREARM! 

TUBE REMOVAL-

1. UNLOAD YOUR A-5 FULLY. INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS. 

2. Open the action, locking it rearward, and place the "safety" in the "on safe" position. 

3 .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. 

THE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE SHOULD BE PERIOD/CALLY 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.

Canadian customers please call or write to:

Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee, 

5617 Chemin St-Francois, St-Laurent, 

Quebec, CanadaH4S 1W6. 

(514) 333-7261.

INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE CODE

To identify individual Invector tubes, refer to the abbreviated indications on the side of the tube, or use the identification mark(s) located on the top rim of each tube. (See Figure 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 In vector 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 chan below to cross-refer­ence from lead to steel, and determine the appropri­ate tubes for your ammunition and hunting/shoot­ing situation. 

Several tubes are supplied with your Browning shotgun. The tubes listed are also available as acces­sories. Remember, Standard Invector and lnvector­Plus tubes are not interchangeable. Invector-Plus tubes are for Browning guns with back-bored bar­rels, such as your new Auto-5. Older Auto-5 models are Standard Invector. Before removing/installing tubes, or reading the rim notch code, make sure your shotgun is fully unloaded. 

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

our 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. 

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 designed for 2 3/4'' shells and vice versa because the feeding and ejection mechanisms are different. 

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 LEFI' loosen the small screw on the left side of the sight and tighten the screw on the right side. This is a process of trial and error. Make small adjust­ments then check the point of impact. 

VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT

Adjustment of the sight is controlled by the screw located on top of the sight. To RAISE the point of impact, turn the screw in a counter­clockwise direction. To LOWER the point of im­pact, turn the screw in a clockwise direction. Vertical adjustment is also a process of trial and error. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 preservation. 

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 where moisture will accumulate. 

9. The barrel and action should be inspected to assure that all cleaning patches have been removed and not inadvertently left in the bar­rel or action. 

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. 

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. 

If your A-500G should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. Your Browning Sporting Goods dealer can tell you the address of the Service Center nearest you, or you may call or write our Consumer Information Department in Morgan, Utah (801) 876-2711. Otherwise, you may return your shotgun to our own repair facility for servicing. The address is:

Browning Service Department
3005 Arnold Tenbrook Road

Arnold, Missouri 6301 0-9406
Phone: 1-800-322-4626

Canadian Customers call or write:

Browning Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee,
3167 De Miniac, St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1S0
(514) 333-7261

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following: 

a. Be sure it is completely unloaded. 

b. Package it securely in a cardboard container. 

c. Enclose a letter with your firearm that clearly describes the trouble experienced and the repairs or alterations desired. 

d. If convenient, send a copy of the letter to us separately. 

e. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.

If you have any questions about this manual or about any other Browning products, call or write our Consumer Information Department: 

Browning Consumer Information Morgan, Utah 84050 

Phone: (801) 876-2711 

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. NEVER TEST THE 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.
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. MAKE SURE OF ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE AREA THAT YOU DISCHARGE A FIREARM. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE TO AMMUNITION OR CLEANING A FIREARM.
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.
EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR GUN. NEVER PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE GUN.  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. 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.

14. KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE LOADING AND UNLOADING UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT.

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. ALWAYS UNLOAD THE CHAMBER AND MAGAZINE OF ANY FIREARM BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING OTHER OBSTACLES. 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, spring-tensioned 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 up-to-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!