Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns A5 Light Twenty

I have a late 60's Belgian A5 2 3/4" 28" modified that I bought new. I don't use it much and I would like to take it dove shooting. The regs say non-toxic on public land. Does anyone shoot steel in their Belgian barrel or are there after market/replacement barrels invectors or fixed available. I have been shooting my Citori 24" 3" but I think that's going to a grandson. Any advise appreciated. Thanks.

I think the Jap A5 barrels are steel rated and they accept choke tubes. Jap barrels can be had, though no A5 barrel is inexpensive. Jap barrels are chunkier than Belgian barrels and sometimes it's necessary to relieve the forearm inside a little bit to allow it to fit.

I grew up shooting Belgian Browning A5's- 12 bore. And was there when steel shot became mandatory for waterfowl. What I remember was that Browning Arms said "Do NOT Shoot Steel Shot in Belgian Browning barrels".

Browning chokes are notoriously tight by US standards. I wouldn't because it could damage a very expensive barrel.

As I remember the edict was to NOT shoot steel BUT that was way back when and there is other non-toxic shot now so I was curious if others have used the new stuff in steel or whatever. I see the barrels are a tad pricey for sure.

Here you go, approved for vintage scatterguns.

http://www.rioammo.com/rio_bismuth.html

Bismuth is ok. BTW, I bought a 26" invector Japan barrel for my '63 A-5 Light 12 bore and it works like a charm with no modifications anywhere. My original barrel was 28" and modified, but made just before plastic wads came in. With the plastic wads, it shot full or better. I took it in for a Poly Choke and told the gun plumber to cut it to 20", then install the choke. I picked it up and it was 20" with the choke device. He had it written down correctly, but??? The VR Japan barrel salvaged the old girl.

I should have gone with a Sweet 16 or a Lloght 20. Fifty years later, the Light 12 is not so light.

Best,

Jack

I too, replaced my 1965 Light 12 A5 original barrel with a 26" Invector Miroku barrel. I just turned 58 & it still doesnt bother me to pack my A5 afield.