I have a Belgian Browning AUTO-5 made in 1946 I just bought , it says ( *SPECIAL STEEL 12 GAUGE SHELLS 2 3/4 INCH) stamped on the barrel. Can anyone tell me what shells are safe to shoot in the shotgun like is 2 3/4 the longest , can I shoot slugs, 00 buckshot , magnum shells, etc. Oh and what does the stamping on the barrel mean? (SPECIAL STEEL?) Any education you can give me here will be GREATLY APPRECIATED! THANKS TO EVERYONE! Oh and if it matters the barrel is solid rib 30 inch?
Re: WHAT SHELLS CAN I SHOOT??? Welcome to the Browning Owners Forum !! Yes...2 3/4" is the longest shell that can be used. No to slugs, 00 / 000, and magnum shells... I could not find a source for the "Special Steel" Shells
Re: WHAT SHELLS CAN I SHOOT??? Thanks for the info SHOOTER13 and if you come across any info on that SPECIAL STEEL stamping on the barrel let me know buddy THANKS AGAIN! I APPRECIATE IT!
Re: WHAT SHELLS CAN I SHOOT??? I dont own an A5 but i have heard that it is not recommended to shoot stell shot out of the older A5 with anything tighter than a Mod choke. I have seen pics of barrels gettng the bulge with chokes tighter than that. Good luck with the gun and post some pics when you get a chance, would love to see it. All the best. BTK
Re: WHAT SHELLS CAN I SHOOT??? Thanks BillyTheKid I cant figure out how to post an image here man ??? I click on image and something comes up but I cant attach a file ???? If I could I would show you a 16 gauge I just bought made in 1925 Belgian before they even started putting Sweet 16 on them !
Re: WHAT SHELLS CAN I SHOOT??? As others said, don't shoot steel shot out of the barrel, but there's no reason you can't shoot buckshot or slugs through it. I would not put a slug down an old Full choke barrel, but Modified through Cylinder should be fine.
Re: WHAT SHELLS CAN I SHOOT??? BTW, that single "*" means it's a Full choke barrel, so I'd avoid slugs through it, but you probably could shoot them without anything blowing up. But I probably wouldn't...