Why do they recommend not using steel some in some older shotguns. If the steel shot is captured in the plastic cup there should be no contact with the bore.
Steel shot in a plastic wad
- Thread starter swamper2
- Start date
Good question. I've shot Browning A5's for 60 years. Stories I heard when steel shot came out was that it could buldge the barrel. I swapped out my Belgium barrels and replaced them with Browning barrels made in Japan. Supposedly the metal was stronger and at that time there had been no proof a Japanese barrel would bulge. I have never had any issues with Browning barrels, regardless of age or manufacture.
You are correct sir. That's the general "cure" for the A-5; to put the Japanese barrels on. A plus is you get the invector system (though I think some are invector and others invector+) - can always change them out. My experience back in the day was that the invector chokes and steel were not great at patterning. Had we had internet back then and known about Briley and Trulock. Chokes have come a long way since the 80's.
The problem with the "soft barrels" is that, irrespective of being in a plastic wad, steel shot doesn't compress which is where the "bulging" comes in at the choke.
The other solution is to get some bismuth (Rio) or if you're insane (like I was a few years ago), get some Kent Tungsten Matrix (not tungsten, but the matrix). The TM and Bismuth is better regardless of shooting an "old barrel" or a "modern barrel."
I'll die saying the original Auto-5 is the BEST shotgun ever produced. Keep them clean (I've never taken one fully apart), and they'll last not 1 or 2 lifetimes, but possibly 4-5.
This. I have a barrel downstairs, that was my FIL's. When steel shot first came out, he learned the hard way about it's 'lack' of compactability.
Excellent shotguns….. i took one completely down one time…. Holy shit….prolly won’t do that again
Every weapon John Browning had a hand in designing "fits" my body... I often wonder what his physical height, weight and comfortable length of pull was.
Add the "Cutts Compensator" to the list of chokes (above).... LOL
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The Cutts Compensator was originally developed as a device that reduced recoil (35-46% depending on the load used) in large bore long guns. It later morphed into a device that also allowed for changeable chokes. ... The Cutts compensator was invented by Colonel Richard Malcolm Cutts, USMC.
Add the "Cutts Compensator" to the list of chokes (above).... LOL
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The Cutts Compensator was originally developed as a device that reduced recoil (35-46% depending on the load used) in large bore long guns. It later morphed into a device that also allowed for changeable chokes. ... The Cutts compensator was invented by Colonel Richard Malcolm Cutts, USMC.
I was told the pressure spikes while going through the choke. No clue shot a ton of steel and never had it happen seen two super novas and one old mossburg get barrel bulges from heavy bb super mags with full choke. Just what I was told.
I have several A5s, and still use a Belgian "Light 12", with the pin removed, for shooting 2 3/4s at pheasants, but they are heavy as hell compared to a modern shotgun. I feel like I'm the MG gunner when I carry it. I'm a big guy, but even I get tired of carrying one with 5 shells in it through the switch grass all day , and I use the sling.
My other A5s are simply too nice and expensive to duck hunt with anymore. I have an SBE I don't mind throwing in the bottom of the boat, or a Cittori Special Steel Lightning that I sometimes use. I have a buddy who waterfowls with an A5, but he split the limb, and replaced stock and limb with synthetic. I have been told this is common, but it's never happened with any of mine.
My other A5s are simply too nice and expensive to duck hunt with anymore. I have an SBE I don't mind throwing in the bottom of the boat, or a Cittori Special Steel Lightning that I sometimes use. I have a buddy who waterfowls with an A5, but he split the limb, and replaced stock and limb with synthetic. I have been told this is common, but it's never happened with any of mine.
