Description
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Ga 3.5″, 28″ Barrel, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades, 4Rd is a premium semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for waterfowl and turkey hunters. It combines Browning’s reliable inertia-driven action with specialized camo and a long barrel for effective, long-range patterning in marsh and field environments. At $1774.90, it’s a significant investment, so let’s break down where that money goes and who gets the most bang for their buck.
Key Features
- Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades Camo: Full coverage, including the barrel and receiver, for superior concealment in flooded timber and grassy marshes.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel: Optimizes swing and provides a long sight plane for leading fast-flying waterfowl.
- Kinematic Drive System: Browning’s inertia-driven system is known for reliable cycling with a wide range of 12-gauge loads, from light 2¾” target loads to heavy 3.5″ magnums.
- 3.5″ Chamber: Gives you the option to use the heaviest waterfowl and turkey loads for maximum reach and knockdown power.
- Inflex Technology Recoil Pad: Directional padding that reduces perceived recoil, a crucial feature when you’re shooting high-volume 3.5″ shells.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 49.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades |
| Action | Semi-Auto, Inertia-Driven |
Weighing in at about 7.3 pounds, the A5 Wicked Wing strikes a balance—it’s heavy enough to soak up recoil but not so heavy it becomes a burden during long stalks or in a layout blind. The 28-inch barrel is the sweet spot for many hunters, offering a smooth swing without being unwieldy. That said, the 3.5-inch chamber capability is a key spec. It’s there if you need it for geese at the edge of decoy range, but remember you can always shoot shorter, less expensive 2¾” and 3″ shells through it for practice or closer birds. This gun is drop-in ready for the field; just add your preferred choke tube. Speaking of chokes, it uses the Invector-DS choke system, compatible with a wide range of Browning’s own aftermarket tubes for everything from tight turkey constrictions to open-patterning steel shot options.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is a tool for the dedicated waterfowler or turkey hunter who spends serious time in the blind. If your season involves chasing late-season honkers over decoys or setting up on pressured public-land ducks, the A5’s reliability and specialized camo offer real advantages. It’s also a fit for the hunter who wants one versatile, high-end shotgun that can handle everything from doves (with lighter loads) to turkeys. However, if you’re a casual hunter who only goes out a few times a year or primarily hunts upland birds where weight is a bigger concern, the price and specialized features might be overkill. For the budget-conscious, comparing it to the standard A5 or a Beretta A300 Outlander could highlight some practical trade-offs.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Extremely reliable inertia-driven action that’s less sensitive to fouling than gas systems. The full-coverage camo is durable and highly effective. The ability to cycle a huge range of loads adds versatility. Recoil management is excellent for a magnum-ready gun.
Cons: The price tag is steep. At nearly $1,800, it’s in the upper tier of production semi-autos. The 4+1 capacity is standard but less than some competitors. The specialized camo pattern, while perfect for its niche, isn’t as versatile as a basic matte finish or Realtree pattern for all-around use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing good for turkey hunting?
A: Absolutely. The 28″ barrel, 3.5″ chamber, and effective camo make it an excellent turkey gun. You’ll want to use a full or extra-full choke tube for dense patterns at longer ranges.
Q: Can I use 2¾” target loads in this shotgun?
A: Yes. The Kinematic Drive System is designed to cycle a wide variety of loads. It may require a brief break-in period with heavier shells, but it should handle standard target loads reliably, making it suitable for clays practice.
Q: What’s the main difference between this and a standard Browning A5?
A: The Wicked Wing model features the specific Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades camo applied to the metal receiver and barrel—not just the stock. Standard A5 models often have a gloss or matte blued finish. The Wicked Wing is a specialized hunting tool, while the standard finish is more general-purpose.
Look, the Browning A5 Wicked Wing is a purpose-built machine for serious waterfowlers. Its value lies in its proven reliability in harsh conditions and its focused design. If your hunting style demands that level of specialized performance, it justifies its cost. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. For the dedicated hunter, it’s a long-term investment in seasons of reliable performance.
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