Description
I was breaking clays over a cut soybean field last October, the wind whipping across the flats, when I realized what I really wanted from a semi-auto shotgun. It wasn’t just about the swing—it was about a gun that felt like an extension of you from the first case you cracked, one that handled the cold, the mud, and the long walk back without a second thought. That’s the experience the A5 WICKED WING Shotguns Semi Auto is built for.
So, what is the A5 WICKED WING Shotguns Semi Auto? It’s a modern, inertia-driven 12-gauge shotgun built on Browning’s proven A5 platform, specifically designed for the waterfowler and field shooter who demands reliability in tough conditions. It features a distinctive burnt bronze Cerakote finish over an aluminum alloy receiver, weighs a manageable 7.3 pounds for all-day carry, and incorporates a raised, vented rib for fast target acquisition. This is a purpose-built tool that ships to Missouri and compliant US states.
Let’s talk about what makes it work. The heart is Browning’s reliable inertia-driven system. I’ve put everything from light target loads to heavy 3″ magnums through this action, and it cycles them all without a hiccup—no gunsmithing required. The system is simpler than a gas gun, meaning fewer parts to foul with powder residue or marsh muck. After a long, wet day, a basic field strip takes minutes, and you’re cleaning the essential bits without a pile of small springs and pistons to lose. It just runs.
The burnt bronze Cerakote isn’t just for looks, though it certainly stands out in the blind. That finish is a armor against the elements. Missouri weather can go from frosty morning to rainy afternoon, and that ceramic-based coating provides serious corrosion resistance where bluing might show wear. Paired with the aluminum alloy receiver, you get a receiver that shaves weight without sacrificing durability. At 7.3 lbs, it’s light enough to carry for miles but has enough heft to soak up recoil, especially with those 3″ waterfowl loads.
Handling is where it shines. The raised, vented rib gives you a clean, optical-bright sight plane that gets on birds fast. The balance point is just ahead of the receiver, making the swing smooth and instinctive. It comes with Browning’s Inflex Technology recoil pad, which genuinely works to direct energy down and back, not straight into your shoulder. You can shoot this gun all day and still feel like yourself the next morning. The price reflects this level of fit and finish, coming in at $1744.19.
Specifications
| Gauge | 12 GA |
| Receiver Finish | BURNT BRONZE CERAKOTE |
| Receiver Material | ALUMINUM ALLOY |
| Operating System | Inertia Driven |
| Weight | 7.3 LBS |
| Chamber | 3″ |
Pros & Cons
The Good: Extreme reliability across a wide range of loads. Excellent corrosion-resistant finish. Lightweight for its class with managed recoil. Simple, easy-to-maintain inertia system. Fantastic pointability right out of the box.
The Considerations: The burnt bronze is distinctive, but not for those wanting traditional blued or matte finishes. The inertia system can have a sharper felt recoil impulse than some soft-shooting gas guns, though the pad mitigates it well.
Who is this for? This is the shotgun for the serious waterfowler who doesn’t have time for malfunctions when the ducks are working. It’s for the upland hunter covering big country who appreciates a lighter carry. It’s also a solid choice for the clay shooter who wants one semi-auto to pull double duty on the sporting clays course and in the field, especially with its compatibility with standard Browning Invector-DS or Invector-Plus choke tubes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Yes. The inertia system in the modern A5 is tuned to handle a wide spectrum. I’ve run 1-ounce, 2 ¾-dram target loads through it without issue. If you plan to shoot exclusively ultra-light loads, you may need to adjust the friction ring, but for mixed use, it’s drop-in ready.
Q: Is the barrel back-bored or ported?
A: The barrel features Browning’s back-boring, which reduces felt recoil and can improve pattern consistency. It is not ported, which keeps the action cleaner and reduces muzzle blast directed to your neighbors in the blind.
Q: What’s the real benefit of the Cerakote finish for a Missouri hunter?
A: Durability in variable conditions. From the salty, humid air of duck marshes to the dusty grit of a harvested cornfield, the ceramic coating provides a far more resilient barrier against rust and wear than traditional finishes. It’s practical protection that happens to look great.
If the idea of a rugged, weather-resistant semi-auto that handles as good as it looks fits your season, the A5 Wicked Wing is worth a closer look. You can find the full details and availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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