A5 WICKED WING Shotguns Semi Auto Review

Description

I remember the first time I pulled the A5 WICKED WING Shotguns Semi Auto out of the box. It wasn’t just another shotgun; it felt like a purpose-built tool that had already been broken in. After putting a few hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to 3-inch magnums through it, I can tell you exactly what it is. The A5 WICKED WING is a modern, inertia-driven semi-auto shotgun engineered specifically for waterfowl and turkey hunters who face brutal conditions and need absolute reliability. It builds on Browning’s legendary A5 heritage with a weather-resistant finish, advanced ergonomics, and a design that simply eats whatever you feed it.

Here’s the thing—in a duck blind at 5 AM with freezing rain, the last thing you want to worry about is your gun. The WICKED WING is built for that moment. Its core is the proven Kinematic Drive System, an inertia-operated action that’s less susceptible to fouling from dirt, powder residue, or marsh muck compared to many gas systems. I’ve found it cycles faster and stays cleaner between cleanings, which, let’s be honest, is a blessing after a long season. The entire package is coated in a Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish that’s durable and provides complete coverage, right down to the barrel. At 7.3 pounds for the 28-inch model, it swings smoothly but has enough mass to soak up recoil, making those long days in the field more manageable.

The features are where this shotgun shows its specialized intent. The stock is a real highlight, featuring an adjustable comb system. You can dial in the perfect cheek weld for your preferred sight picture, whether you’re using a red dot or traditional beads. This is a huge advantage for consistency. The texturing on the grip and forend is aggressive without being abrasive, giving you a solid hold with wet or gloved hands. It comes with a set of Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) that are flush-fitting and designed for dense, consistent patterns with today’s advanced non-toxic shot. The 3.5-inch chamber gives you the versatility to handle any waterfowl or turkey load on the market, from light 2.75-inch target loads for practice to the heaviest magnums.

Gauge	12 Gauge
Chamber	3.5″
Barrel Length	28″ (as tested)
Overall Length	49.5″
Weight	7.3 lbs
Action	Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto
Finish	Mossy Oak Bottomland

What I like: The reliability is top-tier. The adjustable comb is a game-winner for precision. The inertia system is low-maintenance and runs clean. The overall balance and swing are instinctive. What gives me pause: The price point at $1751.39 positions it as a serious investment. It’s a specialized tool—if you’re solely a clay shooter or upland bird hunter, there are more cost-effective A5 models. The camo finish, while excellent, is a specific aesthetic choice.

So who is this for? It’s for the dedicated waterfowler who spends every possible morning in the marsh or timber. It’s for the turkey hunter who demands a reliable, pattern-consistent gun that can handle heavy TSS loads. It’s for the shooter who values fit and wants the ability to customize their cheek weld without aftermarket kits. If your idea of fun involves decoys, calls, and weatherproof gear, this shotgun is speaking your language. It fits out of the box for most shooters, and the adjustable comb means you can fine-tune it to perfection without any gunsmithing required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the inertia system handle light target loads?

A: Surprisingly well. Browning’s Kinematic Drive System is designed to cycle a wide range. In my testing, it reliably cycled 1-ounce target loads right out of the box, which isn’t always a given with 3.5-inch chambered guns. For the lightest possible loads, ensuring the gun is properly broken in with a box of standard field loads first is a good practice.

Q: Is the camo finish durable?

A: Yes, it’s a high-quality, dipped finish that’s resistant to scratches and the elements. It’s not just paint; it’s a full coverage, textured coating that holds up to briars, boat decks, and blind material. It won’t rust, and cleaning is straightforward—just wipe it down.

Q: Can I use my existing Browning choke tubes?

A: It depends. The WICKED WING uses the Invector-DS choke tube system. It is compatible with other Browning Invector-DS tubes. However, it is not backward compatible with older Invector or Invector-Plus tubes, so you’ll want to check your existing inventory.

If the idea of a no-fuss, all-weather semi-auto built for the toughest hunting you can throw at it resonates, this A5 WICKED WING is worth a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See the full details on our site.