Description
The Browning A5 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3.5″ Chamber, Mossy Oak Bottomlands Synthetic, 4rd is a modern inertia-driven semi-auto shotgun built for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters. It’s a reliable, hard-hitting workhorse that handles everything from light 2.75″ target loads to punishing 3.5″ magnums, all wrapped in a proven, weather-resistant synthetic stock with Mossy Oak Bottomlands camo. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through this platform, and its simplicity and reliability in the marsh are what keep me coming back.
Key Features
- Kinematic Drive System: Browning’s updated inertia system is cleaner, simpler, and more reliable than gas systems, especially in cold, muddy conditions.
- Versatile Chamber: The 3.5″ chamber lets you run any 12-gauge shell from 2.75″ to 3.5″ magnums without a hitch.
- Mossy Oak Bottomlands Camo: Full-coverage synthetic finish is durable and provides excellent concealment in flooded timber and marsh environments.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel: Offers a smooth, consistent swing for pass shooting and provides a clean sight plane with a brass bead front sight.
- Inflex Technology Recoil Pad: This isn’t just a pad; it’s a system that reduces felt recoil directionally, a genuine benefit with heavy magnum loads.
Specs & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 49.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7 lbs 3 oz |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomlands Synthetic |
Here’s the thing—the A5’s design means there’s no gas system to clean. You get a lighter, trimmer forend and a shotgun that just runs, shot after shot. The 28″ barrel is a sweet spot for waterfowl, giving you the length for a smooth follow-through without being unwieldy in a blind. At 7 pounds 3 ounces, it’s light enough to carry all day but has enough mass to soak up some of that big-shell recoil. The price point of $1412.72 reflects its position as a premium hunting tool built for the long haul.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This A5 is built for the dedicated waterfowler or turkey hunter who faces tough conditions and needs absolute reliability. It’s for the hunter who might start a season with early-season teal loads and finish it with heavyweight 3.5″ steel or tungsten for late-season geese. If you spend more time in a layout blind or a swamp than on a sporting clays course, this is your gun. It’s also a great choice for hunters who want the simplicity of an inertia system—no gunsmithing required for maintenance, just a basic field strip.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Incredibly reliable and low-maintenance operating system. Handles the full spectrum of 12-gauge shells flawlessly. The camo finish is tough and effective. The recoil management system actually works. It’s a classic design updated with modern materials.
Cons: The price is a significant investment. The inertia system can transmit more felt recoil than a well-tuned gas gun with similar loads. The synthetic stock, while durable, lacks the classic aesthetics of a walnut A5. That said, its performance in the field is what you’re paying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this A5 cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Yes, it should. The Kinematic Drive System is designed to be versatile. I’ve run light 2.75″ 1-ounce target loads through mine without issue. Browning engineers it to cycle a wide range, but as with any semi-auto, testing your specific ammo before a hunt is always wise.
Q: Is the barrel threaded for chokes?
A: Absolutely. It comes with Browning’s Invector-DS choke tube system, and typically includes a set of flush-mounted tubes (like Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full). This system is robust and compatible with a wide range of aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Patternmaster and Carlson’s.
Q: Can the length of pull be adjusted?
A: Out of the box, it’s not adjustable in the way some competition guns are. However, the stock design does allow for the use of spacers to slightly lengthen the pull, and the Inflex pad can be changed for a different model if needed. For most hunters, the standard dimensions fit out of the box.
If you need a shotgun that can handle Missouri’s diverse waterfowl seasons and do it without a fuss, the Browning A5 in Mossy Oak Bottomlands is a top-tier contender. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant addresses. See the full details on our site.
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