A couple Browning A-5 problems.

BTW - If you EVER get the urge..........

This from Browning.

DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS: The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2.

Note: Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.

Early A5 barrels are thin, and steel shot will ring them at the choke.

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If the gun is a 2 9/16 chamber and not converted, 30 percent less than the 2 3/4 guns?? If a hack converts the gun to 2 3/4 inch then you chance lossing even more, a hacked gun is worth maybe 30-40 percent of an original.

I have passed on several nice shotguns at attractive prices because someone HAD to engrave their drivers license on the side of the reciever.
 
I'm not planning on getting it converted (it's not exactly mine, anyway) I just plan on ordering some 2 1/2 inch shells to use with it.
 
Don't Judge Shell Size by Ejector Port Opening

The correct way to measure the length of shell that will fit the gun is to measure from the face of the breach block to the front opening of the ejection port. The Auto 5 early versions were designed to tumble the shell out, not eject it like modern semi auto shotguns. Lots of discussion as to why it has this design and I won't repeat them here. Basically, if the breach bolt is more than 1/4 inch below the rear opening of the ejection port, you have a 2 3/4 inch shell gun.

What really matters is how your barrel is stamped. My 16 gauge Auto 5 clearly has the 2 9/16 inch ejection port, but the barrel is clearly stamped "special steel - 2 3/4 inch shells". You can have the breach of the barrel checked by a professional gun smith (note - professional) who can verify what length of shell can be safely fired from your gun. A lazy and dangerous way to test the length of shell is to take an empty 16 gauge hull and ream the opening so that the folds are completely open and the same diameter of the case sides. If the hull fits correctly into the barrel and you can close the bolt and the firing pin will work, then your gun can probably take a 2 3/4 inch shell.

Also remember that the friction ring can be adjusted for light or heavy loads. Some A-5's have the instructions for the orientation pasted inside the fore stock. Otherwise, the Browning web site has the manual with clear pictures. Adjust the ring orientation and see if it makes a difference.
 
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oil

you mentioned on your original post about a shell partial ejecting. Just my 2 cents..when I picked up my A5 30 years ago it would not eject until I put a very light coat of oil on the tube so the recoil spring and components would have it to ride on. Mine went from a single shot to a reliable friend with that bit of dry slide.
 
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