A5 Magnum

Toolman286

I'm helping a friend part with his collection & have questions on a Browning A5 barrel. The receiver is marked Magnum with ser# 70V687-- & the barrel has the # VL796--. Other barrel markings are 12-75, 18.4, 3" & a single *. Also, the barrel is 27-1/2" with a very square end. Does this barrel belong with the receiver & has the barrel been shortened?

rufe-snow

"70V687", is their code for a magnum, made in 1970.


The barrel might not be original to the receiver? One star denotes a full choke barrel. 18.4 millimeters is the metric equivalent for .724, i.e. Full choke.

The length doesn't seem correct, for a full choke barrel though? Check the I.D. diameter of the barrel with a dime, to see if it's full choke.

Steel shot became mandatory, shortly after the shotgun was made. Some previous owner, might have shot out the full choke. And the barrel was cut off to make it salable?

Toolman286

Thanks Rufe. I didn't have a gauge to check the bore and the dime did drop in a little too far to be full choke.

Grasshopper

Belgium barrels measure like that. So I have had 27.1/2" barrels that are full choke, our USA version of 28" full.

charliemeyer007

I think for a good dime test it needs to be a silver one not a junk money Johnson one.

Actual printing on paper will get you the effective choke with that load.

Toolman286

Thanks. I'll have to use an inside mich. The European length makes sense as he also has an A5 FN "Acier Special" that is 25-1/2".