User manual BROWNING A500 GAS OPERATED SEMI-AUTOMATIG SHOTGUN

We are pleased that you have chosen a Browning A-500G shotgun. It is certainly a gun you can be proud to own. It represents the state-of-the-art in modern gun design and manufacturing. The processes of design, testing and manufacturing were all assisted by advanced computer systems. The result is superior dependability, greater easeof-operation, smoother handling and more reliable overall function. With a reasonable amount of care, your A-500G shotgun should give you many years of dependable, enjoyable service. Please feel free to write us immediately if you have any observations regarding its performance and operation. Thank You. Route One Morgan, Utah 84050 Distributed in Canada by Browning Printed in Portugal Canada Sports Ltd./Ltee, St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1 W6 Browning A-5OOG Gas Operated Semi-Automatic Shotgun NEW GUN OWNERS RECORD KEEP THIS RECORD FOR FUTURE REFERENCE Browning Model Serial Number Gauge / Caliber Purchase Price Purchased From Date of Purchase You Are Firearms Responsible Safety for 1. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR SHOTGUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, 2 As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle your shotgun and any other firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger. PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE CAUTIONS, PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES AND INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS BOOKLET BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM. 2. even though you are certain the shotgun is unloaded. Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within the range of your ammunition. NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR SHOTGUN'S MECHANICAL "SAFETY" DEVICE. The word "safety" describes a gun's trigger block mechanism, sear block mechanism, hammer block mechanism or firing pin block mechanism. These mechanical devices are designed to place your gun in a Safer status. No guarantee can be made that the gun will not fire even if the "safety" is in the "on safe" position. The A-500G has a cross bolt LIKE ANY MECHANICAL DEVICE, A "SAFETY" CAN SOMETIMES FAIL; IT CAN BE JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. "safety" which blocks the gun's trigger. See "Operation of the Safety" on page 14 for instructions on operation of this gun's safety. shotgun with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm. 3. WHENEVER YOU HANDLE A FIREARM, OR HAND lT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY, VISUALLY CHECK YOUR SHOTGUN'S CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE. Mechanical "safeties" merely aid safe gun handling and are no excuse for pointing your shotgun's muzzle in an unsafe direction. While it is a good idea to "test" your shotgun's mechanical "safeties" periodically for proper function, Make certain that they do not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the "safety" in the "on safe" position unless shooting is imminent. NEVER TEST THE "SAFETY" WHILE YOUR SHOTGUN IS LOADED OR POINTED IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION. 4. DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR SHOTGUN LOADED, WHETHER IN A SCABBARD, GUN CASE, OR OTHER CONTAINER. 5. HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREE STANDS IS DANGEROUS, Safe gun handling does not stop with your gun's mechanical "safety" devices -- it starts there. Always treat this and may increase the risk of handling a firearm. The following rules should 3 4 always be observed by you and those you hunt with: Always make certain that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand. Remember, a loaded firearm may discharge when dropped, even with the safety in the "on safe" position. 6. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS, BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN NO LIVE ROUND IS IN THE CHAMBER AND THAT THE MAGAZINE AND FEED MECHANISMS ARE COMPLETELY EMPTY. PLACE THE "SAFETY" IN THE "ON SAFE" POSITION for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest shotgun barrels. See page 23 for instructions on unloading). After assuring yourself that the shotgun is completely empty, again, open the breechblock, locking it to the rear, and look through the barrel to be sure it is clear of any obstruction. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described in "Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions" on page 44. Before the first firing, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch, and wipe away any anti-rust compounds in the action/ chamber areas. 7. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN WHEN NOT lN USE. REFER TO PAGE 20 OF THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET EXPLAINING THE UNLOADING OF YOUR SHOTGUN. As a safety precaution, it is preferable to disassemble your gun for storage. Store your gun and ammunition separately -- well beyond the reach of children. Take all safeguards to ensure your shotgun does not become available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands. The barrel and action of this shotgun have been made with substantial safety margins over the pressures developed by established American commercial loads. Nevertheless, Browning assumes no liability for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimensions which develop USE THE PROPER AMMUNITION. pressures in excess of commercially available ammunition which has been loaded in accordance with standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI). BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITlON MALFUNCTION. If you detect an off sound or light recoil when a shell is fired, Open the action and remove all shells from the magazine, chamber and action areas. With the action open, glance down the barrel to make sure that a wad or other obstruction does not remain in the barrel. Completely clear the barrel before loading and firing again. Failure to follow these instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and possible serious injury to yourself and others. DO NOT LOAD ANOTHER SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER. 8. 5 9. Store all shells of different gauges in completely separate and well-marked containers. Do not store shells of mixed gauges in a common container or in your pockets. EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR GUN. DO NOT PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE GUN. 10. CAUTION: DO NOT USE 3 1/2" SHOTGUN SHELLS IN ANY SHOTGUN OR BARREL WlTH A 2 3/4" OR 3" CHAMBER. DO NOT USE 3" SHELLS lN SHOTGUN CHAMBERED FOR 2 3/4" SHELLS. THE SIZE OF THE CHAMBER lS lNSCRlBED, ALONG WITH GAUGE AND CHOKE DESIGNATIONS, ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL. 6 The most certain way to bulge or rupture a barrel is to drop a 20 gauge shell into a 12 gauge chamber. The 20 gauge shell, unfortunately, will not fall completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a 12 gauge chamber. Your gun will misfire (with the chamber appearing to be empty). It is then possible to load a 12 gauge shell behind the 20 gauge shell. If the 12 gauge shell is then fired, the result will be a so-called "12-20 burst" which can cause extensive damage to your gun and possible serious injury to you and others. Your A-500 is chambered for factory 2 3/4" and 3" shells only. 11. DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN EMPTY CHAMBER- THE CHAMBER MAY NOT BE EMPTY! Treat every gun with the respect due a loaded gun, even though you are certain the gun is unloaded. 12. KEEP YOUR FINGERS A WAY FROM THE TRIGGER WHILE UNLOADING, LOADING, UNTIL YOU ARE READY TO SHOOT. 13. BESURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP. Particularly, be sure during low light periods. Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or hard objects. 14. ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR SHOTGUN'S CHAMBER BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLlMBlNG A TREE, JUMPING A DlTCH OR NEGOTlATlNG OTHER OBSTACLES. muffs) to guard against such damage. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles. Also, wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning your shotgun to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes. 16. DROPPING A LOADED GUN CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE Refer to page 23 of this instruction book for instructions on the unloading of your shotgun. Never place your shotgun on or against a fence, tree, car, or other similar object. WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. even with the "safety" in the "on safe" position. Be extremely careful while hunting or during any shooting activity, to avoid dropping any firearm. 15. 17. IF YOUR SHOTGUN FAILS TO FIRE, KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protectors (shooting ear plugs or Hold this position for a minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully open the action and remove the cartridge. If the primer is indented, the cartridge should be 7 disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the cause of the malfunction should be corrected before further use. 18. BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS. disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition. 20. EDUCATE AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY- ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NONSHOOTERS. 8 Don't be timid when it comes to gun safety. If you observe other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices. Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting safety courses. 19. BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many gun accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your gun is unloaded before 21. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. 22. READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS IN THIS INSTRUCTION BOOK AND ON AMMUNITION BOXES. It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information on the safe handling procedures for your Browning gun. Browning cannot assume any responsibility when unsafe or improper arms and ammunition combinations are used. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING. Center or by Browning's service facility in Arnold, Missouri. Browning cannot assume any responsibility for injuries suffered or caused by unauthorized servicing, alterations or modifications of Browning firearms. IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO ALTER THE TRIGGER, SAFETY OR OTHER FIRING MECHANISM PARTS OF THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM. 23. Your shotgun is a mechanical device which will not last forever, and as such, is subject to wear and requires periodic inspection, adjustment, and service. Browning firearms should be serviced by a Browning Recommended Service BE CAREFUL! 9 10 Nomenclature General Operating Procedures In conventional gun terminology, the position and movement of gun parts are described as they occur with the gun horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e., the muzzle is forward or front; butt stock is rearward or rear; trigger is downward or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts nomenclature refer to Figure 1-A. See Figure 1-B for names of all parts and assemblies covered in disassembly and cleaning procedures. The Browning A-5OOG shotgun is a gasoperated, semi-automatic shotgun. It is capable of shooting five shots (with the magazine plug removed) in rapid succession with each pull of the trigger. The rotary bolt locks into the barrel with four lugs. Upon firing, high pressure gas from the barrel passes through two ports in the barrel, through the barrel ring guide and into the gas cylinder. The high pressure gases force the gas piston rearward, applying pressure to the sleeve bar assembly. The special gas FIGURE 1-A FIGURE 1-B 11 12 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. Barrel Extension Guides Barrel Ring Guide/Gas Cylinder Front Action Springs Bolt Release Button (Carrier Latch Button) Breechblock Assembly Carrier Forearm Sleeve Bar Assembly Magazine Tube Magazine Cap Magazine Spring Retainer L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. Magazine Follower Magazine Spring Operating Handle Return Spring Rotary Bolt Head Three Shot Adapter Trigger Group Trigger Guard Retaining Nut Trigger Guard Retaining Screw Gas Piston pressure regulation valve releases excess gas pressure that is not necessary for operating the action. This keeps bolt speed more consistent and allows you to shoot all factory 2 3/4" and 3"' loads interchangeably, without adjustment. As the piston moves the sleeve reward, the action bar -which extends from the sleeve -- pushes the breechblock rearward, operating the action. As the breechblock moves rearward, it turns and unlocks the 4-lug rotary bolt, recocks the hammer, and ejects the fired shell. After full rearward travel, the breech-block returns forward, picking up a new shell from the magazine and chambering it automatically. After the last shell has been fired, the breechblock locks to the rear, instead of returning forward. This facilitates speedy, convenient reloading. NOTE: The A-500G is delivered with the magazine adaptor in the magazine which limits the gun to three shots, in accordance with federal migratory bird laws. If you do not want your gun to be so lim- ited, merely take out the three shot adapter as explained on page 34 under "Three Shot Adapter." Serial Number Initial Cleaning The serial number of your A-500G shotgun is found on the left side of the receiver, at the lower rear, near the grip portion of the buttstock. Ammunition Various exposed metal parts of your new A500 have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your A-500G, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/ chamber areas. Browning Oil is ideal for removing this compound and for giving your new gun its first lubrication. However, any quality gun oil may be used. Use a cleaning rod and patch as explained under "Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions" on page 44. The A-500G has a 3-inch chamber and is designed to shoot and function with all 12 gauge factory loads: 3-inch Magnum, 2 3/4" Magnum, 2 3/4" High Velocity loads, 2 3/4" Field and 2 3/4" Target loads. It is especially suited to shooting factory steel shot loads. Loads can be intermixed, in any order. Browning can assume no responsibility for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimension or those developing pressures in excess of standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer's Institute (SAAMI). 13 14 FIGURE 2 conspicuous red warning band is visible on the safety button on the left side of the trigger guard. To place the gun "ON SAFE," press the "safety" button to the right. To move the "safety" to the FIRE position, press the "safety" to the left. The safety is reversible and can be reversed from right- to left-handed by a competent gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed "safety" will have the "safety" button's red warning band on the RIGHT side of the trigger guard. DO NOT DEPENDON THE RED COLOR ALONE TO INDICATE YOUR GUN'S SAFETY STATUS. Operation of the "Safety" The cross bolt "safety" prevents the trigger from being pulled when in the "on safe" position. The safety is located conveniently at the rear of the trigger guard (See Figure 2). In the "off safe" or "fire" position a Time, exposure to the elements, as well as the abrasive action of cleaning agents can erase it. As previously explained, never rely on your shotgun's mechanical "safety" devices as the sole provision for safety. NEVER POINT YOUR SHOTGUN AT ANYTHING YOU DO NOT INTEND TO SHOOT. Always treat your shotgun, even when unloaded, with the respect due any loaded, ready-to-fire firearm. of Barrel and Components Gas The A-500G is delivered, in the box, with the barrel removed and the forearm-with the gas piston, sleeve bar assembly and return spring inside-assembled on the magazine tube. Perform the following steps to assemble your A-500G and make it ready for shooting. 1. Take the receiver in hand. First, lock the breechblock rearward by pulling the operating handle fully to the rear. Then remove the forearm from the magazine tube by unscrewing the magazine cap and sliding the forearm forward, off of the magazine tube. DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD ON THE OPEN REAR END OF THE FOREARM. TOO MUCH PRESSURE COULD CAUSE THE WOOD TO SPLIT. Assembly System CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO SHELLS. 15 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 2. The gas piston, sleeve bar and return spring will remain in place and do not need to be removed, except for cleaning. If the forearm assembly parts have been removed, reinstall them as explained below. Otherwise, proceed to step 6. 3. Insert the return spring into the round hole in the end of the sleeve portion of the sleeve bar assembly -- the end which has the action bar protruding -- not in the ten sided, decadon-shaped end (See Figure 3). It is important to note that the diameter of the spring is different on each end. The large end is inserted into the sleeve. The smaller diameter end goes toward the end of the action bar. FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 4. Slide the sleeve bar assembly onto the magazine tube with action bar and return spring first. Align the end of the action bar so it rides in the track on the left side of the receiver (See Figure 4). 5. Insert the gas piston onto the magazine tube, flanged end first. Slide it down to the sleeve bar assembly (See Figure 5). 6. With the gun in the horizontal position, ejection port up, attach the barrel by sliding the barrel guide ring/gas cylinder over the magazine tube. You will need to slide the sleeve bar and return spring forward about 1/2" toward the end of the magazine tube in order for the barrel extension rails to fit behind the sleeve and allow the rails to properly engage in the receiver tracks (See Figure 6). Do not 17 18 slide it so far forward that the end of the action bar disengages from the track in the receiver. 7. When the barrel extension rails are fully seated in the receiver tracks, position your shotgun vertically, barrel up. The barrel extension will usually hang up slightly where the end of the extension contacts the face of the rotary bolt, and at this point is only partly engaged. To fully seat the extension rails pull rearward on the operating handle (several times if necessary) until the bolt rotates slightly and the barrel slips solidly into position. 8. Replace the forearm onto the magazine tube by sliding it onto the magazine tube, over gas piston and the sleeve bar assembly. Install the magazine cap. Make sure that the magazine cap is fully tightened down. If the magazine cap threads won't engage the magazine tube threads the barrel extension is still not properly seated. You must repeat step 7 until it fully engages. Your A-500G is now fully assembled. Disassembly of Barrel System Components and Gas CHECK YOUR GUN CAREFULLY TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THAT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CONTAIN NO SHELLS. Disassembly of the barrel from the receiver is important for cleaning and is also a convenient way to store your A-500G. 1. Unscrew the magazine cap. 2. Remove the forearm by sliding it forward on the magazine tube.