Another Browning shotgun I didn't need
but couldn't pass on a decent Belgian A-5 Mag 20 recently. I say decent but the low price was unbelievable so I overlooked a couple of shortcomings of the gun. I've had it a while and am only now getting around to deal with it - proof I guess that I really didn't need it.
It was absolutely filthy inside with whatever oil and grease was ever on the magazine tube was more like adhesive than lubricant. It looks like it has been 20 years since it was shot and it was probably last cleaned the year before that. Anyway, all that is now slick and shiny, bore is great, wood is nearly perfect with only a couple of shallow scratches.
At last I get to the point. The ventilated rib has a ding in it and my eyes go right to it. In the third "bridge" from the breech end, the rib has been struck or the gun fell or something. A straight edge along the rib shows the dip to be about 1/16" below the plane of the rib.
Is this a major repair chore? Should one just get used to it? It doesn't look like a repair a casual handyman should tackle, no? I was wondering how the thing gets pulled up to true without pulling the rib plumb off the barrel in that area.
Thanks for your thoughts. Best, Tim
It was absolutely filthy inside with whatever oil and grease was ever on the magazine tube was more like adhesive than lubricant. It looks like it has been 20 years since it was shot and it was probably last cleaned the year before that. Anyway, all that is now slick and shiny, bore is great, wood is nearly perfect with only a couple of shallow scratches.
At last I get to the point. The ventilated rib has a ding in it and my eyes go right to it. In the third "bridge" from the breech end, the rib has been struck or the gun fell or something. A straight edge along the rib shows the dip to be about 1/16" below the plane of the rib.
Is this a major repair chore? Should one just get used to it? It doesn't look like a repair a casual handyman should tackle, no? I was wondering how the thing gets pulled up to true without pulling the rib plumb off the barrel in that area.
Thanks for your thoughts. Best, Tim
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Easy job. C-clamps to hole the bid on the posts and wood shims to raise the "dip" Just take your time.
I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.0 -
Just remember to pad the clamp jaws so you dont mar the finis and dont clamp it town too hard. Use hard wood wedges coming in from both sides. Personally I prefer to use another c clamp to push the wedges in as it will supply even pressure to both sides if the wood wont work try copper or brass. Be careful not to raise it above level as trying to push it back down can damage the surface of the rib.
Scott0 -
Brownell's has a tool for just the purpose you need... and it won't dent the barrel like a wood wedge might.. 0 -
DH, Scott, Jim - Thanks for the replies - I'll check out the options - I'm encouraged that I can deal with it. I'll let you know how it turns out. Best, Tim 0
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