Anyone have much experience with the new Browning a5? Looking for a lightweight semi-auto to pheasant and dove hunt with. Open to other suggestions as well.

I've shot dove, ducks and quail with one since the early 70's. 26 inch improved barrel for dove and quail, 30 full for ducks back when lead was still being used. still shoot it today on occasion but lost the 30"

I think he is asking about the A5, not the long recoiling Auto 5 from the 70s. Look similar on the outside, but very different guns on the inside. The new A5 uses a knockoff of the Benelli Kinematic Drive system and with the hump still has the long sight plane of the old Auto 5. I have seen no complaints posted on the forum about the new design.

Oh. That A5. Never noticed them being Auto-5 before prior to the A5...

I recently bought one with 3.5 chamber and 28 inch barrel. It so far functions flawlessly with heavy 3 inch steel loads. It is light and points great. I read a lot of reviews before buying it and did not find complaints of its function. Recoil is not bad with the 3" heavy loads. I would think a 26" barrel would work well for what you want.

I have 20 & 12, very satisfied

I have had one for two years and the only issue that I have ever had was the metal peice on the forearm that inserts into the reciver broke off. It was held on by epoxy. I sent it to browning and they fixed it free of charge but it did take a few months to get it back. Outside of that it is a great shooting gun and I prefer it over my Maxus.

The Maxus is another great option as well in the 26" version. I have the 28" version in my Maxus, it's extremely light, shoots even better. I use mine mainly for Duck and Dove. So I don't see a problem with it for quail and pheasant. The Maxus will eat anything you put down it. Also, the ease of cleaning either gun is a snap. You can't go wrong with either gun in my opinion. My next one will be the new A5 to go along with my old hump back, my dad gave me from his grandfather. I hope this helps you out. Good luck on your search.