I've always thought they were odd looking shotguns without much visual appeal but yesterday I snagged one up on an impulse. After getting it home, doing some research and reading about the history of the design I kinda fell in love with it. From what I can tell gun I bought is a 1948 Belgium model "Light Twelve" 12ga with fixed modified choke. It's in pretty good shape and I'm excited to go shoot it soon.

A lot of what I read was that due to the age of the design and ruggedness of the construction they surpass many generations of owners and use. It's one of those guns that can carry with it a lot of family history and hunting stories. Anyone here have one, shoot/hunt with one? Experiences?

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Great guns. Do some research on the friction ring setup and you will save your shoulder some when using.

What this guy said!.....and I have a Sweet 16 that is going on its 3rd generation of use with zero malfunctions.

I have the Remington version Model 11 which belonged to my Great Grandfather. Still shoots great and it got some heavy use over the years. Great guns, will kick a bit.

Im a third generation owner of this A500G had it for 15yrs now. I put it through hell and it dosnt jam, and will not quit. best all around gun iv owned. This one shoots 2 3/4 - 3inch and has interchangeable steel and lead chokes. My dad has the one you just bought and he keeps it in mint condition and only dove hunts with it. My brother has a golden hunter and I just bought my son a silver last year. In the Auto world there is only one brand I will by for now on... if this one ever breaks.

I've got a Remington 11 that was built between 1919 and 1920 and it runs great.

Best way to tell a very well maintained Lite Twelve is if the friction ring instructions are still in forend. I have a Belgian 2 barrel set that has been passed down to me, love the classics.

my 1976 12 gauge magnum is going hunting with me tomorrow morning for some widgeons.

These are great guns. The last time I checked the Browning site, there was info on adjusting and maintaining the recoil system. Pretty nice that they would support a model that old.

1958 Belgian, 12 Gauge, 3 inch magnum:



My go to gun for Turkey and Upland.



Some Ruff Grouse I potted with said gun about 2 weeks ago.

'I've always thought they were odd looking shotguns without much visual appeal'

That is the most odd thing I have ever read Just messing with you...

The day I heard they stopped manufacturing the A-5 I knew I would never own another automatic. I love mine 1989 Light 12. Dad has a 1991 A5 Light 12 also. My grandfather had a 1950 Light 12. I am a fan of JB guns. If I had to replace mine I would go with a Citori O/O.

The 'new A5', meh...

I received mine for christmas when I was 12 ( 1964 ), so I guess it just turned 50. My grandfather had one , my dad had one. ( I have mine and my Dad's )
I grew up hunting quail and pheasant in the Panhandle. My browning has taken everything that flies and a couple of coyotes and a bobcat.

Mo

I have both new and old. The "new A5" is tenfold better than the old.

I bought a Browning B-80 when they first came out. It shoots flawlessly, recoil is low, and a beautiful shotgun. Browning is the best.

My dad bought me a B80 for Christmas when I was 16. 20G and it weighed like 5.5 pounds. Nice gun. Traded it in for my 1989 A5. Wish I still had the B80. It made was a great upland gun.

As far as the new A5, I just like tradion and older guns. I am sure the new one is a great gun. The old one just brings me back to my younger days as a kid hunting rabbitts with beagles on the mississippi river in south LA. Everyone seemed to use A5s.

This. i have a belgium made, japanese made, and the new A5 bought last february, the new A5 is ridiculously nice shooter!

Just curious, How are the new ones? Less recoil? ergononics better? I have never even picked one up. Are they still recoil operated? Does the barrel still move with the bolt?

I was never interested in the new ones becasue I like the fact that the design had hardly changed in 90 years and it was all steel and wood.

Just remember, if it has the "Made In Belgium" barrel on it DO NOT SHOOT ANY STEEL SHOT THRU IT!!!!!! Barrel will be ruined.

You can shoot steel though it if you put steel chokes in it. That's if it has interchangeable chokes. If it does then just make sure you stay with 2 shot and smaller and you'll be good

Japanese barrels are good for steel... As for the new A5, ergonomics to me are imensely better, the new inertia system seems to reduce recoil better than the friction rings...all in my opinion, but i think the new A5 is an improvement