After much research into a semi-auto short barreled shotgun, I decided on the Browning A5. Gas operated shotguns run with less recoil, but are iffy when using a short barrel. I found an older model A5 (1927-28) that had seen better days. The forearm was cracked along the length and would probably not hold up to firing, but the buttstock was okay (ugly but serviceable). No rust or pitting, just finish worn off. I kinda wanted a Bonnie and Clyde looking A5, but I couldn't find a cheap but serviceable stock set and didn't want to cut down a nice (expensive) stock set for the look. Instead I found a synthetic stock set for $80 that looks alright. It took exactly 80 days from the day I mailed it off till the day I got the stamp in the mail on Tuesday. Not bad considering world events (pandemic and riots).
I see you got an A5 with the “Shot Saver” option on the left side of the receiver... Those are nice.... I gave my A5 to my son, a few years back, but keep Uncle Henry’s Model 11 for myself... Grew up watching him blast Malards, on Opening Day...
$250 for the shotgun, $80 for the stock set, $25 for the engraving, and $200 tax stamp. Not bad for $555. Shoot perfectly without hiccup (4+1 rounds ). I have another barrel (19 1/4") with a Choate tube extension that fits almost flush with barrel (8+1 rounds)
I like it, but I bet you get funny looks when somebody notices the barrel recoiling back into the fore end. Have you found a happy arrangement for the friction rings? With the reduced mass of the barrel I'd expect a little tweaking might be necessary to find a setting that cycled reliably without hammering you or the receiver.
Recoil is fast enough that nobody notices and I didn't need to tweak anything, it cycles perfectly with #8 bird shot through 00 Buck with the same amount of recoil out of both barrels (or at least no more or less than I can tell the difference). Besides it's hard to find anyone under 50 years old who knows about recoil operated shotguns.
I did a form 1 for my M203 and it's been out at least 10 days. Maybe form 1 DDs take a little longer?
