16ga.com ~ View topic - Can an A5 be TOO CLEAN

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1308 Location: Western WA

To recap:
The 1930s 2 1/2" 16ga A5 was subjected to a thorough and vigorous cleaning which resulted in improved functioning but noxious whiplash recoil.

The action spring and recoil spring were replaced. The new action spring was nearly identical to the old with respect to length and stiffness, but the recoil spring was a half inch longer and much stiffer. With the new springs, recoil was much softer and the whiplash disappeared, but functioning was not uniform at all friction ring settings.

Latest Results and Conclusions:

A second trip to the range was made and the latest findings revealed some subtle twists. The gun has 2 barrels: A 25 1/2" open cylinder choke and a 27 1/2" mod choke. The shorter barrel is a full ounce lighter than the longer barrel.

As a result, 1 oz loads at 1230fps will cycle reliably in the short barrel at both spring settings, but the longer barrel requires the light spring setting to function absolutely reliably. Evidently the extra ounce makes a difference. By functioning I mean complete cycling 2 rounds with no FTEs or loading failures. (There were no failures with single rounds at any spring setting.) For American Trap the heavy spring setting on the long barrel is useful because of the recoil reduction, but Continental Trap requires the light setting for reliable second shot cycling.

Either way, we now have a fully functioning and superbly performing skeet gun and trap gun combination for 1 oz loads. The longer barrel patterns slightly tighter than typical modern modified chokes, and it obliterates trap targets with #7 1/2 shot. (a future posting will delve deeper into this topic).

The skeet barrel with #9 shot (required at the local skeet range) is equally effective and very soft shooting with the heavy load setting. Another future posting here will explore some quirks uncovered regarding the MEC Super Sizer and the tuning of this gun.

What may appear to be an obsession with this venerable (and quite homely looking to be quite honest) gun stems from its remarkable fit, balance, sighting, handling, and easy natural shooting qualities which I find absolutely ideal and confidence building. We are quite satisfied and looking forward to leaving a 16 ga stamp on the local club competitions.

V/R
B.

AWESOME report
Thank you Smile

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

Brewster11 . Like Mike said great report .

Would you mind sharing the load data you are using ?

Thanks , Mark

Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Posts: 2126 Location: Hudson,Wy

This A5 saga reminds me of the adventures of tuning carburetors! Lots of little details that sure make life better in the end. Good job and good report.

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1308 Location: Western WA

Thanks all. I wish to acknowledge the many helpful suggestions and advice from members here. The assistance was instrumental in the success of this project and is most appreciated.

V/R,
B.

Member Joined: 09 Jan 2013 Posts: 2168 Location: Florida

Would you mind sharing the load data you are using ?

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1308 Location: Western WA

1 oz #7 1/2, 20.5 gr 800X, SG16S (short) wad, Ched Primer in 2 1/2” Ched hull
1236 FPS 9520 PSI

This has become my standard 16 ga load.

For clay targets the difference between #7 1/2 and #8 is like night and day, no explanation why, that’s just the way I find it to be.

Good Luck!

B.