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Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

Am I correct in my understanding that the barrels on the Browning Auto-5 are interchangeable so long as the gauge and chambers are same? I'm looking at obtaining a standard 16ga Auto 5 barrel for use on a SW16 Auto 5. Both 2 3/4 chambers.

Yep, you are all set, Browning to Browning barrels interchange with no trouble. Belgian barrels also interchange with Japanese guns and visa versa. (Sometimes the barrel lugs on the Japanese barrels are too thick to fit in Belgian forearms but that's not been a problem for me)
They say that Pre War barrels and Post War barrels are not interchangeable, however I personally have never run into this problem with Brownings...however, as a rule, Pre War barrels are generally 2 9/16....Post War barrels are 2 3/4.

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

Thanks Danny! That bbl I’m looking at getting, is in very good condition and fitted with a poly choke. Overall length is 28”. Plan to use for puddle ducks, etc.

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1256 Location: Nebraska

Standard and Sweet will interchange, only issue I've had is the forearm of my gun fits very closely to its original barrel and a second barrel drags a little bit. Easily clearance the stock to knock that off.

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

I’m lining myself up to have to do some stock fitting/tweeking anyways. Good to know the forearm might need both bbls checked. I have a new stock set coming for this same gun. The original everything is in such primo condition, I hate doing the needed cuts to make it fit me on the original stock, so I’m putting the original wood aside for safe keeping and will do the butchering on the new wood. Figured I go ahead and swap out the forearm while at it, and not worry about knocks and scratching to any wood. Same for the bbls. I don’t want to be limited to full choke only, which the original bbl is.

Wahoo,

Did you get some factory Browning wood or some aftermarket (like Boyds) wood?

I'm intrigued! I love a good Browning story....especially modified to fit ones needs... vintage perfect is awesome, but custom hunter is really cool too, in my opinion.

Keep us posted!

Joined: 22 Jan 2015 Posts: 345

I picked up a new factory set from Numrich. About $165.00, for finished walnut. The components arrived a couple days ago, but haven’t had time yet to start fitting them. I’m very satisfied with the quality of construction, although I’d prefer less glossy finish. The POW style grip chekering pattern is not the original Belgium style on the older guns, but will work ok for a field gun hopefully. Will try put up some pics when I get it all sorted out.

Joined: 21 Mar 2019 Posts: 523 Location: Texas

I have a 1909 16 with short chamber. The lug has a ramp and have bought two different barrels with short chambers from the 20’s and they do not fit. FYI
Still looking for one that will work so I can put chokes in the donor barrel and not destroy the original one.

Joined: 21 Mar 2019 Posts: 523 Location: Texas

I have a 1909 16 with short chamber. The lug has a ramp and have bought two different barrels with short chambers from the 20’s and they do not fit. FYI
Still looking for one that will work so I can put chokes in the donor barrel and not destroy the original one.

Joined: 21 Mar 2019 Posts: 523 Location: Texas

I have a 1909 16 with short chamber. The lug has a ramp and have bought two different barrels with short chambers from the 20’s and they do not fit. FYI
Still looking for one that will work so I can put chokes in the donor barrel and not destroy the original one.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Browning-Auto-5-Shotgun-Barrel-16-Ga/401965644203?hash=item5d9704f9ab:g:hy8AAOSwvIld1ULa

This one was made before 1923

Mike