If I Could Only Have ONE Browning Semi-Auto

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Hey! Thanks for tuning in. Do you agree with this pick? I'd love to hear your thoughts down below!

[@troym2809]

I have put about 4000 rounds thru my A5. I love it. You forgot to talk about the auto load that browning has. I love the look of the maxus tho!!!

[@mrsmith9964]

My maxus recoil spring rusted all over my mag tube sandpaper fix. Lower buttstock bolt stripped. C clip on sling mount on end cap fell off 2x and the pointy areas of the rubber overmoulding kinda peel back a bit. And the buttstock end is not waterproof. I added a drain hole in the side of my stock. I have 200 target rounds and about 75 to 90 waterfowl rounds thru my gun. I clean it well after every hunt. The gun is 1 year old.

[@jameshansen1490]

I own the maxis II wicked wing and absolutely love it.

[@philliphurst106]

Would love to know what shotgun would you recommend if I could only go all out for 1 shotgun for bird and skeet shooting?? Would really appreciate the help!!

[@FYMM69]

I never cared for the old A5 humpbacks and couldn’t hit a thing with them but my SX2 and now the Maxus 2 WW edition wow what a beautiful looking east shooting and hard hitting smoothbore

[@Fixall7]

Thanks for the review .. I own a Browning Silver , have had it since 2010 and its been through hell and back in all kinds of shooting . From 2-3/4 to 3-1/2 mixed shells I have never had a jam . Plus here in Canada we have cold season hunting in the minus and its never jammed or miss fired .. As a big guy myself I like a heavy and bulky shotgun , I also have big hands and to my fit the pistol grip is perfect .... When I purchased this shotgun money was not an issue , I picked up the Maxus and it didnt feel right to my shoulder . Later when The A5 came out in 2014 it was somewhat new and I didnt want to go down that road by buying a new product at that price without any reviews ! Now there are plenty of reviews with the A5 and there seems that there are plenty of problems with the new design .. I have many friends who still own the Original A5 and they love it , imagine my budy who is born in 1966 and owns a shotgun that is 1 year younger than him and still works great (1967) Auto 5 light 12 ...

[@ryderdonovan7103]

A5 humpback all day over that rubber’d up Maxus. Great video. Let’s get some Franchi affinity love going in the next video

[@TheRealA-A-ron]

One of the coolest features (speed load) that makes loading and unloading (I think) safer. That a unique Browning feature that’s pretty cool.

[@kenbarbret6632]

Gotta agree on your scores and conclusion. I have the Maxus II and a vintage A5. I prefer to shoot my Maxus II over the vintage A5, but I"ve seen the newer A5s now and I kinda like it's looks over the Maxus. I think you and the SOSA test are accurate!

[@kellygillespie3782]

I like all the videos of yours I have seen thus far. Your older review was one of a few that helped me settle on a Maxus II a few weeks ago to replace my 870 Wing master. I like your new rating; it shows that each person listens to their gut a bit. I chose the Maxus II because it felt more like my wing master than any other brand or model; in my hands. It just spoke to me. I only wanted to replace the 870 because it is a fixed choke 2¾”, and 2¾” waterfowl shells can be hard to come. So I got a 3.5” version to have the option; 3” waterfowl shells in late season can be non-existent. Again, great content, and thanks for sharing.

[@DH3704]

I have to agree with your pick. My son just purchased the Silver today and we are going out shooting tomorrow but I just like the feel and the way it mounts with the A5. This could be a little bias as well as I grew up shooting the old A5. But I've always shot better with a hump back. I even have a Gold Hunter from 2006 that I shot for many years but finding my shooting has improved with my new A5 purchased 5 years ago. My son grew up shooting the Gold Hunter and that's probably why he went with the Silver. We'll see if his shooting improves this fall. Thanks for the reviews! Love the videos.

[@travissmith8709]

I love my maxus II. It’s a great shotgun for hunting. 3.5 inch chamber and super smooth recoil. Never had an issue with feeding/reliability in mine. Initially it shot high left but browning took care of that right away. Now it’s a duck/clay machine. Never shot an a5 tho, but they are very similar guns. I definitely didn’t pay 2k for mine.

[@chevyon37s]

My Browning gold has a one pin trigger group… although it’s at the cost of having the safety in front of the tigger guard. I’ll take a safety rear of the trigger and two pins for the trigger group vs 1 pin. Out of all the shotguns I own I have never once been bothered by having to remove two pins to clean the trigger group.

[@eanderson24]

great video, thanks. Looking to get a new pheasant gun for next year. Been eyeing the Browning line for a while. Very helpful.

[@billymad3529]

I would love to see a review on the vintage browning A5. Is it still a great option when compared to modern day waterfowl guns? Or is it more of a collectors item then anything?

[@jayscott1380]

If you can shoot lead then it's still awesome. Can't run many of the nontoxic load through it thou, so it's limited especially for waterfowl.

[@attananightshadow]

it goes 'boing' when you shoot it, really fun.

[@Texze]

Start using a golf tee to remove the trigger group pins. Non marring, cheap, and can keep it in a field case.

[@econger9731]

My buddy had a new A5 and it jammed constantly. I got the OG Maxus and it’s been pretty solid for 12 years. I had to replace the piston spring a few years ago as it was cracked. After a break in period it is back to business.

[@walterdl2904]

I completely agree with your excellent video assessment. I have the A5 and the Maxus 2. I like to shoot both and do a little bit better with the A5. When it comes to cleaning I really like the A5. I have had the old A5s in the past, and the new one is much improved.

[@walterdl2904]

Six month update: Being now retired, I shoot clays most days of the week. Both models work as advertised. My A5 is the go to gun. I put the Maxis II into the car safe recently and have shot it as my backup. When I get home I remember why the A5 is my first choice. It is much easier to clean and put away.

[@briant7652]

Thanks for the review.

[@dannyday2378]

I'd love to see the Old A5 head to head whith the new one. How well does John Brownings design hold up after 120 years 🤔 😉

[@isaiah3898]

Well the m2 and the 1911 were both designed by him and they’ve been in service for 100 years running

[@anthonymyers4022]

Love my A5. Cleaner gun, recoil is not bad, shoots great.

[@aimkhan83]

Good review. But I like my Silver, have had it for 4 years but hasn’t let me down yet.

[@thomassasalar3869]

B-80 Pulse over 40 years of hunting NO problems .Thirty inch barrel - Waterfowl ,Twenty six inch barrel, - Turkey Hastings rifled slug barrel ,- Deer. Same as a Beretta 303 . Both made in Portugal on same machines

[@ronherman6033]

I looked at all of those as well as the Benelli, Franchi and Beretta options a couple years ago. I chose the Browning A5 Wicked Wing....it felt best in shop and looked best on paper...and there was a sale so that sealed the deal after I actually ordered a Benelli that I think someone in warehouse at store had done a "personal" layaway on as it was physically there but when I paid for it they came back day later and said unavailable. LOL So took the Browning and very glad I did that....as it has been a thrill to shoot, very reliable. Only issue I had was the choke getting hard to remove...so unlike my upland guns...I have to make sure to keep threads and area behind choke lubed well to keep out moisture and prevent it from seizing. The past year it has been perfect in that regard as well. I put a Jebs on it for timber ducks....and a Carlsons for Turkey hunting. No regrets.

[@wonaegun7143]

I agree I shot all my dads A5,s years ago and just today in fact just 1/2 hr ago I returned from town with a brand new A5 DU 3 inch mag !

[@Stella1971]

I have a Browning A5 Light 12 and if I ever was going to buy another shotgun it would be the A5. The vintage camo one of course. Great job on the review.

[@janedeere1303]

Correcti. A5, I have the sweet 16 and I have a wicked wing on my wish list as a beater. LOVE to shoot this gun!!! One of my absolute favorites. I have the silver also, i sent back the adult and got the micro midas added spacers and a Limbsaver (slip on style) to adjust LOP. THAT gun, is a shooter, soft as heck to shoot (obviously with all the padding) and handles much better than the adult. the adult is clunky and BIG, i was very surprised, but a micro midas 24" barrel is well balanced add recoil pad and your good to go. I am curious now about the affinity compact with adult stock to adjust that LOP. I wish browning provided an adult stock for the micro versions.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Hey Steve, you and I have the same body type so your videos really help me in choosing a proper fitting shotgun, thanks for your time and hard work putting these together.

[@fjwrt]

I love the A5 much more than the maxis!

[@danthurman9076]

The Old A5 , 12 gauge 3 inch Mag with 30 inch full choke.

[@rustyshacklfur2637]

I dont get how do many people think the A5 and Auto are the same gun. They look the same, but are very different.

[@Panzermeister36]

As he said at 2:50 "it's a completely different gun"

[@danielsagely3696]

I chose the A5 and love it, I have dove hunted with it and I duck hunt with it.

[@gatorpulido7065]

I agree! But how about the A5 up against the beloved SX4 ? 🤔 🤨😏

[@davechrenek8220]

Makes me a little sad cause I just ordered the Maximus 2 myself,.. deciding factor was recoil cause I messed up my neck awhile ago but I’m sure in the end I’ll pick up an A5 someday,..hard to beat the look but I’ll likely lean to the wood stock on that one. Awesome video as usual, keep them coming.

[@justinbroussard2314]

Enjoy your videos alot. Helping me make my decision on my nee gun. Would like to see a review on the Remington V3 if you can get your hands on one

[@johnvlahakis8960]

I like the browning Silver, it's very easy to clean just like the browning gold semi automatic .

[@denniskluesner3056]

I own wicked A-5. Cant go wrong,points and shoots great

[@carterthiessen2664]

I wanted an sx3/4 but my local gun shop had a browning silver 3.5 for less than the camo winchester. In fact it was near the same price as the black 3.5 sx4, and browning had a 100 dollar rebate conpared to winchester was only 50. Its been absolutely fantastic, its a bit heavier than the winchester but all i do is hunt from a blind, so i dont mind the weight. If id be walking aroind with it all day, id want the lighter winchester. The silver is basically an expensice sx4, the a5 and maxus are definitely in another tier. At MSRP, the silver really doesnt make much sense. If you can get one at sx4 prices, its definitely worth it

[@huntermorales4364]

100% agree. I can't find a shotgun I like better than my A5

[@TheHuntingking]

Picking up my new Maxus 2 in the morning. Currently shoot sbe2 and love it. Shot a buddy’s new a5 and would never own one due to recoil.

[@saltcreekammo]

I would love to see you review the Remington VersaMax (waterfowl pro for extra points)... I have the WF pro and love it. Have owned and shot one for about 5 years now and it handles recoil well and has stood up to abuse-- it's very robust.

[@08yzf45b]

I agree I have a vintage a5 and just got a new a5 absolutely love the a5’s. “Come hell or high water”

[@scottducote7389]

Did u have any cycling issues with 3.5 shells

[@frequency79]

I never get tired of this video👏👏👏 thank you Steve nice job

[@mark27993]

If I could only have one Browning auto, it would be a 1970's Remington 1100

[@matthewfischer5340]

Maybe we can get a shotgun showdown with a new and vintage A5?

[@chucko3879]

Good choice! It's my pick also. A-5 is Mr. Browning's design, so you have the best of the best. The man was a genius when building guns.

[@johnathanwhitten1111]

A5 was my first waterfowl shotty. I just recently bought a Maxus 2. I love my A5. Aesthetically my favorite gun of all time. Performance wise, it’s a great gun. One hell of a shooter. But the reason I bought the Maxus is because it has some things the A5 is missing. Like the oversized trigger guard. Awesome for gloves. Rubber over molds are a big one in the rain. My A5 gets pretty slippery in the rain. The other big one is the bolt. The A5 bolt rotates into the barrel to lock. The only reason this is an issue at all is if you don’t clean that recess in the barrel, you can can have a misfire due to shallow pin strike. Obviously not an issue if you’re routinely cleaning your gun but a gun that’s designed to handle abuse says a lot to me. You won’t see this issue with the Maxus. All in all, the A5 speaks to my soul but the Maxus has some advantages. All that said, I don’t think you’re gonna be wrong for choosing either one.

[@TheSnappleman75]

Very well said. I have both, hunt with both, clean both after every hunt.

[@calgiesen5405]

Love my a5’s (new and old)… no bonus points brownings speed load option??? 😜

[@attananightshadow]

I've shot the Maxus 1, Silver, and A5. out of those 3 hands down the best value is the Silver. no noticeable difference in recoil of the silver to the maxus 1. the A5 for whatever reason was a jam machine on target loads, we tried AA's, Rio, Kent, Score, and Challenger target loads (1 1/8oz, 1145 - 1300 fps)... it didn't like any of them, but did do better with the higher FPS target loads. buddy ended up getting the silver and it's been a workhorse for the past 3 seasons.

[@Tomvans8028]

The Weatherby 18l waterfowl, Beretta,benelli sbe 2 or 3 and Browning A5 or max

[@DonutVIP]

I uhh dont have any of those but i do have a discounted browning gold hunter, kicks pretty good but nit to hard, my next is a combo mossbreg, rifled barrel and smoothbore

[@fidiusjwhoopie]

A5 for the win!! love mine

[@markmc9229]

Great review! Dead on right with the A5!

[@davidsiskron2025]

I’m slightly bias towards the maxus 2, I have a lot of shotguns, probably not as many as you but more than the average person and the maxus 2 Is my favorite, followed by the A400extreme. I have A5 and while the hump back is nostalgic, it throws me off when shooting. Not sure why it just does so for that reason it looses points with me.

[@russellswanson208]

The one, the only , THE AUTO FIVE

[@Bryan.Lassiter]

You should do a review on the Retay shotguns soon.

[@chrisdupree4164]

I want the A5 in the 3” solid blk stalker or a mossy Oak, shadow grass pattern, but not the wicked wings, edition

[@jimelmore9728]

I had an old Gold Hunters that was amazing in every category. It’s been passed down to the next generation.

[@TannerEly]

I'd like to see you put together a top ten list for left handed shooters. Some guns aren't available for us lefties.

[@tjs792]

You got to the pattern of the shells on each gun on the paper to know which gun to use it's all about the pattern where the shells hit on the target 🎯

[@frequency79]

fair comparison , I am really happy best review video steve thank you 👏👏👏👏

[@olegig5166]

I'm a little surprised of your assessment of the Silver because it is almost the same gun as your beloved SX4.

[@Squizzle-56]

It's amazing how much camo and a few doo-dads increase the price. Get an SX4, has basically the same guts and operation for under 1K.

[@rodriguedagher1675]

great videos Steve! I'd like to see a review or comparison including the Maxus 1 wicked wing also.

[@wildcatdjservice9823]

Pick you favorite shotgun, put it on a t-shirt and it says "SOSA TEST approved"

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Caution to some... I wanted an A5 badly when they first came out (new versions), but despite being 5'11" with large hands, the gun just didn't fit me... reach to the trigger is soo long. Always always check fit if at all possible before buying!

[@XxfisheykillaXx]

You can switch that brotha

[@XxfisheykillaXx]

Comes with shims for length of pull 👌

[@jonathanhornbuilders]

i LOVE that Maxus II in the vintage tan camo! Definitely on my to acquire list!! Great video!

[@ESHARDY08]

It’s worth every penny I have the vintage tan and love it!

[@andrewpayne2811]

Just got it and it is so smoooooth. Shot all day when I brought it home. Just feels right in the hand.

[@jameshansen1490]

Ive got that exact gun in tge wicked wing. Turns heads! Shes a beauty!

[@gelasak1]

A Fabarm l4s and xlr review please.

[@aaronbeaudry5802]

I want an A5 so bad but all I hear is how bad they jam. I would only be shooting 3 inch waterfowl loads out of it though and wondering if that would make a difference?

[@robjones1520]

I've had Browning semi automatics. None of them would eject 3.5 Fiochi 63 grams cartridges. My Winchester sx4 ejects them fine at around half the price.

[@toriabrown3924]

I have a silver 20g and I love it

[@quickdrawmcbob1031]

I love my silver but I have noticed it is finicky about how it is oiled and doesn't like underpowered loads. After a few thousand target loads I broke my carrier dog shooting a magnum turkey load and sent it to the factory where they fixed the carrier dog and replaced the main buffer spring so it took some time to break it in for better reliability. I do feel that in an all browning competition it's not fair to compare them to benelli. Also you said you shot the silver at 1.21 and then said you shot the A5 faster at 1.24? If I could own only one browning semiauto it would be just one more.

[@alanwarner5537]

Love both the A5 witch is mine and my son has the maxs 2 shoot then both side by side. I agree on your scores

[@ryanjordan3602]

I have the Maxus 2 WW also love the gun can shoot it all day upland and waterfowl hunting. The gun shop I bought mine from had both A5 and Maxus 2 in WW for it just came down to what felt better in my hand is what the gun smith told me to go with. I liked the rubber over molding a little bit more so I ended up choosing that. Now as for how it’s holding up. The point of t(e rubber in my thumb of the forearm sleeve is starting to let go ever so slightly. I think the adhesive is failing. I don’t hunt a crazy amount with it only 10-20 days a year plus some sporting clays here and there. Happy with my purchase thou.

[@sturgelltruckingllc4074]

How about a video with the Original A5 versus the new semi Auto loading shotguns? How much better are they really 100 years later from the original?

[@MattMacKo]

Just bought a Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing for $1542 tax free. Aafes black Friday sale 🔥🔥🔥

[@itsallgonemad]

Just bought an SX4 Steve on your recommendation… so a Browning will have to wait a bit! They are beautiful guns though, would love one 👍🏻

[@jayklarquist7912]

Do gas or inertia systems have less recoil, generally speaking, all else equal?

[@penshockey5474]

Can you ghost load the a5

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Multiple jams takes you down half a point in reliability??

[@alexmitera5939]

I couldn't agree more that's why there's one in my safe!!

[@ShotgunMike]

I’ve had them all. I liked the maxus (original) the best. But… I favor the inertia guns now.

[@sha6mm]

I’m still trying to wear out a 1976 Model 1100 3inch Mag

[@georgecrosby113]

I'm going to throw a kicker into the game... My Browning semi-auto Choice....the Browning Gold Fusion. Then, a flip of the coin to determine 12 or 20, yes I have both!! Now, if it's only one Browning, it would be my 12 ga. Citori Special Sporting Clays O/U w/30 in. Barrels. But, only ONE???? There are nine in my safes!!!!😎

[@michaeldelrossi4487]

With all 3@Shotguns being a Browning it would not matter on how fast each gun is? They will all perform well no matter how many rounds you run through it! It's the Price Tag you need to worry about?

[@trevorrodell5687]

Agreed

[@ryanhiggins15]

What ear protection are you using?

[@chadcowman6293]

Beretta, franchi and mossberg showdowns plz

[@mohsentavafyeganeh1969]

Hi Steve thanks for your video, before I watch this video my choice was A5 and now I happy for my choice😉

[@hareshmaniram7514]

Browning maxus 2

[@JtotheG317]

I don't remember prior scores (maybe u have a leaderboard) but this Browning review doesn't seem to justify the pricing of these guns.

[@marcepan8142]

A5 THE BEST!!!

[@waynecastleman1363]

I really appreciate your honest opinion on all the different brands as I am deciding on a new shotgun , The Winchester SX4 , the Affinity, and now Browning also the CZ so what is overall best Gas or Inertia both seem to be reliable. Will I like Benelli ? Some good stuff out there.

[@rickiecash8155]

@TargetFocusedLife I'm fixing to make a big purchase. I just need help deciding. A5 Wicked Wing or Retay Masai Mara. I think I'm leaning A5.

[@melvinsacromentoe]

Maybe greatest scoring system ever. Wish you reviewed rifles as well!

[@jamesoliva9531]

All nice shotguns but my dad's old A-5 that is pushing 100 years old will still be shooting for my great grandson 100 years from now when the ones you just reviewed will have been melted down for scrap.

[@traviskidwell3766]

I have little shotgun experience but want to get back into some bird hunting with my kids, love Browning rifles, I guess for me does the A5 jamb less or more than maxus? I like the lighter weight of the maxus. Is inertia more reliable than gas?

[@bigB6flyer]

The answer is easy-Belgian Auto 5. 😊

[@wyattcrane8819]

I really like the idea of this type of video, could you do one with Berettas.

[@jessecollins5072]

I agree entirely. I love the simplicity of inertia systems, and the A5 being a direct decendant of JMB's original ground breaking design. Best gun designer ever.

[@Zach-td5mb]

The new A5 has nothing in common with the original.

[@TedOkerlund]

How about a comparison of Fabarms L4S to the Browning Maxus

[@brianguest238]

So I’m currently deciding between the A5 and the maxus 2 , never had that nice of a weapon and I plan on using it , it’s come down to those two I think but I have another question would you think that is more durable all camo or the cerakote? I think they both look good. I kinda have a feeling that the camo is more durable. What are your thoughts?

[@davidmitchell6319]

I’ve got the maxus 2 and I love it!!!! Liked the A5 when I was looking but love the Maxus. Just my opinion. Lol

[@adamsnyder5192]

Had a wicked wing a5 and sold it. Didn’t cycle well and just didn’t like fit as much overall

[@anthonyrussomanno1540]

I don’t have a Browning semi auto I have a 20 gauge sx4 .But next gun will either be a 12 gauge maxis 2 or a 12 gauge A5 not sure but I always lean towards gas guns so probably the Maxis 2but great video