A5 Friction Ring (question)

J

jonnyB

Well-known member
When does one place the friction (single black) on top of the mag. tube spring? What size load? 1 1/4 oz. or greater? How about 1 1/8?

Does the shot size matter, whether one uses the ring? Or is it dependent on onces?

And does it matter if one is shooting steel? Seems to be a difference of opinion on some of the "shotgun" sites...

Is there a firing pin "spring?" I don't see one on the blueprint/schematic...
 
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Put the ring on top of the spring with the flat side against the spring when you shoot heavy loads (game or field). I would leave it set in the heavy load set up unless you are shooting real light loads. I'm assuming you are shooting a 12 gauge with a Japanese barrel. Mag 12s and 20s have more rings and friction pieces than the light models.
 
Question: please define "light loads" and "heavy loads." I'm shooting a 1940's vintage gun - 12 ga.

Thanks
 
In my experience, and I bought my 12 ga A-5 in 1963, you can shoot down to 1 1/8 oz loads with the ring set up for heavy loads. A little oil on the mag tube should be sufficient. The best way to tell is set the gun up for heavy loads and shoot it. If it cycles, you are set. If it doesn't, try lubing the mag tube. If it still won't cycle, put the ring against the receiver and use the light load set up.
 
Thanks for the response...

I did have the gun set for heavy loads, using 1 1/8 #5 steel and I had a few misfires...will try it again at the range with a light load setup, when the weather cooperates.

Viewed Brownell's video regarding cleaning and oiling an A5...they seem to use more oil than I use.
 
Confusion here: "light loads"..."heavy loads."

Assume any shell 1 1/4 oz. and above is heavy, including magnums at any oz. size...

Wonder if cold weather has any affect on the position of the rings??
 
I would consider 1 ounce light. If 1 1/8 ounce will eject in the heavy load setting, I would leave it set up that way. Cold weather could effect the way the bronze piece operates mainly by the amount and type of oil used. John Browning recommended 1 drop of 30 wt oil on the mag tube.
 
When I was in SD hunting, it was approx. 30 degrees...one time the shell didn't move from the magazine. Another time the shell hung up to the rear of the chamber.

Have very little oil on the tube. I do think it's the setting and I'm going to try the light setting with 1 1/8 loads. This gun cycles light loads (sporting clays) OK.

Lots of variables with cold weather...
 
I usually just leave mine on the "heavy" setting. Always cycled whatever I threw at it. Like others said. Keep tube clean with a bit of oil.
 
Yes he did but I also used rem oil on my browning and a franchi 48 and it always cycled. Key was having the tube clean. 30 wt oil would work fine.
 
Shooting Sporty Clay's tomorrow - will try "light load" setting using 1 1/8 oz. shell. Temps in the 20's could impact cycling? I'll try and report results...

Also shooting my 20 ga. Bng Gold - this is a "senior moment" story about leaving the gun propped on the rear tire; not sure I want to tell the complete story, but I need to see if the gun shoots ok.
 
Typically for 12ga, you would use the heavy load setting for 1 1/4oz loads or heavier.

For 16ga 1 1/8oz loads or heavier

For 20ga magnum 1 1/4oz loads or heavier. (note) The magnum 20ga will only function 1oz or 1 1/8oz loads reliably on the light load setting. If your gun is working properly. It will not function 7/8oz loads reliably.

for 20ga 2 3/4" chambered guns. for 1 oz loads or heavier.

Also if your gun is functioning light loads on the heavy load setting. Your spring(s) and friction breaks(rings) are worn out. When shooting heavy loads you will be unnecessarily pounding your guns action with excess recoil. Time to replace your mag tube spring and friction rings at least.

You can get new ones from Alhmann's gun shop in Morris Town Minnesota or Midwest Gun works.
 
Just returned from a round of Sporty's with my 20 ga and 12 ga.

I used 1 1/8 oz shell with the 12 ga., (light setting), 20 degree weather. the gun worked fine - no jams or mishaps.

20 ga gun also worked fine...

I do have a new mag. spring and washers/rings in the 12 ga.

No visits to the gunsmith this year!!
 
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