I recently was handed down a Browning A5, 12ga magnum. It's made in Belgium and my grandpa thinks he purchased it new in the late 1950's, or very early 1960's. It has full stamped on the barrel, which leads me to believe it is full choke. I have been told to be careful shooting steel shot out of it. It has probably seen around 1000 rounds of steel BB's and 2's go through it since the switch from lead to steel shot was required. I have also read in a published book that steel shot damaging full chokes is a myth. Anyone know the full truth about this?

I thought I would post a short video of a goose hunt over decoys. It's just a minute long, I'm using a Remington 870 in the vid.

I'd call Browning on that one.

God Bless, Louis

I've cut off and re-installed chokes on a couple of remingtons and beretta guns due to steel shot. The problem is a bulge that forms just before the choke. I haven't seen this on an older Browning but it is probably due to circumstances like yours-it was an inherited gun with lots of memories, so why risk it. The value of the gun relies on it being all original. If you really want to shoot it get another barrell for the steel shot. You'll be pissed when the bulge forms.

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I can get a hastings barrel bit pricy $450, but better than a safe queen.