I saw at a gunshop today a Browning A5 Magnum, 26" special steel barrel, 12 ga. 3" chamber, full choke, vent rib, made in Belgum, imported through Morgan, Utah. Asking price is $549. Is this a good deal? Can I shoot steel shot? I was looking at it and a Berreta A391 Ulrika for $829. Which is the better deal?

Thanks

None of the Belgian-made A-5s are suitable for steel shot. You may get away with small shot but this is a magnum, which hints at large pellets. The steel simply is too soft and you run the risk of ringing the barrel and separating the vent rib. As good as A-5s are, the magnum models are very heavy and generally will not cycle lighter loads. It's not a versatile gun. The Beretta, on the other hand, will handle about anything you put through it. It's the dominant auto in competitive circles worldwide.

You can buy the Belg. gun and buy a Jap bbl. to shoot steel. That's what I did. Check ebay for the bbl as they are list all the time.

Buy the gun that fits you the best, none of them are any good if they don't fit. For me, it's an A-5, but the Berretta is a fine gun and very reliable.

Doug