American Browning A5 weak primer strike

wgalvinized · July 20, 2019, 09:23 PM

I have a 1940's Browning Auto 5 in 12ga. This is the "American Browning" aka a Brownington. Made by Remington during WWII but labeled as a Browning. S/N begins with a B.

Problem 1: Weak primer strikes. The firing pin slightly dents the primer and as a result it does not ignite.

Problem 2: No notch cut out in the ejector port. So, I cannot remove the bolt locking lug pin. I have read where some people say it can be removed out the left side by pushing with a very small pin from the right. However, there appears to me zero gap tolerances so I cannot fit anything in there to push out the pin. If there is a way to remove the bolt please advise. Until then I cannot determine if the problem is in the bolt / firing pin.

I disassembled the gun except the bolt. I gave it a thorough cleaning with action cleaner. During disassembly I notice the mainspring screw was not as snug as possible. Gave it 1 - 1 1/2 half turns to tighten it down. Wondering if this is my problem?

Reassembled and dry firing seems slightly better but not as crisp as it I expect or hear in my other Auto 5's.

Your thoughts to my weak primer strike problem?

Scorch · July 21, 2019, 12:25 AM

You can buy a new hammer spring and install it. Jack First would be a good source.

July 20, 2019, 09:23 PM	#1
wgalvinized Junior Member Join Date: March 30, 2016 Posts: 1	American Browning A5 weak primer strike I have a 1940's Browning Auto 5 in 12ga. This is the "American Browning" aka a Brownington. Made by Remington during WWII but labeled as a Browning. S/N begins with a B. Problem 1: Weak primer strikes. The firing pin slightly dents the primer and as a result it does not ignite. Problem 2: No notch cut out in the ejector port. So, I cannot remove the bolt locking lug pin. I have read where some people say it can be removed out the left side by pushing with a very small pin from the right. However, there appears to me zero gap tolerances so I cannot fit anything in there to push out the pin. If there is a way to remove the bolt please advise. Until then I cannot determine if the problem is in the bolt / firing pin. I disassembled the gun except the bolt. I gave it a thorough cleaning with action cleaner. During disassembly I notice the mainspring screw was not as snug as possible. Gave it 1 - 1 1/2 half turns to tighten it down. Wondering if this is my problem? Reassembled and dry firing seems slightly better but not as crisp as it I expect or hear in my other Auto 5's. Your thoughts to my weak primer strike problem?

July 21, 2019, 12:25 AM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	You can buy a new hammer spring and install it. Jack First would be a good source. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services