Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Gauge Shotgun: The Ultimate Waterfowl and Field Companion

For serious waterfowl hunters, avid sporting clays enthusiasts, and those who demand peak performance in the field, the choice of a shotgun is paramount. It must be utterly reliable, handle punishing conditions, and deliver consistent results shot after shot. Enter the Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun – a modern masterpiece that skillfully marries the legendary "humpback" design of its revered predecessor with cutting-edge technology and materials. This isn't just a firearm; it's a testament to Browning's commitment to excellence, engineered to be an indispensable tool for anyone facing the demanding environments of the marsh, blind, or open field.

Are you searching for a shotgun that can withstand the harshest weather conditions while delivering uncompromised cycling reliability? Do you need a firearm that can handle a wide spectrum of ammunition, from light target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnums? The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is precisely designed to meet these challenges, offering a solution that ensures consistent performance when it matters most. This shotgun is a top recommendation for hunters and shooters who prioritize durability, versatility, and the unique advantages of an inertia-driven system.

Reinventing a Legend: The Browning A5 Legacy and Modern Innovation

The Browning A5, first introduced by John M. Browning himself, revolutionized the shotgun world. While the original was a long-recoil operated system, the modern A5 retains the iconic "humpback" receiver shape, paying homage to its heritage, but features Browning's innovative Kinematic Drive System. This inertia-driven operating system represents a significant leap forward in semi-automatic shotgun technology. Unlike gas-operated systems that can become fouled with powder residue and are sensitive to changes in ammunition pressure, the Kinematic Drive System harnesses the recoil energy of the fired shell to cycle the action. This results in an exceptionally clean, reliable, and consistent operating system that performs flawlessly across a wide range of loads and in the most extreme weather conditions – from freezing rain in a duck blind to dusty, dry uplands. This inherent reliability is a core reason why the Browning A5 Wicked Wing stands out, offering peace of mind to hunters who cannot afford a malfunction when a flock of birds is cupped and coming in.

Built for the Elements: Durability Meets Stealth

The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is purpose-built for the rigors of the outdoors. Its distinctive aesthetic is not just for show; it's a functional design that enhances performance and longevity.

• Burnt Bronze Cerakote Finish: The receiver and barrel of this A5 model are treated with a striking Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish. Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating renowned for its exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and abrasion protection. In the often-wet, muddy, and abrasive environments of waterfowl hunting, this finish provides a superior barrier against rust and wear, ensuring your shotgun maintains its appearance and functionality for years to come. It’s a critical feature that differentiates it from standard blued finishes, offering a significant advantage in terms of maintenance and longevity.
• Mossy Oak Bottomland Camouflage: The synthetic stock and forearm are meticulously adorned with the iconic Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage pattern. This classic pattern is highly effective for breaking up the shotgun's outline in various environments, from timber and flooded fields to marshlands and open agricultural settings. For waterfowl and turkey hunters, blending seamlessly into the environment is key to success, and the Bottomland pattern delivers exactly that, allowing you to remain undetected by wary game. The synthetic material itself is inherently resistant to moisture, scratches, and temperature fluctuations, providing a stable and durable platform regardless of the conditions.
• Fully Chromed Bore: Inside the barrel, a fully chromed bore offers an additional layer of protection and performance enhancement. Chrome plating significantly increases the bore's resistance to corrosion and pitting, which can be caused by corrosive primers and powder residue, especially after prolonged exposure to moisture. Furthermore, the smooth, hard surface of the chrome bore reduces friction, leading to more consistent patterns and easier cleaning after a long day in the field. This feature is a testament to Browning's attention to detail, ensuring long-term reliability and accuracy.

Designed for Performance: Features That Make a Difference

Every aspect of the Browning A5 Wicked Wing is engineered to enhance the user's experience and improve shooting performance.

• Oversize Bolt Release: When hunting in cold weather, gloves are a necessity. The A5 Wicked Wing features an oversize bolt release, thoughtfully designed to be easily manipulated even with thick hunting gloves on. This seemingly small detail significantly improves the shotgun's usability in the field, allowing for quick and efficient reloads or clearing of the chamber without fumbling.
• Invector-DS Extended Choke Tubes: This model includes three Invector-DS Extended choke tubes (Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder). Browning's Invector-DS system is recognized for its superior patterning capabilities. The "DS" stands for "Double Seal," indicating a unique gas seal that prevents gas and fouling from getting between the choke tube and the barrel, which can cause seizing or difficulty in removal. The extended length of these chokes further refines the shot pattern, providing tighter, more consistent spreads downrange, crucial for reaching distant birds or achieving clean breaks on clays. A T-wrench is also included for easy installation and removal of these chokes.
• 3.5-Inch Chamber Versatility: The 12-gauge, 3.5-inch chamber on the Browning A5 Wicked Wing provides immense versatility. It means this shotgun can reliably cycle and fire 2.75-inch, 3-inch, and 3.5-inch shotgun shells. This adaptability is invaluable for hunters who might switch between light target loads for practice, standard 3-inch waterfowl loads, or super magnum 3.5-inch loads for maximum range and knockdown power on large geese or turkeys.
• Fiber Optic Front Sight: Quick target acquisition is vital, especially in dynamic hunting scenarios. The Fiber Optic front sight provides a bright, highly visible aiming point, even in low light conditions often encountered during early morning or late evening hunts. This clear sight picture allows for rapid target alignment, increasing your chances of a successful shot.
• Power Drive Recoil Pad: Recoil management is crucial for comfort and follow-up shot capability. The Power Drive Recoil Pad on the Browning A5 Wicked Wing is an advanced recoil absorption system that significantly reduces felt recoil. This makes shooting more comfortable, especially during extended hunting trips or high-volume shooting sessions at the range. Reduced recoil also allows for quicker re-acquisition of targets for follow-up shots, which can be the difference between success and failure in the field.
• Humpback Receiver: Beyond its iconic appearance, the "humpback" receiver design offers a distinct advantage. It extends the sighting plane, naturally guiding the shooter's eye down the barrel and promoting faster and more intuitive target acquisition, particularly on rapidly moving targets. This ergonomic design contributes to the A5's reputation for being an exceptionally fast-handling shotgun.

User Experience and Applications

The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is more than a sum of its parts; it's a complete system designed for high-performance and user satisfaction. Weighing in at approximately 7.30 lbs, it strikes an excellent balance between being robust enough to absorb recoil and light enough for comfortable carrying during long treks through the field. Its overall length of 47.62 inches with a 26-inch vent rib barrel provides an optimal balance for swinging on targets, whether in tight timber or open skies.

• Waterfowl Hunting: This shotgun is a natural fit for waterfowl hunters. Its robust construction, Cerakote finish, Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, and reliable Kinematic Drive System make it impervious to the harsh, wet, and often freezing conditions of duck and goose hunting. The 3.5-inch chamber ensures you can deploy the most powerful loads for long-range shots on resilient birds.
• Upland Bird Hunting: While primarily designed for waterfowl, the A5 Wicked Wing's fast handling and reliable cycling also make it suitable for upland bird hunting. Its balance and quick target acquisition features are beneficial for flushing birds like pheasant or grouse.
• Turkey Hunting: With its 3.5-inch chamber and ability to throw tight patterns with the Full choke, this shotgun is an excellent choice for turkey hunting, allowing hunters to extend their effective range.
• Sporting Clays and Skeet: While a dedicated target shotgun might be different, the A5 Wicked Wing can certainly pull double duty for clay target sports, helping shooters refine their skills with a reliable and comfortable semi-automatic. The Power Drive Recoil Pad is a significant benefit during high-volume shooting sessions.

The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is not just an update to a classic; it's a meticulously engineered firearm that addresses the real-world needs of today's demanding shooters. It delivers unwavering reliability, exceptional durability, and superior shooting comfort, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone seeking a top-tier semi-automatic shotgun. Experience the blend of tradition and innovation that only Browning can deliver.

This exceptional firearm, the Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Gauge, is available through trusted retailers like DEGuns. When considering your next high-performance shotgun for the field or range, DEGuns.com offers a reliable source for quality firearms and accessories.

Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Specification
Brand	Browning
Series	Wicked Wing
Model	A5
Gauge	12 Gauge
Action	Semi-Auto
Operating System	Inertia (Kinematic Drive System)
Chamber	3.5" (Compatible with 2.75", 3", 3.5")
Capacity	4+1 (4 Shells in Magazine, 1 in Chamber)
Barrel Length	26"
Barrel Description	Vent Rib, Fully Chromed Bore
Barrel Finish	Burnt Bronze Cerakote
Receiver Material	Aluminum
Receiver Finish	Burnt Bronze Camo Cerakote (Humpback)
Stock Material	Synthetic
Stock Finish	Mossy Oak Bottomland
Stock Finish Group	Natural Camouflage
Hand	Right Hand
Sights	Fiber Optic Front
Choke Config.	Banded Invector-DS Extended
Chokes Included	Full (F), Modified (M), Improved Cylinder (IC)
Recoil Pad	Power Drive Recoil Pad
Safety	Crossbolt
Trigger	Gold Plated
Length of Pull	14.25"
Drop @ Comb	1 3/4"
Drop @ Heel	2"
Overall Length (OAL)	47.62"
Weight	7.30 lbs
Includes	ABS Case, T-Wrench
Application	Field (Waterfowl, Upland, Turkey)
Size	Full Size

Identifier	Value
SKU	0118472005
UPC	023614677154