Browning A5 vs maxus

**paptini** · December 2nd, 2016, 07:41 PM

My next purchase is going to be a 12 gauge. Looking hard at the Browning line. I'm not too familiar with the auto loaders. A friend at work has an A5 but doesn't know about the maxus. Looking to maybe start goose hunting again. I was actually looking at the Citori 725 when I stumbled across the maxus and it got me looking into the auto-loaders. So anyone out there with an opinion to share, I'd like to know what you think. Thanks for any advice...

**MikeStull** · December 13th, 2016, 10:32 PM

Get thee to shotgunworld.com, the forums there will answer your questions. There is a discussion group focused on waterfowl hunting. I am a skeet shooter so goose hunting is outside my realm of expertise. I will say both the A5 and the Maxus are well liked, no bad news. I shoot a Maxus sporting, good handling gun but clays are different than goose.

**JenniferG** · December 14th, 2016, 02:13 PM

Get a shotgun that is able to handle at least 3 " steel loads. I prefer composite stocks because goose hunting is muddy, wet and bloody. Keep the action oiled not greased. Benelli Super Black Eagle, Benelli Montefeltro, Remington, 1187 just to name a few. The A5 is a recoil operated action and sometimes picky about ammo. I've owned 2 over my life, one in 12 and one in 16 gauge. Both fed most ammo without problems but I never shot steel loads out of them.

https://www.remington.com/shotguns/a...lack-synthetic

**DucatiRon** · December 14th, 2016, 03:55 PM

Never owned either but I always loved the look of an A5. When it can time to replafe my 45 year old 1100 Rem I setteled on the FN SLP Competition series autoloader. Has a 3" chamber and holds 8+1 of 2 3/4 shells. And besides it blue.

**IrocGuns** · December 14th, 2016, 04:24 PM

Not really a hunter but the autoloader I enjoyed shooting the most was a benelli super vinci. The maxus is very nice too. same with rem versamax. beretta a400 (though the kick-off takes some getting used to) make sure whatever you buy is rated for steel as most new shotguns would be.

**JenniferG** · December 14th, 2016, 05:15 PM

Goose hunting is a test of you and your gun's abilty to withstand extreme weather conditions. The first season is in the beginning of September. It's hot and the limit is 5 birds per day. Your boat or blind quickly gets filled with mud and goose blood and smells like hell.

The later seasons are in the winter and things freeze up quickly like your hands and your gun's action. I sold off all my decoys and goose blind materials last year because it became clear that it's too much for me at my age. I loved duck and goose hunting for many years even under the most adverse conditions. This sport requires a certain dedication that isn't required for other types of hunting. Your equipment will be tested every time you go out. I prefer the simplicity and reliabilty of the 1187 and mine also doubles as my turkey gun too.

**paptini** · December 14th, 2016, 08:24 PM

Thank you for the advice. I will take it all in and see where my research and your suggestions lead me. Thanks again.

**paptini** · January 2nd, 2017, 05:58 PM

Well the update for those who helped. After a trip to the gun store and shouldering all of the above plus some, it came down to the A5 and Super Vinci. Super Vinci won out by a hair and is now in the gun safe. Not too fond of the front bead but that's an easy and cheap enough fix. Also have a Nova in the back of the safe from when they first came out. Used it for turkey for a season until I found a gun I liked better. So I figure I'll set it up with a 28' barrel and an identical front bead set up and this can serve as a backup gun. Thanks again for the advice.