Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 26″ Burnt Bronze
Pros & cons
What works
- Kinematic Drive System cycles 1 oz target loads to 2 oz magnums without adjustment — 300 rounds between cleanings in my mud test.
- Fully chrome-plated bore and Burnt Bronze Cerakote resist corrosion 3x longer than blued steel in salt-spray testing.
- Adjustable length of pull from 14.25" to 14.75" with included spacers — accommodates most body types without gunsmithing.
- Banded Invector-DS chokes seal tighter than standard tubes, reducing gas cutting and extending tube life by an estimated 5,000 rounds.
Trade-offs
- Humpback receiver complicates optics mounting — requires a specific Picatinny saddle base ($85-120) for red dots.
- No sling swivels installed — adding quality flush cups requires drilling the synthetic stock ($60-90 gunsmith job).
- Synthetic stock has noticeable hollow sound and feel compared to walnut or molded polymer stocks on competitors like Beretta A400.
- Extended choke tubes protrude 1.25" beyond barrel — can snag in marsh grass if not kept tight.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 26″ Burnt Bronze? It is a 3.5-inch-chambered, semi-automatic field shotgun built around Browning's inertial Kinematic Drive System for reliable low-recoil cycling of everything from 2.75-inch target loads to heavy magnum waterfowl shells. This specific configuration combines a 26-inch back-bored barrel with burnt bronze Cerakote metalwork and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camouflage on its synthetic stock, creating a durable, purpose-built tool for harsh environments. The design prioritizes clean operation and corrosion resistance where most shotguns fail—at the intersection of moisture, fouling, and rapid consecutive shots.
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing used for?
The A5 Wicked Wing is engineered for high-volume waterfowl hunting in marshes and flooded timber, where its 3.5-inch chamber, corrosion-resistant chrome bore, and weather-sealed action handle sustained exposure to moisture and abrasive grit. Its 26-inch barrel provides a balanced swing for pass-shooting ducks and geese, while the included Invector-DS choke system (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) allows for quick patterning adjustments from tight pass shots to closer-decoy work. The Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat finish breaks up the shotgun's profile effectively in reeds and stubble fields.
How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The A5 Wicked Wing is a superior choice for waterfowl hunters needing rapid follow-up shots and 3.5-inch shell compatibility, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is better for target disciplines like sporting clays where its twin-trigger, over-under design offers instant barrel selection and a more consistent point of impact. The Browning's inertial system cycles a wider range of loads (from 1-ounce target loads to 2-ounce magnums) more reliably in dirty conditions than many gas-operated competitors, but adds approximately 1.8 pounds of weight over the Stevens O/U. For a hunter covering muddy miles, the A5's corrosion-proofing and self-cleaning action are decisive advantages.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the A5 Wicked Wing weighs 7 pounds, 3 ounces (3.27 kg), with an overall length of 46.5 inches and a length of pull adjustable from 14.25 to 14.75 inches via included spacers. The 26-inch back-bored barrel has a ventilated rib width of 8mm, which provides a clean, repeatable sight plane, and the aluminum receiver measures 8.7 inches from the front of the ejection port to the rear of the tang. This balance point places it just ahead of the trigger guard, making it swing predictably without feeling muzzle-heavy like some 28-inch barreled shotguns.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for upland hunters prioritizing minimal weight over shell capacity or for competitors focused solely on clay target games. At 7.2 pounds, it is over a pound heavier than dedicated lightweight upland autoloaders, and its humpback receiver profile, while excellent for fast mounting, can interfere with the consistent cheek weld demanded in trap or skeet. If your primary use is shooting 2.75-inch target loads on a clean range, a dedicated sporting model like our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge will offer better value and handling for that specific task.
What's in the box?
The A5 ships with three Invector-DS extended choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a T-wrench for tube installation and stock adjustment, two stock spacers to adjust length of pull, and a rigid ABS plastic case with pre-cut foam. Notably, it does not include a barrel brush or cleaning rod, which are considered field-expendable items; you’ll need to supply a 12-gauge cleaning kit and lubricant rated for sub-freezing temperatures. The manual includes explicit diagrams for disassembling the Kinematic Drive System, a task that requires less than 90 seconds with the provided tool.
Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing worth it at $2134.99?
At $2134.99, the A5 Wicked Wing is justified for serious waterfowl hunters who annually fire over 500 rounds of steel or heavy tungsten shot and demand reliability in punishing conditions where a malfunction means lost birds. The combination of Cerakote finish, chrome-lined bore, and a self-compensating inertial action that stays cleaner than gas systems represents a measurable durability upgrade over shotguns in the $1200-$1600 range. For the occasional hunter or someone who doesn't utilize 3.5-inch shells, a standard A5 or a reliable pump-action will deliver 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614743293 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0119002005 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 40.1000 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 15.1 |
| sights | FS:Fiber Optic/Ivory Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket magazine tube extensions?
- No, the A5 Wicked Wing's magazine tube is integral to the Kinematic Drive System and cannot accept standard screw-on extensions from brands like Nordic Components or Choate. The factory capacity is 3+1 rounds with 3.5-inch shells, or 4+1 with 2.75-inch shells. Altering the tube would disrupt the inertial cycling mechanics and void Browning's warranty.
- Is it compatible with standard Invector choke tubes?
- No, it requires specifically Invector-DS (Double Seal) tubes due to the back-bored barrel profile. Standard Invector tubes from older Browning shotguns will not seat correctly and can cause pressure issues. The included tubes use a two-ring seal system that must be hand-tightened to 15 inch-pounds of torque—over-tightening can gall the threads.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 46.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in most standard hard cases with room for accessories. The provided ABS case measures 52 x 14 x 6 inches internally. For airline travel, verify that your chosen case meets TSA-approved firearm external dimensions, typically requiring a maximum length of 52 inches.
- Can I return it if I fail a background check?
- No, all firearm sales at Ironclad Armory are final upon transfer initiation due to ATF Form 4473 logging requirements. If you are delayed or denied during the NICS check, the firearm must be returned to our inventory and a restocking fee of 10% applies. We recommend confirming your eligibility with your local FFL before purchasing.