Description
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is what happens when a company takes its most iconic shotgun silhouette and rebuilds it for hunters who spend their mornings knee-deep in flooded timber. That familiar humpback receiver does more than look good. It flows right into the rib to stretch out your sight plane, so the gun points where you look without any conscious effort. Inside, the Kinematic Drive short recoil action converts recoil energy into the motion that cycles the gun, keeping powder gases out of the receiver and cutting way down on the gunk that slows other autoloaders late in the season. Browning backs it with a 100,000 round or five-year guarantee, which tells you how much faith they have in this action.
This version wears Realtree Max-7 camo on the synthetic stock and forearm with a close radius pistol grip that gives you a more upright, controlled wrist angle, a setup a lot of duck hunters prefer when running a gun from a layout or pit blind. The receiver gets a Burnt Bronze Cerakote camo treatment with a matching Burnt Bronze barrel, and the bore is fully chromed for corrosion resistance when you're hunting around salt and mud. The oversized bolt release and bolt handle are genuinely useful upgrades when you're wearing heavy gloves in December.
The 26 inch barrel keeps this 12 gauge quick on crossing birds while the 3.5 inch chamber means nothing on the menu is off limits, from early teal with light loads to late season honkers with heavy magnums. The Inflex II recoil pad takes the sting out of those bigger shells, and the stock can be adjusted for length of pull, cast, and drop to dial in your fit. A fiber optic front sight and ivory mid bead come standard, and Browning includes three extended Invector-DS Goose Band choke tubes in Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder plus an ABS hard case. If you want a dedicated waterfowl gun that's light to carry, soft to shoot, and dressed for the marsh, this one earns its spot in the blind.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Browning
- Model: A5 Wicked Wing
- Manufacturer Part Number: 0119112005
- UPC: 023614853169
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber: 3.5"
- Action: Semi-Auto, Kinematic Drive Short Recoil
- Barrel Length: 26"
- Capacity: 4+1
- Barrel Finish: Burnt Bronze Cerakote
- Stock: Realtree Max-7 Camo Synthetic, Close Radius Pistol Grip
- Sights: Fiber Optic Front, Ivory Mid Bead
- Chokes Included: Extended Invector-DS Goose Band (F, M, IC)
- Recoil Pad: Inflex II
- Safety: Crossbolt
- Case Included: ABS Hard Case
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the A5 Wicked Wing gas operated or inertia driven?
It runs on Browning's Kinematic Drive System, a short recoil operated action that uses recoil energy rather than gas to cycle the bolt. That means combustion gases exit the barrel instead of dumping into the action, so the gun stays cleaner over long shooting sessions and is less fussy in cold, wet conditions. It cycles fast and Browning backs it with a 100,000 round or five-year guarantee.
What's different about the close radius pistol grip stock?
The close radius grip brings your trigger hand into a more vertical, relaxed wrist position compared to a traditional sweeping grip. A lot of waterfowl hunters find it gives better control when mounting from a layout blind or shooting with bulky cold weather gear. It's a setup borrowed from turkey and waterfowl-specific guns where controlled, deliberate gun handling matters.
Can this shotgun handle everything from light target loads to 3.5 inch magnums?
Yes, the 3.5 inch chamber accepts 2.75, 3, and 3.5 inch shells, which covers everything from clays practice to heavy goose loads. Like most recoil operated guns, it cycles most reliably with loads that have some authority behind them, so very light promotional target shells may occasionally be sluggish. Keep in mind this is a light gun at under 7 pounds, so 3.5 inch magnums deliver stout recoil even with the Inflex II pad doing its job.
What chokes come with it and do I need anything extra to hunt waterfowl?
It ships with three extended Invector-DS Goose Band choke tubes in Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder, plus an ABS hard case. The Invector-DS system is rated for steel shot through appropriate constrictions, so you're set for nontoxic waterfowl loads right out of the box. Modified is a popular all-around choice for ducks over decoys, with Full reserved for longer passes.
How does the Cerakote finish hold up in saltwater and harsh weather?
The Burnt Bronze Cerakote on the barrel and receiver is a ceramic-based coating that resists rust and scratching far better than traditional bluing, and the bore is fully chrome lined for added corrosion protection. It's a genuinely good setup for coastal and salt marsh hunting. As with any gun, a quick wipe-down and proper drying after saltwater exposure will keep it looking right for years.
Is the A5 Wicked Wing only good for duck hunting?
Waterfowl is what it was built for, but the light weight, quick-handling 26 inch barrel, and adjustable stock make it a capable all-around hunting gun. Plenty of owners use theirs for pheasants, doves, and even turkeys with the right choke and load. The humpback receiver's long sight plane helps it point naturally on fast-moving birds of any kind.




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