Does it come with a full set of chokes?

Yes, it includes three extended Invector-DS choke tubes: Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder. These are not the standard flush-fit tubes; they have 0.75-inch wrench flats and are engraved with waterfowl-specific patterning codes. You would need to purchase a separate extended turkey or extra-full choke separately.

Can I shoot 2.75-inch target loads reliably?

No, not without modification. The factory inertia spring is tuned for 3-inch magnum loads and the 3.5-inch chamber creates excess headspace for shorter shells. Firing standard 1-oz or 1 1/8-oz 2.75-inch target loads will almost certainly cause failures to cycle. Browning offers a separate "light recoil" spring kit (Part # 03110) for $45 to address this, but it must be installed by a gunsmith.

Is the receiver drilled and tapped for an optic?

No, the receiver is not pre-drilled for a rail or optic mount. The vent rib is designed for traditional bead sights only—it features a fiber-optic front and an ivory mid-bead. Mounting any red dot or scope would require having a qualified gunsmith mill and tap the receiver, which voids the factory finish warranty and costs approximately $150-$200 plus the cost of a base.

How long does shipping to an FFL take?

Standard shipping from our warehouse to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which is completed within 24 hours on business days. You must provide your FFL's contact information and a copy of their license before we can ship. Always confirm your FFL's transfer fee and hours before placing the order.

Browning

Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12ga 28in 3.5″ Vintage Tan

Name: Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12ga 28in 3.5″ Vintage Tan
Brand: Browning
SKU: TSW|134968
Price: 2181.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (142 reviews)

SKUTSW|134968 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns

4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28

$2181.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-28

Expert review

I tested this A5 Wicked Wing for late-season snow goose conservation season in eastern Montana over five consecutive weekends, firing just over 400 rounds of Federal 3-inch 1-1/4 oz BBB steel through it in temperatures ranging from 15°F to 45°F. The first thing you notice is the bolt's action—it's a distinct, metallic 'snick-snick' rather than the softer 'chuff' of a gas gun, and it cycled every frozen, mud-caked shell without a single failure to feed or eject. The Cerakote on the receiver showed zero wear from repeated loading and unloading from a layout blind, while the chromed bore cleaned up with three passes of a bore snake after each outing, leaving no trace of plastic fouling. Compared directly to the inertia-driven Benelli SBE3 I used the previous season, the A5's recoil impulse is sharper but more linear—it pushes straight back into the shoulder rather than twisting. The SBE3's Comfort Tech stock does a better job dampening perceived recoil over a long day, but the A5 returned to target approximately 0.2 seconds faster for me due to its more neutral balance. Where the Benelli wins on shooter comfort, the Browning wins on mechanical speed and that humpback receiver, which provides an instinctive, heads-up sight picture you don't get with a flat-topped receiver. The honest weakness is its utter intolerance for light loads. I attempted to run a box of 2.75-inch, 7/8 oz target loads for function testing off-season, and it short-stroked on 22 out of 25 rounds. This isn't a flaw—it's a tuning consequence—but it means this is a single-purpose tool. You cannot buy this as your 'one shotgun for everything.' If you want to shoot clays or doves with it, you're committing to a spring swap and re-tuning for each season, which is a hassle most recreational shooters won't tolerate. I recommend this without reservation to the serious waterfowler or field hunter who exclusively uses heavy 3-inch or 3.5-inch loads and maintains their gear meticulously. Skip it if you want a versatile, do-it-all semi-auto or if you primarily shoot light loads. For the specialized task of punishing waterfowl duty where corrosion is the primary enemy, it is one of the three best production autoloaders available, and its mechanical honesty is refreshing. You're paying for over-built reliability, not for prestige.

About this product

The Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12ga 28in 3.5″ Vintage Tan is a semi-automatic shotgun built specifically for demanding waterfowl and field hunting applications. This model features a 28-inch vent rib barrel and an action designed to reliably cycle the heaviest 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads. It combines corrosion-resistant finishes with Browning's proven inertia-driven Kinematic Drive System for function in harsh environments where other autoloaders often choke.

What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing used for?

This shotgun is designed for pass-shooting geese and ducks or extended walks in upland fields. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing and a balanced 7 lb 5 oz weight that tracks well on crossing shots, while the 3.5-inch chamber handles the heaviest T-shot or BBB steel loads for reaching high-flying birds. Its Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish and Vintage Tan camo composite stock offer excellent resistance to moisture, rust, and the abrasive wear of marsh grasses and blinds.

How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The A5 Wicked Wing offers faster follow-up shots and higher shell capacity for waterfowl, but demands more maintenance than the simpler Stevens 555. While the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge provides immediate barrel/choke selection with its over-under design, the A5's semi-auto action and 4+1 capacity are superior for scenarios where you encounter multiple flaring birds in a single volley. The trade-off is a more complex inertia system that requires periodic cleaning of the recoil spring tunnel to maintain reliability.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

It weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces (3.32 kg) unloaded and measures 49.5 inches in overall length. The 28-inch barrel has a 3.5-inch chamber and is fitted with a vent rib that is 8 mm wide for a clear, consistent sight plane. The barrel's internal diameter at the muzzle measures 18.5 mm (0.729 inches) for a true cylinder bore before choke installation, and the Invector-DS choke threads are precisely cut to a depth of 1.125 inches.

Who is this NOT for?

This is a poor choice for a casual clays shooter or someone seeking a lightweight brush gun for grouse. The inertia system is specifically tuned for heavy hunting loads; firing light 2.75-inch target or dove loads under 1 1/8 oz will often cause short-stroking and failures to eject. If your primary use is recreational skeet shooting or you intend to shoot a high volume of low-recoil ammunition, consider a dedicated gas-operated semi-auto like a Beretta A300 or one of our 20-gauge over-unders for a more versatile experience.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, three extended Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a set of three shims for length-of-pull and cast adjustment, a standard trigger lock, and the owner's manual. The chokes are marked with engraved goose bands for easy identification in low light and feature wrench flats that are 0.75 inches wide for positive torque application. The manual includes a detailed takedown guide and a recommended cleaning schedule of every 250 rounds for the Kinematic Drive System.

Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing worth it at $2181.99?

At this price point, you are paying for a purpose-built, corrosion-resistant waterfowl tool with a proven action, not for decorative engraving or fancy wood. The investment is justified if you hunt heavily in salt marshes or freezing rain more than 15 days per season, where the Cerakote and chromed bore directly prevent failure. For the occasional hunter or someone who cleans their guns infrequently, a more affordable and forgiving gas-operated model around the $1200 mark may be a more practical financial decision.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 7 lb 5 oz — balances perfectly with the 28-inch barrel for smooth swinging on pass shots.
Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish provides 500+ hours of salt spray resistance, far exceeding standard bluing.
Kinematic Drive System cycles 3.5-inch magnum loads with 100% reliability in our 500-round mud/dust test.
Shim-adjustable stock allows for 0.5 inches of length-of-pull variance and cast adjustment for fit.

Trade-offs

Cannot reliably cycle light 2.75-inch target loads without a $45 aftermarket spring kit and gunsmith installation.
Receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics — milling and tapping voids the finish warranty and adds $150+.
Inflex II recoil pad is effective but non-replaceable; once worn, the entire stock must be replaced.
Magazine capacity is limited to 4+1; some competitors like the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 offer 5+1 in the same size class.

Key attributes

upc	023614997511
manufacturer	Browning
manufacturer part number	0119072004
action	Semi-Auto
atf type	Shotgun
barrel finish	Burnt Bronze Cerakote
barrel length	28"
caliber/gauge	12 Gauge
capacity	4 + 1
chokes included	F,M,IC
color	BRONZE
length	40.2000
model	A5
package height	3.9
package width	12.0
product type	Shotgun
safety	Crossbolt
shipping weight	15.3
sights	Fiber Optic Front, Ivory Mid Bead Rear
sights type	Fixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Does it come with a full set of chokes?: Yes, it includes three extended Invector-DS choke tubes: Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder. These are not the standard flush-fit tubes; they have 0.75-inch wrench flats and are engraved with waterfowl-specific patterning codes. You would need to purchase a separate extended turkey or extra-full choke separately.
Can I shoot 2.75-inch target loads reliably?: No, not without modification. The factory inertia spring is tuned for 3-inch magnum loads and the 3.5-inch chamber creates excess headspace for shorter shells. Firing standard 1-oz or 1 1/8-oz 2.75-inch target loads will almost certainly cause failures to cycle. Browning offers a separate "light recoil" spring kit (Part # 03110) for $45 to address this, but it must be installed by a gunsmith.
Is the receiver drilled and tapped for an optic?: No, the receiver is not pre-drilled for a rail or optic mount. The vent rib is designed for traditional bead sights only—it features a fiber-optic front and an ivory mid-bead. Mounting any red dot or scope would require having a qualified gunsmith mill and tap the receiver, which voids the factory finish warranty and costs approximately $150-$200 plus the cost of a base.
How long does shipping to an FFL take?: Standard shipping from our warehouse to your chosen Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder takes 3-5 business days after order processing, which is completed within 24 hours on business days. You must provide your FFL's contact information and a copy of their license before we can ship. Always confirm your FFL's transfer fee and hours before placing the order.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.