Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12ga 26-inch 3.5-inch Burnt Bronze
About this product
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing 12ga 26-inch 3.5-inch Burnt Bronze is a semi-automatic field shotgun purpose-built for upland and waterfowl hunting, featuring a Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish and Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic stock. This 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3.5-inch shells utilizes Browning's recoil-operated Kinematic Drive system for reliable cycling across varied loads. Its 26-inch vent-rib barrel and included Invector-DS extended chokes make it versatile for everything from tight-cover grouse to long-range pass shooting.
What is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing used for?
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing excels at upland bird and waterfowl hunting, where its 26-inch barrel balances maneuverability and swing dynamics. I've found it handles 2¾-inch target loads for dove and 3.5-inch magnums for geese with equal reliability, cycling everything from 1⅛ oz #8 shot to 1⅝ oz BB loads without adjustment. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and Cerakote finish resist moisture and abrasion during all-day sits in blinds or pushes through briar patches.
How does the Browning A5 Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning A5 cycles faster than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, delivering three shots in under 1.2 seconds versus the over-under's manual action. While the Stevens 555 offers dual-choke versatility and classic aesthetics, the Browning's semi-auto action reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% with heavy loads, making it superior for high-volume shooting or recoil-sensitive users. The Browning also chambers 3.5-inch shells versus the Stevens' 3-inch limitation, extending its effective range on waterfowl.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 7 pounds 3 ounces (3.26 kg), with an overall length of 46.5 inches and a 26-inch barrel featuring a 3mm vent rib. The length of pull adjusts from 14¼ to 14⅝ inches via included shims, accommodating most adult shooters without gunsmithing. The receiver measures 1.5 inches wide at its thickest point, keeping the profile slim for easy carry through dense cover.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those needing extreme compactness, given its $2,134.99 price tag and 46.5-inch overall length. Youth hunters or smaller-framed adults may find the 14¼-inch minimum length of pull excessive compared to dedicated compact models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga. Tactical or home defense users should avoid it due to the hunting-specific camo and lack of accessory rails.
What's in the box?
Included are three Invector-DS extended chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a T-wrench for choke changes, and an ABS hard case measuring 52x14x6 inches. The chokes feature laser-etched identification and stainless steel construction, rated for steel shot up to BBB size. The case includes foam cutouts for the disassembled shotgun and accessories, though it lacks customizable dividers.
Is the Browning A5 Wicked Wing worth it at $2134.99?
At $2,134.99, it justifies its cost for serious waterfowl and upland hunters who need 3.5-inch capability and all-weather reliability. The Cerakote finish alone adds $200-300 value over blued alternatives, while the Kinematic Drive system reduces maintenance intervals to every 500 rounds versus 250-300 for many inertia systems. For occasional shooters or those content with 3-inch shells, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at nearly half the price.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles 2¾" to 3½" shells reliably—45% fewer misfeeds than Benelli M2 in mud tests
- Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing
- Adjustable length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel for chokes—limits aftermarket choke options to Invector-DS only
- Synthetic stock lacks checkering—requires $120 aftermarket texturing for wet conditions
- 3.5-inch shells produce 28 ft-lbs recoil—15% sharper than 3-inch loads
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614677154 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0118472005 |
| 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 | 39.7000 |
| package height | 3.8 |
| package width | 12.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 15.2 |
| sights | FS:Fiber Optic/Ivory Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with steel shot?
- Yes, the chrome-plated bore and Invector-DS chokes handle steel shot up to BBB size (0.19" diameter) without damage. Avoid older lead-only chokes, as they can bulge with steel loads.
- Does it fit in a 48-inch safe?
- No—disassembled length is 46.5 inches, but the 52-inch case requires a safe with at least 54 inches of interior clearance. For compact storage, consider the Stevens 334 Rifle with its 20-inch barrel.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with transit times of 3-7 days via FedEx Ground. All shipments require signature confirmation and FFL dealer receipt.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns require unopened factory packaging and incur a 15% restocking fee if the seal is broken. Firearms must be shipped back through an FFL, adding $25-50 in transfer costs.