I will soon be coming into possession of two Browning A-5's, a Light Twelve and a Magnum 12. Very classic guns indeed, I'm impressed with them. The Light 12 is a 1972 and the Magnum is a 1969. My question is what is the difference between these two guns? Are the frames (the Magnum being heavier or reinforced for strength perhaps?) different? Will the barrels for the Light 12 work with the Magnum or vice versa? The Light has 26 and 28" barrels and the Magnum has a 30" bbl. I have been researching online and learning as much as I can on these guns. I've never had an A-5 before, but have always wanted one for so many years. These were my Uncle's who recently passed away. Thank you for any info you may provide.
http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/browning_auto5lite.pdf A5's barrels were fitted to each gun's forearm. Swapping barrels might cause your forearm to crack when the gun cycles. Leave the Magnum barrel on the Magnum gun and adjust the friction rings accordingly for heavy and 3" magnums loads and enjoy the shotgun. They do make "magnum" and "standard" recoil springs for the guns too: http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/B1111378
Thanks, I won't swap anything between the two guns. Now I do have a 28" and a 26" bbl for the Light 12 - those are OK to swap back and forth correct?