The hump is back. Browning has announced the A5, a new semi-automatic shotgun that shares the distinctive "humpback" receiver of the classic Auto-5. Like the Auto-5, the A5 is a recoil-operated semiautomatic shotgun, but this and the receiver "hump" are where the similarities end. This is an entirely new design.

The long-recoil action of the Auto-5 has been replaced by the more typical short-recoil design, similar to Benelli's Inertia recoil system. The patent that Benelli held for this design expired in 2006, giving competitors like Browning the opportunity to release their own version. Browning calls this the Kinematic Drive System, and every A5 sold will carry a 100,000-round or 5-year guarantee.

The A5 also has a new choke system, the Invector DS. The "DS" stands for "double seal", and the choke tubes have a brass seal at their base to help prevent combustion gases and fouling from getting caught in the gap between the barrel and the choke, making cleaning quicker and easier. The Invector DS choke system also has longer, more gradual taper, which Browning claims will improve pattern tightness and consistency.

Three different versions will be offered upon delivery in spring 2012. The A5 Stalker has a black synthetic stock, the A5 Hunter a wooden stock, and the A5 Camo a synthetic stock with either Mossy Oak Duck Blind or Break-Up Infinity camoflauge patterns. Available barrel lengths will be 26", 28", and 30", and MSRP will be $1399 - $1559.

From the Browning website:

The New A5...The Hump Is Back.

You may notice a family resemblance, but let's get one thing straight, this ain't your Grandpa's Auto-5. In fact, the iconic humpback-shaped receiver is the only thing this new Browning autoloader shares with its legendary namesake. The all new Browning A5 is built to be the most reliable, fastest cycling, best performing and softest shooting recoil-operated (yes, recoil-operated) autoloader on the planet. And we are so confident in the A5, we are standing behind it with a 100,000 round or five year guarantee that this shotgun will work, come hell or high water. Standing firmly behind this claim is the ultra-reliable, honed to perfection Kinematic Drive System.

Other innovations, like the new Invector-DS choke tube system and Inflex II recoil pad are sure to place the A5 right at the top of the industry. With the recoil-operated A5 and our gas-operated Maxus autoloaders, we are poised to dominate every aspect of the autoloading shotgun market. These two guns compliment one another in the same way lightning goes with thunder, and the way Browning goes with number one.

Specifications
Gauge: 12-gauge, 3" chamber
Action: Semiautomatic, recoil operated
Receiver: Aluminum alloy
Barrel: 26", 28", or 30"
Overall Length: 47 5/8" - 51 5/8"
Weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz. - 7 lbs. 7 oz.
MSRP: $1,399.99 - $1,559.99