Browning Arms Shop

Customising a Browning A5’s Length Of Pull With Shims

A Browning A5 can feel very different when its length of pull suits the shooter properly. This measurement, taken from the centre of the trigger to the end of the recoil pad, affects mounting speed, eye alignment, comfort and control. A stock that is too long may catch on clothing, while one that is too short can crowd the hands and encourage inconsistent gun mounting.

The A5’s shim system allows some adjustment without cutting the stock or adding a permanent extension. It is useful for shooters whose build, clothing or shooting discipline changes throughout the year. A lighter summer shirt, a bulky winter jacket and a different shooting stance can all alter how the shotgun sits against the shoulder.

For Australian owners, any work should be approached within the requirements of the relevant state or territory. Firearm licensing, registration, dealer transfers, safe storage and import rules vary between places such as New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. A qualified local gunsmith can confirm the legal and technical requirements before the shotgun is altered.

Understanding Length Of Pull

Length of pull is more than a comfort measurement. It influences where the trigger finger meets the trigger, how quickly the stock reaches the shoulder pocket and whether the shooter can place the cheek consistently on the comb. A suitable length helps the A5 point naturally without forcing the head forward or leaving the elbow awkwardly compressed.

A practical starting point is to mount the unloaded shotgun in a safe direction with normal shooting clothing. The trigger finger should reach the trigger comfortably without being deeply inserted, and the butt should sit securely in the shoulder pocket rather than on the upper arm. A gunsmith should assess this position because stock dimensions, cast, drop and recoil-pad shape all interact with length of pull.

What The A5 Shims Change

The Browning A5 shim system primarily adjusts stock angle and alignment, rather than providing a large increase or decrease in stock length. The stock bolt, shim, receiver interface and recoil-pad area work together to alter fit. Depending on the shim selected, the change may affect cast, drop or the way the stock sits against the shoulder.

This distinction matters. A shooter who needs a substantially longer stock may require a compatible recoil-pad spacer or a replacement pad, while someone needing a shorter reach may need professional stock modification. Shims can improve fit and alignment, but they are not a substitute for cutting, extending or reshaping the stock when the measurement is significantly wrong.

Preparing For A Safe Adjustment

Before any inspection, unload the A5 completely, remove ammunition from the work area and check the chamber and magazine according to the owner’s manual. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and do not rely on memory about the firearm’s condition. If the shotgun is unfamiliar, have a licensed dealer or gunsmith demonstrate the procedure.

Useful preparation includes:

The recoil pad and stock bolt can be under tension, and incorrect tools may damage screw heads or the stock. Avoid forcing a stuck bolt, drilling into the stock or experimenting with unrelated washers. A small fitting error can affect durability, recoil control and safe operation.

Fitting The Stock To Australian Conditions

Australian shooting habits can make stock fit especially noticeable. A clay shooter travelling from Melbourne’s suburbs to a weekend range may wear different clothing from a hunter walking through regional Victoria. In Brisbane or northern Queensland, lighter clothing and humid conditions may change shoulder contact, while a South Australian or Western Australian field shooter may use layered clothing during colder mornings.

After selecting the appropriate shim, the stock should be reassembled with the correct hardware and checked for a firm, even fit. The recoil pad must sit squarely, the stock must not move under hand pressure and the action should be inspected before any function check. A qualified professional should complete the adjustment where the manufacturer’s instructions are unclear.

For Australian buyers, the correct pathway is through the applicable licensed dealer and state process. A permit to acquire, registration requirement, waiting period or transfer condition may apply, and imported parts can raise additional issues. Never assume that a replacement pad, stock or shim can be ordered and fitted without checking local rules.

Checking Mount, Reach And Recoil

With the shotgun confirmed unloaded, practise a slow mount several times from a normal ready position. The cheek should settle consistently, the eye should align naturally along the rib and the trigger finger should contact the trigger pad without stretching. Repeat the test while wearing the clothing normally used for clay targets or field shooting.

A5 owners often compare the shotgun with other Browning semi-automatic designs when assessing recoil and handling; this recoil-system comparison can provide useful background. However, perceived recoil is affected by stock fit, ammunition, shooting position and the individual shooter, so a shim cannot solve every comfort issue.

Check that the butt does not slip from the shoulder, the thumb is not crowded against the stock and the fore-end can be held naturally. If the muzzle rises sharply, the cheek receives excessive impact or the trigger finger sits incorrectly, stop and have the fit reassessed rather than simply adding padding.

When A Gunsmith Should Take Over

Professional help is appropriate when the stock bolt is damaged, the recoil pad will not release, the stock shows cracks or the desired length falls outside the adjustment range. A gunsmith can measure length of pull alongside comb height, drop, cast and pitch, then recommend a spacer, pad, replacement stock or careful permanent alteration.

A used A5 deserves extra inspection before modification. Look for compressed recoil-pad material, stock movement, repaired cracks and worn fasteners. Product photos and condition notes can be helpful when comparing used firearms, while a broader selection of Browning models is available in the Browning rifle catalogue for shooters considering a different platform.

Keep a record of the original configuration and any parts removed. This helps with future servicing, resale and returning the shotgun to its factory setup. After professional reassembly, arrange a controlled function check with appropriate ammunition at a lawful range or approved shooting location.

A properly fitted stock should make mounting repeatable, comfortable and predictable. Arrange an inspection with a licensed Australian gunsmith, confirm the requirements of your state or territory, and use the Browning A5’s shim system as part of a measured fitting process rather than a trial-and-error shortcut.