8/7/03 8:58 AM Page 2 T H E B E S T T H E R E I S 01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM_cover] GOLD AUTOLOADING 12 & 20 GA SHOTGUN O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 1 THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING A BROWNING GOLD AUTOLOADING SHOTGUN. The Gold shotgun represents a new generation of Browning gas-operated, autoloading shotguns. The Gold 12 and 20 gauge incorporate the best of traditional Browning craftsmanship and advanced technology. Every detail of the Gold shotgun has been engineered to provide you the best in handling and reliable operation.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM_cover] 8/7/03 8:58 AM Page 4 SERVICE OR REPAIR If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. Contact your Browning sporting goods dealer or call our Service Department for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our own Service Department.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 2 YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR FIREARMS SAFETY As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between life and death. Failure to follow any of these instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and/or possible serious injury or death to yourself or others. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR CARELESS OR ABUSIVE HANDLING OF ANY FIREARM.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 3 devices, — it starts there. Always treat this shotgun with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm. NEVER TEST THE MECHANISM OF ANY FIREARM WHILE IT IS LOADED OR POINTED IN AN UNSAFE DIRECTION. 3 WHENEVER YOU HANDLE ANY FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, MAKE SURE IT IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. Always open the action immediately, and visually check the chamber. Make certain that the chamber does not inadvertently contain any ammunition.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 4 how small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as described later in this manual. Before the first firing, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch, and wipe away any anti-rust compounds in the action/chamber areas. 7 ALWAYS COMPLETELY UNLOAD ALL FIREARMS WHEN NOT IN USE. As a safety precaution, it is preferable to disassemble your gun for storage. Your responsibilities do not end when your firearm is unattended.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 5 11 NEVER INSERT A SHELL OF THE INCORRECT GAUGE IN ANY SHOTGUN. The gauge of your shotgun is marked on the side of the barrel. Store all shells of different gauges in completely separate and well-marked containers. Never store shells of mixed gauges in a common container or in your pockets. EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR GUN. NEVER PUT A 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE GUN.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 6 firearm on or against a fence, tree, car or other similar object. 17 WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING. Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing damage. Wear ear protectors (shooting ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage. Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 7 Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting safety courses. 23 NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. 24 PERFORM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE — AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 8 FIGURE 1 Butt Stock Safety Operating Handle Rib Barrel Muzzle Receiver Trigger Forearm Magazine Cap Carrier Release Button N O M E N C L AT U R E In conventional gun terminology, the position and movement of shotgun parts are described as they occur with the shotgun horizontal and in normal firing position; i.e. the muzzle is forward or front; the butt stock is rearward or rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the sight is upward or on top.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 9 FIGURE 1-A Gas Bracket Barrel Extension Bolt Slide Link Bolt Bolt Handle Bolt Slide Magazine Tube Trigger Group Trigger Pins Sleeve Spring Gas Sleeve Gas Piston Magazine Cap Magazine Spring Magazine Follower Forearm Three Shot Adapter Magazine Spring Retainer combustion gases blown out of the gas cylinder and into the receiver, keeping the inside of the receiver clean.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 10 FIGURE 2 SERIAL NUMBER The serial number of your Gold shotgun is found on the left side of the receiver—just below the engraving “Gold Hunter.” AMMUNITION The Gold Autoloading 12 and 20 gauge shotguns shoot all factory lead and steel 12 or 20 gauge 2 3⁄4" and 3" loads.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 11 HOW TO ASSEMBLE THE BARREL TO THE RECEIVER The Gold shotgun is delivered in the box, with the barrel removed and the forearm still attached to the magazine tube. It is important to follow the exact sequence for assembly in steps 1 and 2, in order to properly assemble your Gold shotgun.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 12 FIGURE 3-A FIGURE 3-B The gas piston fits into the gas bracket. Slide the gas assembly over the magazine tube and the barrel extension into the receiver. 5 With the gun in the vertical position, line the gas bracket and gas piston over the magazine tube (Figure 3-B). Slide the gas bracket and gas piston over the magazine tube. The barrel extension should slip solidly down into the receiver. Make sure the piston rod moves freely in its slot in the receiver.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 13 If you are disassembling for storage, return the piston and piston sleeve onto the magazine tube as shown previously in Figure 3-B. Reinstall the forearm over the magazine tube and screw on the magazine cap. You will then have two compact units: the barrel, and the action with stock and forearm. CAUTION: AFTER THE BARREL HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM YOUR GUN, LEAVE THE BOLT IN THE OPEN POSITION. DO NOT PRESS THE CARRIER RELEASE BUTTON.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 14 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 4-A Use a drive punch to push inward on the trigger guard pins. Push the trigger guard pins through the other side of the receiver. 3 Use a drive punch or similar FIGURE 4-B object to push inward on the trigger guard pins, using caution not to scratch the receiver (Figure 4). Trigger guard pins may be removed from either side of the receiver. Push the trigger guard pins clear through the opposite side of the receiver.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 15 R E A S S E M B LY 1 Make sure the bolt is in the forward position. 2 Insert the trigger group back into the receiver. The holes in the trigger group should line up with the holes on each side of the receiver. 3 Reinsert the trigger guard pins and gently tap them into place with a plastic or wooden mallet, again using caution not to scratch the receiver.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 16 FIGURE 5-A FIGURE 5-B Slide the bolt and bolt slide forward and out of the receiver. The bolt and bolt slide can be separated for cleaning. 4 To replace the operating handle, push down on the cartridge stop and insert the bolt handle in its respective slot in the bolt. IMPORTANT: It may be necessary to pull out on the bolt handle slightly until the cartridge stop clicks back in place (Figure 5-E).
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 17 FIGURE 5-C FIGURE 5-D FIGURE 5-E Place the bolt assembly back in the receiver, bolt slide link first. Guide the bolt slide link into its socket in the recoil spring follower. Make sure the bolt handle clicks back into place. remove the magazine spring retainer, depress the magazine spring retainer tab, located in the window on the magazine tube while keeping your hand on the magazine spring retainer (Figure 6).
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 18 force the magazine spring rearward until the base of the three-shot adapter is level with the end of the magazine tube. Replace the magazine spring retainer and magazine cap. LOADING PROCEDURES AT ALL TIMES DURING THE LOADING PROCEDURE, BE SURE YOUR MUZZLE IS POINTING IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND THE SAFETY IS IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION. There are two methods for getting a loaded shell into the chamber of your Gold shotgun.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 19 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 9-A Insert a cartridge through the ejection port into the breech. Position the cartridge fully forward in the magazine. L O A D I N G T H E C H A M B E R M A N U A L LY F R O M THE MAGAZINE — SPEED LOADING 1 Make sure the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction and the safety is in the “on safe’’ position. 2 With the bolt open, insert a shell into the magazine. The shell will be automatically cycled from the magazine to the chamber.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 20 BREECH REMAINS OPEN AFTER THE LAST SHOT The breech of the Gold shotgun remains open, with the bolt locked to the rear, after the last shot has been fired. This allows convenient and fast reloading. 1 2 3 4 Place the safety in the “on safe” position. Drop an appropriate shell into the open breech or into the magazine. Close the action by depressing the carrier release button. Load the magazine.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 21 Invector-Plus® choke tubes are made with tempered steel and are fully compatible with all FACTORY AMMUNITION (loaded in compliance with SAAMI specifications) including magnum lead and steel shot loads and rifled slug loads. Browning’s universal tube wrench is used to remove and install these tubes. 12 GAUGE INVECTOR-PLUS ® The 12 gauge Gold shotgun has a back-bored barrel and is threaded to accept Invector-Plus® choke tubes only.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 22 T U B E I N S TA L L AT I O N 1 Place the “safety” in the “on safe” position. Completely unload your Gold shotgun by opening the action and locking it rearward. INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT CONTAIN ANY SHELLS. 2 Before installing a tube, check the internal choke tube threads in the muzzle, as well as the threads on the Invector choke tube to be sure they are clean.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM FIGURE 10 Page 23 FIGURE 10-B A B Cylinder Full Imp. Modified Modified Imp. Cylinder Skeet INVECTOR TUBE SELECTION A — Invector Plus choke tube B — Standard Invector choke tube ® ® To help you choose the correct choke tube for each hunting situation, all Browning Invector-Plus® choke tubes are inscribed on the side with the patterns they produce with both lead and steel shot. Each Invector-Plus® tube also has notches on the top rim of the tube.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 24 Available 12 Gauge Invector-Plus® tubes: RIM NOTCHES C H O K E D E S I G N AT I O N WITH LEAD C H O K E D E S I G N AT I O N WITH STEEL X on side of tube X-Full Special I Full II Improved Modified * ** III Modified IIII Improved Cylinder Modified IIIII Skeet Improved Cylinder No notches Cylinder Cylinder Full Improved Modified *Extra Full Special with knurled rim. Do not use with steel shot. **Do not use with steel shot.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 25 All 3 1⁄2" barrels are designed for use only on 3 1⁄2" receivers. 3" barrels will not fit Sporting Clays models. All other 12 gauge barrels are interchangeable. CAUTION: Do not interchange barrels between 2 3⁄4", 3" and 3 1⁄2" receivers. Only use a 3 1⁄2" barrel on a 3 1⁄2" shotgun. Using a 3 1⁄2" barrel on a 2 3⁄4" or 3" Gold receiver could result in injury to yourself or others.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 intended for the metal parts and mechanical mechanism on the wood. DO NOT POUR LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL INTO THE ACTION. EXCESS OIL WILL RUN BACK INTO THE WOOD OF THE STOCK AND CAUSE SOFTENING OF THE WOOD, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL LOOSENING OF THE STOCK. 8:51 AM Page 26 FIGURE 11 Place a drop of light gun oil inside the receiver on the rails. CLEANING THE BARREL 1 BE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN’S MAGAZINE, FEED MECHANISM AND CHAMBER ARE UNLOADED.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 27 6 After leading has been removed, the bore should be wiped dry with a clean patch, and then a lightly oiled patch run through it for preservation. 7 Reassemble the barrel to the receiver and wipe all exposed metal surfaces with an oiled cloth making sure to wipe gun clean of all finger marks where moisture will accumulate.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM] 8/7/03 8:51 AM Page 28 the inside and wipe off any buildup. It will be easier to remove the piston sleeve spring to clean the interior of the piston sleeve. NEVER USE A STEEL BRUSH ON ANY OF THE GAS COMPONENTS. 3 Complete the cleaning of the gas system by applying a very light film of oil to all parts for protection and lubrication. DO NOT TAKE YOUR GUN’S ACTION APART BEYOND WHAT IS EXPLAINED IN THIS MANUAL.
You Are Responsible For Firearms Safety. As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How seriously you take these responsibilities can mean the difference between life and death. Failure to follow any of these instructions can cause extensive damage to your gun and/or possible serious injury or death to yourself and others. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm. At all times handle any firearm with intense respect for its power and potential danger.
12. USE SHELLS OF CORRECT LENGTH. The size of the chamber is inscribed, along with gauge and choke designations, on the side of the barrel. Do not use 31/2" shotgun shells in a shotgun or barrel with a 2 3/4" chamber or 3" chamber. Do not use 3" shells in a shotgun chambered for a 2 3/4" shells. Doing so can result in a build-up of dangerously high pressures that may damage your gun and possibly cause serious injury to yourself or others. 13.
22. SUPERVISE AND TEACH FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY -ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NONSHOOTERS. Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage enrollment in hunting/shooting safety courses. 23. NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR DURING SHOOTING. Your vision and judgment could be dangerously impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others. 24. PERFORM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE -- AVOID UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.
01-414-BFA_[Gold_OM_cover] 8/7/03 8:58 AM WWW.BROWNING.
7. BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTION. Do this for the safety of both your gun and yourself. Mud, snow, and an infinite variety of other objects may inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It takes only one small obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that can ruin (swell or rupture) the finest shotgun barrel. BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION, BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS FULLY UNLOADED. Make sure no live rounds are in the chamber.
