® SILVER SHOTGUN OWNER’S MANUAL
Important operating instructions for: B R O W N I N G S I LV E R ® AUTOLOADING SHOTGUNS If you have any questions about your new firearm, this owner’s manual or other Browning products, contact: Browning Customer Service One Browning Place Morgan, UT 84050-9326 Phone: (800) 333-3288 browning.com Please use the space below to record information about your firearm.
C O N T E N T S P A G E State Warning............................................................................................2 WARNING: You are Responsible for Firearms Safety............................2 General Description and Operation......................................................10 Nomenclature..........................................................................................10 Serial Number.........................................................................................
S TAT E WA R N I N G According to state law, California requires that firearm manufacturers, distributors and retailers include conspicuous, specific warnings with firearms sold in that state. Firearms must be handled responsibly and securely stored to prevent access by children and other unauthorized users. California has strict laws pertaining to firearms, and you may be fined or imprisoned if you fail to comply with them. Visit the Web site of the California Attorney General at https://oag.ca.
Please read and understand all of the cautions, warnings, notices, proper handling procedures and instructions outlined in this owner’s manual before using your new firearm. 1 ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE CERTAIN IT IS UNLOADED. Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within the range of your ammunition.
3 WHENEVER YOU HANDLE ANY FIREARM, OR HAND IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION IMMEDIATELY AND VISUALLY CHECK THE FIREARM’S CHAMBER TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any ammunition. Remember, merely removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent. 4 ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION WHEN SHOOTING.
HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS TREESTANDS IS DANGEROUS. Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling a firearm. The following rules should always be observed by you and those you hunt with. Always make certain that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand.
10 BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION MALFUNCTION. IF YOU DETECT AN OFF SOUND OR LIGHT RECOIL WHEN A SHELL IS FIRED, DO NOT LOAD ANOTHER SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER. If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Rotate the ejection area of the firearm away from you, carefully open the action and remove the shell from the chamber. If the primer is indented, the defective shell should be disposed of in a way that cannot cause harm.
assume no liability for incidents which occur through the use of shells of nonstandard dimensions or which develop pressures in excess of commercially available ammunition which has been loaded in accordance with standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).
20 BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED BEFORE CLEANING. Because so many firearm accidents occur when a firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your firearm is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly. Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition. 21 TEACH AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO CHILDREN AND NON-SHOOTERS.
25 DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ALTER THE TRIGGER, “SAFETY” OR OTHER PARTS OF THE FIRING MECHANISM OF THIS OR ANY OTHER FIREARM EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL. We reserve the right to refuse service on firearms that have been altered, added to or substantially changed. Removal of metal from the barrel, or modifications of the firing mechanism and/or operating parts may lead to a refusal of service on such firearms.
FIGURE 1 Bolt Handle Buttstock Receiver “Safety” Recoil Pad Trigger Rib Barrel Muzzle Forearm Magazine Cap Carrier Release Button G E N E R A L D E S C R I P T I O N A N D O P E R AT I O N The Browning Silver shotgun is a gas-operated, autoloading shotgun capable of quickly firing up to five shells (with the magazine plug removed, using 2¾" loads), one shell at a time, with each successive pull of the trigger.
FIGURE 2 Barrel Extension Barrel Bolt Gas Bracket Bolt Handle Bolt Slide Trigger Group Sleeve Bar Trigger Group Pins Follower Sleeve Bar Spring Forearm Gas Piston Magazine Cap Three-Shot Adaptor Magazine Spring Retainer Magazine Spring SERIAL NUMBER The serial number of your Silver shotgun is found on the left side of the receiver, above the trigger guard. Record this number in the space provided at the front of this owner's manual for future reference.
Damage to camouflage, Dura-Touch and other finishes caused by chemicals is irreversible and not repairable. FIGURE 3 CLEANING Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your shotgun, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/chamber areas. A high-quality lightweight gun oil is ideal for removing this compound, and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication.
DO NOT DEPEND ON THE RED COLOR ALONE TO INDICATE YOUR FIREARM’S SAFETY STATUS. TIME, EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS, AND THE ABRASIVE ACTION OF CLEANING AGENTS CAN ERASE IT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. The “safety” can be reversed from right- to left-handed by a qualified gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed “safety” will have the “safety” button’s red warning band on the right side of the trigger guard.
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 Align the push rod with the slot in the receiver (Silver 12 gauge shown). The gas piston fits into the gas bracket. DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD ON THE OPEN REAR END OF A WOOD FOREARM. TOO MUCH PRESSURE COULD CAUSE THE WOOD TO SPLIT. 3 The components of the gas system: the sleeve bar, sleeve bar spring and gas piston remain in place and do not need to be removed except for cleaning. If these components have been removed, reinstall them as explained below. Otherwise, proceed to step 7.
sure the magazine cap is fully tightened down. Open and close the action several times and retighten the magazine cap. This will ensure a proper seal. FIGURE 7 D I S A S S E M B LY ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE Slide the barrel and piston over the magazine STARTING DISASSEMBLY tube and the barrel extension into the receiver. PROCEDURES, OPEN THE ACTION AND VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED.
AMMUNITION DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS OR HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE. USE ONLY SHELLS OF THE CORRECT GAUGE AND LENGTH. THE GAUGE AND LENGTH OF THE CHAMBER IS INSCRIBED ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL.
The most certain way to bulge or rupture a shotgun barrel is to load a smaller gauge shell into a larger gauge chamber. The smaller gauge shell will not fall completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a larger gauge chamber or at the larger gauge’s choke. Your shotgun will misfire (with the chamber appearing to be empty). It is then possible to load the correct gauge shell behind the smaller gauge shell.
THREE-SHOT ADAPTOR (PLUG) ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE REMOVING OR INSTALLING THE THREE-SHOT ADAPTOR, COMPLETELY UNLOAD THE SHOTGUN. OPEN THE ACTION AND VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
spring retainer tab is locked in place in the slot in the magazine. FIGURE 8 4 Reinstall the gas piston, barrel, forearm and magazine cap. I N S TA L L I N G T H E T H R E E - S H O T ADAPTOR (PLUG) If you need to install the magazine three-shot adaptor (plug) to limit your shotgun magazine to three shells, again perform the following operation: 1 Unscrew the magazine cap and remove it, the forearm, barrel and gas piston. Depress the magazine spring retainer tab and ease out the retainer.
LOADING WHEN LOADING YOUR SHOTGUN ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. DO NOT CARRY YOUR SHOTGUN WITH A SHELL IN THE CHAMBER TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE. WHEN FIRING IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, MAKE SURE THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND UNLOAD THE CHAMBER.
is held fully inside the magazine tube. It will make an audible click when fully inserted. 4 If desired, continue loading the magazine until it is full. 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 T H E M A G A Z I N E 1 With the bolt closed, depress the carrier with the front of the shell and, using your thumb, push the shell into the magazine until the shell is held in place by the shell stop. 2 If desired, continue to load the magazine, as explained above, to full capacity.
KEEP YOUR FINGERS CLEAR OF THE EJECTION PORT WHENEVER CLOSING THE ACTION WITH THE CARRIER RELEASE BUTTON. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN INJURY. 4 With a shell in the chamber, you may load the magazine to full capacity. To load the magazine, insert a shell of proper gauge and length through the loading port at the bottom of the receiver up into the magazine, using your thumb to position it fully forward in the magazine tube (Figure 11, page 20).
FIRING NEVER LOAD A SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER OR PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE OFF SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 1 Load a shell into the chamber as explained previously and immediately ensure the “safety” is in the on safe position. 2 With a shell in the chamber, you need only move the “safety” to the off safe position to fire the shotgun.
UNLOADING WHEN UNLOADING YOUR SHOTGUN ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBER, BARREL, FEED MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE CAREFULLY AFTER UNLOADING TO BE SURE ALL LIVE SHELLS ARE CLEARED FROM THE FIREARM.
3 Push inward on the shell stop with your index finger (Figure 13) to release a shell from the magazine. As the shell stop is pressed in, the shell will be forced out of the magazine under spring pressure. Capture the shell as it comes out. FIGURE 13 4 Press the stop again to release the next shell. Continue to do Push inward on the shell stop to unload this until the magazine is empty. the magazine. Be careful not to pinch your finger.
BROWNING INVECTOR-DS, INVECTOR-PLUS AND STANDARD INVECTOR CHOKE TUBES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. DO NOT USE BROWNING INVECTOR-PLUS, STANDARD INVECTOR OR INVECTOR-DS CHOKE TUBES IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL NOT SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER CHOKING DEVICE IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. USE ONLY THE APPROPRIATE GAUGE OF INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE IN THIS SHOTGUN. DO NOT FIRE THIS SHOTGUN WITHOUT THE CORRECT CHOKE TUBE INSTALLED. DAMAGE MAY RESULT TO THE THREADS INSIDE THE BARREL.
top rim of the tube. The included choke tube T-Wrench is used to remove and install choke tubes. Some target shotguns include premium extended choke tubes. The constriction of premium choke tubes is indicated twice on the choke tube: On the side of the tube, and indicated with an abbreviation in the colored band. The constriction of flush fit choke tubes is indicated twice on the choke tube: On the side of the tube, and indicated with a “notch” code on the top rim of the tube.
FIGURE 15 * ONE NOTCH THREE NOTCHES FIVE NOTCHES TWO NOTCHES FOUR NOTCHES NO NOTCHES RIM NOTCHES PAT T E R N W I T H LEAD SHOT PAT T E R N W I T H STEEL SHOT EXTENDED** X-FULL TURKEY ** I FULL * II I M P. M O D I F I E D FULL1 III MODIFIED FULL1 IIII I M P. C Y L I N D E R MODIFIED IIIII SKEET I M P. C Y L I N D E R NO NOTCHES CYLINDER CYLINDER Not for use with steel shot. Using an over-tight choke constriction with steel shot will result in an ineffective “blown” pattern.
C H O K E T U B E R E M O VA L 1 Place the “safety” in the on safe position. Always make sure the shotgun is completely unloaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. 2 Use the choke tube wrench to loosen the tube, turning it counterclockwise. Finger-twist the tube the rest of the way out of the barrel. C H O K E T U B E I N S TA L L AT I O N 1 Place the “safety” in the on safe position. Always make sure the shotgun is completely unloaded. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
added with the screws provided to extend length of pull ¾". With longer screws (not provided), more than three spacers can be added to further extend length of pull. FIGURE 16 Spacers can be ordered through your Browning dealer or by calling our Customer Service Department at (800) 322-4626. TO ADJUST LENGTH OF PULL Locate the two slits in the recoil pad and loosen the screws that hold the recoil pad in place. BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION.
comfortable. Remember to always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, with the “safety” in the on safe position and make certain the shotgun is completely unloaded. 3 When you are satisfied with the length of pull, start the screws through the pad and spacer(s) into the holes in the stock. 4 Attach the recoil pad to the stock using the screwdriver. Turn the screws clockwise to tighten. Do not overtighten the screws.
2 Loosen both the comb adjustment stud screws located in the top of the stock adjustment studs using the larger (3mm) Allen wrench that is provided (Figure 19). It only takes a fractional ¼ turn to loosen them adequately. FIGURE 18 3 Slide each stud equally in the desired direction. Each mark indicates 1⁄16" (Figure 20). Loosen the two screws that secure the comb. 4 Move the studs to the right for cast off. FIGURE 19 5 Move the studs to the left for cast on.
9 Replace the cheekpiece onto the studs. If drop at comb has already been set to your desired height, tighten the two comb retaining screws securely. If drop has not been set, leave the retaining screws loose and proceed to “Adjusting Drop at Comb.” A D J U S T I N G D R O P AT C O M B Adjusting the drop at comb allows you to align your eye perfectly with the plane of the rib.
EXTRA BARRELS BEFORE INSTALLING ACCESSORY BARRELS ON YOUR SHOTGUN, READ THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THE BARREL/SHOTGUN COMBINATION IS SAFE. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. The versatility of your Silver shotgun can be extended with an extra barrel.
of these models are drilled and tapped for scope bases, while other models are equipped with a cantilever scope base. If your shotgun has a cantilever scope base, follow the mounting instructions supplied with your scope rings and/or scope. If your shotgun’s receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, three holes (in line on top of the receiver) will be visible. They are fitted with filler screws.
7 Once you know which configuration you will use, insert the screws through the base and screw it into the receiver top using the correct wrench or screwdriver (usually a 3/32" hex wrench). You must use screws which are at least 11/32" in length to ensure proper thread engagement. Once the bases are installed, check inside the receiver to verify that the base mounting screws are not too long and interfering with the operation of the bolt.
external finishes from any contact with chemicals used. Also avoid any contact between external finishes and other strong chemicals like those found in DEET-containing insect repellents, sunscreens, etc. Damage to camouflage, Dura-Touch and other finishes caused by chemicals is irreversible and not repairable. BEFORE PERFORMING CLEANING PROCEDURES, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
spring components. A complete cleaning requires removal of the bolt and trigger group. If a malfunction occurs, perform a thorough cleaning to see if it solves the problem before seeking the services of a Browning Recommended Service Center, the Browning Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith. 1 Place the “safety” in the on safe position. Open the action and inspect the chamber and magazine to make certain they do not contain any shells. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
MOST SOLVENTS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. WEAR EYE PROTECTION AND PRACTICE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES WHEN WORKING WITH SOLVENTS TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY. 6 After all leading and plastic residue has been removed, run a clean, dry patch through the bore. Follow this with a final, lightly oiled patch. 7 Reassemble the shotgun and wipe all exposed metal surfaces with an oiled cloth making sure to wipe away all finger marks where moisture could accumulate.
PERIODIC OILING FIGURE 21 The metal parts of a firearm should receive a light film of oil after the firearm has been exposed to weather or handling. Occasionally, a drop of lightweight gun oil may be placed inside the receiver on the rails on which the bolt slides (Figure 21), and on the surface of the magazine tube, Occasionally place a drop of light gun oil on the where the gas piston slides. This will rails inside the receiver. help relieve friction and ensure smooth operation.
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN DISASSEMBLING AND CLEANING YOUR SHOTGUN TO PREVENT SPRINGS, SPRING-LOADED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY. KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR SHOTGUN WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. The trigger group and bolt can be removed if the action becomes excessively dirty or wet.
3 Grasp the trigger guard and pull it up and out of the receiver (Figure 24). 4 Perform any cleaning of the parts and receiver cavity as necessary. We suggest cleaning the trigger group with a quality aerosol gun solvent. Allow it to dry and then very lightly oil the moving parts. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE TRIGGER GROUP BEYOND THIS POINT. FIGURE 22 Push the trigger group pins through the receiver. FIGURE 23 R E I N S TA L L AT I O N O F T H E TRIGGER GROUP 1 Make sure the bolt is in the forward position.
2 Remove the barrel, gas piston, sleeve bar and sleeve bar spring as explained previously. FIGURE 25 3 Place the bolt in the forward position by holding the operating handle and depressing the carrier release button. NEVER ALLOW THE ACTION TO SLAM CLOSED BY PRESSING THE CARRIER RELEASE BUTTON WITHOUT THE BARREL INSTALLED. IF THE BOLT IS RELEASED FORWARD WITH THE BARREL REMOVED, THE OPERATING HANDLE WILL HIT THE RECEIVER AND CAUSE DAMAGE. Pull outward to remove the bolt handle (12 gauge).
bolt and bolt slide forward and out of the receiver. FIGURE 28 6 The bolt and bolt slide can be separated for cleaning (Figure 28). Perform any cleaning of the bolt and receiver cavity as necessary. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE BOLT ASSEMBLY BEYOND THIS POINT. R E I N S TA L L I N G T H E B O LT A S S E M B LY The bolt and bolt slide can be separated for cleaning. FIGURE 29 1 Reassemble the bolt and bolt slide.
On 20 gauge Silver models, replace the operating handle by inserting it in its slot in the bolt by holding the shotgun with the loading port up and pressing the shell stop while inserting the operating handle into the slot. FIGURE 31 IMPORTANT: On 20 gauge Silver models, it may be necessary to pull out on the Press the bolt handle back into place. operating handle slightly until the shell stop clicks back in place. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the inability to load the magazine.
3 The barrel and action should be inspected thoroughly to be certain no cleaning patches have been inadvertently left in them. NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES.
MAINTENANCE OF OIL FINISH STOCKS Keeping the oil-finished wood surface on your firearm looking its best requires only a small amount of maintenance. When the surface becomes spotted or dull, the affected area(s) can be treated using rubbing alcohol on a soft, lint free cloth and allowed to dry.
SERVICE OR REPAIR If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center. To locate a service center visit browning.com, contact our Customer Service Department or your Browning firearms dealer for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our Service Department in Arnold, Missouri.
BROWNING.
