Duck season, baby.
Here in Wisconsin, duck season is in full swing, and I’ll tell you what… there’s nothing like waking up to the sound of a shotgun at daybreak. I live on a lake in Southern Wisconsin, and just north of my house, there is a gorgeous reed line that stretches up for nearly a good mile. As soon as duck season rolls around, it’s just the perfect spot to set up, and when I’m not out there myself, I can hear the glorious sound of downed ducks first thing in the morning. It’s a beautiful thing…
That reed line is also a great place to flip for largemouth bass, but that’s a story for another blog…
Depending on where you live, waterfowl season is already humming or about to get underway in the month of November, and if you’re looking to gear up for the season, or looking to upgrade mid-season, look no further. Our friends at Browning have the perfect addition to your arsenal.
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is a premium waterfowl shotgun designed for durability, reliability, and high performance, even in the harshest hunting conditions. Its combination of corrosion-resistant finishes, fast cycling Kinematic Drive, and reliable performance with heavy loads makes it an excellent choice for hunting in wetlands, marshes, or any other environment where moisture, mud, and rough conditions are common. Whether you’re hunting ducks or geese, this shotgun provides the power and reliability needed for successful waterfowl hunts.
Features
1. Kinematic Drive System
The A5 Wicked Wing uses Browning’s Kinematic Drive System, a recoil-operated action that is renowned for its reliability and minimal maintenance. This system harnesses the energy from the shotgun’s recoil to cycle the action, ensuring that it works flawlessly with a wide range of loads. It’s especially effective with heavy waterfowl loads, making it an ideal choice for duck and goose hunters.
2. Cerakote Burnt Bronze Finish
One of the standout features of the Wicked Wing is its Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish on the receiver and barrel. Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating known for its extreme durability, resistance to corrosion, and wear. This makes the Wicked Wing exceptionally tough in wet, muddy, and corrosive environments that waterfowl hunters frequently encounter.
3. Invector-DS Choke System
Browning’s Invector-DS choke system is known for its versatility and superior performance. The double-seal design keeps powder and gas blowback out of the threads, which enhances cleaning and ensures a better gas seal for consistent patterns. The A5 Wicked Wing comes with extended chokes, making it adaptable to a wide range of shooting distances and conditions.
4. Oversized Controls
The A5 Wicked Wing is designed for quick and efficient handling, even when the hunter is wearing gloves. The shotgun features an oversized bolt release button and bolt handle, which make operation faster and more convenient. This is particularly useful in cold weather or when wearing bulky gloves.
5. Speed Load Plus System
This model includes Browning’s Speed Load Plus System, which allows shells to be loaded directly into the magazine and then automatically cycled into the chamber. This makes reloading faster and more efficient, a key feature when fast follow-up shots are needed in the field.
6. Ergonomic Stock and Camo Patterns
The stock of the A5 Wicked Wing is designed for comfort and efficiency. It features a textured gripping surface for better handling in wet or slippery conditions. The gun also comes with a choice of camo patterns, including the signature Auric, as well as Mossy Oak Shadow Grass, Mossy Oak Bottomland and RealTree Max 7, which help hunters blend into their environment, reducing visibility to wary game.
7. Shim Adjustable Stock
The shotgun’s composite stock is shim-adjustable, allowing hunters to customize the fit for their specific preferences. This ensures better accuracy and comfort during long hunting sessions.
8. Fiber Optic Sight
A fiber-optic front sight adds to the gun’s precision, particularly in low-light conditions typical during early morning or late evening hunts.
9. Back-Bored Barrel Technology
Browning’s back-bored barrel technology helps reduce shot deformation, allowing for more uniform and consistent shot patterns. This technology ensures improved accuracy and effectiveness at a variety of ranges, giving hunters an edge when shooting waterfowl at distance.
10. Recoil Pad
The shotgun is equipped with an Inflex II Recoil pad, which helps absorb and reduce felt recoil. This makes the A5 Wicked Wing comfortable to shoot, even with heavier loads.
11. Sling Swivel Studs
Pre-installed sling swivel studs allow for easy attachment of a sling, which is convenient for carrying the shotgun during long hunts or across difficult terrain.
Technical Specifications
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3-1/2″ (also available in 2-3/4″ and 3″ chamber options)
Barrel Length: Available in 26″, 28″ or 30″
Overall Weight: Varies by model, typically around 7 lbs
Magazine Capacity: 4+1 rounds
Chokes Included: Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder (Invector-DS)
Length of Pull: 14-1/4″
Drop at Comb: 1-3/4″
Drop at Heel: 2″
Stock Finish: Composite with camo patterns
The Browning A5 Wicked Wing is more than just a visually striking shotgun… it’s engineered for rugged, real-world hunting scenarios. Its ability to handle extreme conditions, coupled with innovative features like the Kinematic Drive System, oversized controls, and advanced choke system, make it a top choice for serious waterfowl hunters looking for a reliable, high-performance shotgun that can endure the elements.
Happy hunting.
