Been shooting A5s, 20 and 12 ga since I was 10.... for 62 years. You got to set the friction rings correctly for the load you are shooting and keep tube and friction rings free of oil, dry or it will kick really hard.
Good point.
I generally shoot 2 3/4 high base shells.
Got my first A5 16 ga. for Christmas in 1953. Also have 3 other Brownings, 12 ga. superposed, one for hunting 2 for trap. Love my Winchester model 12 also Gotcha by a few years but bet you love your A5 as much as I love mine. So many great memories hunting with my dad, mom, aunts and uncles too.