Browning Auto-5 A5 Twenty 20 GA Semi-Automatic Shotgun, MFD 1960 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 220111FC009
Make: Browning
Model: Auto 5 “Twenty”
Serial Number: OZ44123
Year of Manufacture: 1960
Gauge: 20 gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO-5 / ** SPECIAL STEEL 20GA. SHELLS—2 3/4”—28 / BROWNING PATENTS”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Twenty / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights/Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is checkered and the top of the receiver is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a flat-bottom pistol grip, black rubber Decelerator buttpad and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have light handling wear with some very minor scattered light nicks and compressions. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the buttplate. The pad is free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks rate in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered minor nicks on the barrel along with a light dusting of minor surface oxidation on the right side of the forend. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a magazine cutoff on the left front of the receiver, a safety at the rear of the trigger guard and a bolt release on the right side of the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Browning Automatic 5, most often Auto-5 or simply A-5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. The Browning Auto-5 was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun. Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900, it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998. It features a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”. Browning presented his design to Winchester, where he had sold his rifle designs, but they refused his terms. He then went to Remington, but the president of the company died while he was waiting to offer them the gun. Browning then took the gun to FN in Europe and was so confident of his design that his first order was for 10,000 shotguns. The design was later licensed to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755. During WWII, production of the Auto-5 was moved to Remington alongside the Model 11 until FN could resume production after the war. This Auto-5 is a lightweight model with Grade I engraving on the receiver and tangs. It is chambered for 20 GA. 2 ¾” shells and has a 28” vent rib barrel that is choked Modified. The buttstock has a Decelerator buttpad for comfort and this gun looks great with 97% of its finish, a bright bore and strong mechanics. This is an excellent example of late-era post-war Auto-5, perfect for a Browning collection. Good luck and happy bidding!