Browning FN A5 Auto-5 A-5 16 GA Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1927 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1000
LSB#: 210930TP74
Make: FN Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre Herstal Belgium – Browning Arms Company Ogden Utah
Model: Auto 5
Serial Number: 54413
Year of Manufacture: 1927 (https://www.shotgunworld.com/threads/browning-a5-16-gauge-serial-number-date-guide.297760/)
Gauge: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells (Originally chambered for 2 9/16” shells the chamber appears to have been lengthened for the 2 ¾”)
Action Type: Recoil Operated, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “FULL 16 SPECIAL STEEL 1Kg 041” with what looks like a cursive letter “f”, star over “c”, rampant lion over “P.V”, crowned “E / LG / *” in oval and “16-65” in oval. The left of the barrel lug is marked with the serial number. The serial number or the last few digits of it are found on the bottom of the barrel extension, the top of the forend, the bottom of the wrist under the bottom tang, the right carrier screw (not the left), the right of the bottom tang, bolt handle, bolt and the bottom of the receiver at the front. The bottom of the barrel is marked “CHOKE 16.8”, star over “F”, script “EL” “16.9”. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The top of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY OGDEN UTAH”. The top of the barrel extension is marked star over “AC”, with Perron tower proof and rampant lion over “P.V.”. The left of the receiver above the flat is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “FN” in oval over the serial number. The right of the receiver is marked star over “AC”, Perron tower proof, rampant lion over “P.V” and with a five-pointed star.
Barrel Length: 27 1/2” solid rib to the end of the adjustable polychoke
Choke: Adjustable Polychoke currently installed
Sights / Optics: There is a gold-colored bead on a base at the muzzle. The top of the solid rib and receiver are finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded pistol grip, finger grooves running the length of the forend and a black horn FN/Browning Automatic buttplate. The stocks have several scattered light-moderate compressions, drag lines, scuffs and scrapes with a few minor light thin cracks at the end of the upper tang. The checkering is well defined overall. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the horn buttplate. The plate has become lighter in color with age. There are no major wormholes noticed. There are some very light minor chips along the edge. The buttstock has more of a sheen than the forend and likely restored at some point. The forend appears to have the original finish. The stocks rate in about Very Good plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. A more thorough cleaning will be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at the leading edges. There are several scattered light scratches and marks. The receiver and barrel have scattered very light freckling most notable on the top left rear of the receiver. The bolt has typical light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good – Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a magazine cutoff on the left front of the receiver, a safety at the front 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 & 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, the “Sweet Sixteens” didn’t start production until 1909. 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. This shotgun appears to have all serialized parts matching and is in great shape for a gun nearing its centennial. This would make a great addition to a Browning shotgun collection and would also likely still make a good sporting or hunting gun to this day. Please see our photos and good luck!