Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 GA Semi Auto Shotgun, 1969 C&R

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Sold For $2133.00

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: A5

Serial Number: 69G71274

Year of Manufacture: 1969, C&R

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber

Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “060921”. The right side of the barrel is marked “* SPECIAL STEEL-12 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 3/4″”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Light Twelve / ® / 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: 25 1/2″, Vent-Rib

Choke:  Modified, Fixed

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib and receiver have checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly in the buttstock. The buttstock has a couple of more notable scratches on each side toward the rear and more notable dings in the bottom edge of the grip. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear and some dirt residue in some of the crevices of the lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, just some light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: This shotgun comes with a two-piece Browning cardboard box with a hand-written serial matched label and instruction manual.

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. This Auto-5 is a lightweight model which was built by FN in 1969 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 25 1/2? barrel choked Modified. The gun appears to have seen limited use with scattered light wear in the stocks, but little in the metal. This should still make for a great classic hunting gun for the lucky winner, but would also be a neat addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!