Browning FN Auto-5 A5 12 Gauge 28 in. 2 ¾” Semi Auto Shotgun, 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,875.00
LSB#: LSB250803JT011
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5
Serial Number: 120783. This was produced at a time when Browning serialized the most parts on the A-5, including the back of the charging handle.
Year of Manufacture: 1928
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 “MODIFIED 12 SPECIAL STEEL”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The receiver is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. The underside of the receiver is marked “120783”. The inside of the forend is stamped “120783”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 28″ Solid Ribbed.
Choke: Fixed: Modified.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead at the front of the barrel rib. The top of the barrel rib and receiver have checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black rubber Browning FN Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stock set has some light impression marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. It is the opinion of this writer that the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are just a few tiny scratches throughout. There is some fading on the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and the trigger has a clean and crisp break. 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. His patent dated 1903 read, in part:
“My invention relates to an improvement in recoil-operated magazine firearms in which all of the several operations of the arm, with the single exception of pulling the trigger, are performed by power derived from successive explosions of the cartridges in cartridge-chamber…”
His invention did all of that, in a way so successful that it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998.
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.
The first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun featured a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”.
Chambered in 12 gauge with a 2 3/4″ chamber and fitted with a 28″ vent-rib barrel with a modified choke, this offers versatility for upland game, clay sports, and waterfowling. If, like this gun writer, you “occasionally” miss a bird, the quick follow up shot of an A5 might come in handy. The vent rib allows for quick target acquisition, while the finely checkered walnut stocks deliver both control and elegance.
This is a C&R-eligible classic, desirable for its Belgian craftsmanship and mechanical reliability. It would enhance a Browning collection or add a lightweight fowling piece with a rapid follow-up shot to a hunter’s arsenal.
Please check out our high quality photos – C.B.
