Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 12 Ga 28″ 2 3/4″ Semi Automatic Shotgun, 1955 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,125.00

LSB#:  LSB250926JN002

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: A5 

Serial Number: H71131

Year of Manufacture: 1955

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. / “** SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 2 ¾”” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “A55002”.  The right side of the 28” barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”.  The left side of the receiver is marked “® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “H71131”.  The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length:  28”

Choke:  Fixed:  Modified

Sights / Optics:  The barrel has a silver-colored bead at the front of the vent-rib. The top of both receiver and barrel has checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black hard rubber Browning buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend.  The buttstock has scattered light impression marks, scratches and small areas of finish loss. The checkering is still sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.  Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish:  Blue

Finish Originality: Original.  

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.  There is some lead fouling in the choke area 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish.  There is widespread rust freckling on the left side of the receiver and top tang, with a couple more on the right.  There are just a few scattered scratches otherwise.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in a 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:  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”. 

His design for the A-5 having been refused by Winchester, Browning took his 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 magnum model which was built by FN in 1955 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 28” barrel choked Modified.  The gun has some unfortunate corrosion but seems mechanically tight.  This would be a great duck gun, with the rapid follow up of an A5 and the power and versatility of a twelve gauge.  

Please see our photos.  -C.B.