Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Magnum Twelve 12 Ga 32″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,326.00
LSB#: LSB251012JH022
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5
Serial Number: 5V66796
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3″ Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The right side of the 32″ barrel is marked “* SPECIAL STEEL—12 GA. SHELLS 3”. The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS Mo 7 MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”.
The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “5V66796”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 32″
Choke: Fixed: Full.
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a brass bead affixed to the vent rib at the muzzle. The tops of the receiver and rib have checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded pistol grip, fluted straight comb, vented rubber Browning buttpad, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The buttstock has scattered impression marks and scratches, though no areas of finish loss, cracks, or chips. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror-bright. There is no erosion, though there is a little fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. On the receiver there is fading, blueing loss on the leading edges, and tiny spots of scattered corrosion pitting. There is a single 1 inch scratch in the left side of the receiver. The barrel shows beginning patina, some fading, and small scratches. 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 model which was built by FN in 1965 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 3″ shells and has a 32″ barrel choked Full. It would make a great goose gun with bismuth shot. Please see our photos. -C.B.
