Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Magnum Twelve 12 Ga 32″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB251106AH009
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5 Magnum Twelve
Serial Number: 70V69684
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3″ Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the 32″ barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “VL83346″. The right side of the 32″ barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 12 GAUGE—SHELLS 3″”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MAGNUM / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “70V69684″. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 32″ Vent Rib
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a silver-colored bead at the front of its vent-rib. The top of the receiver and vent rib have checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, brown vented rubber Browning buttpad, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The buttstock has a few scattered light impression marks, scratches and areas of finish loss. The checkering is still sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25″ 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 stubborn fouling. 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is blueing loss on the receiver edges and tiny spots of widely scattered corrosion pitting on the receiver. Both barrels show light field wear and fading but no corrosion. There are scattered scratches and some light handling marks throughout. 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 1970 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4″ or 3″ shells and has a 32″ barrel choked Full. The gun appears to have seen careful use, but shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight. This would be a great late season pheasant or turkey gun, with the rapid follow up of an A5, and the power and versatility of a magnum twelve gauge. Please see our photos. -C.B.
