FN Browning Model Auto 5 Light Twenty A-5 A5 20 GA 28″ Semi-Auto Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $3255
LSB#: 211020GE08
Make: Fabrique Nationale in Belgium for Browning
Model: Auto-5 Light Twenty
Serial Number: 74Z83290
Year of Manufacture: 1974
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and has a series of Belgian proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO-5 / ** SPECIAL STEEL 20 GA. SHELLS – 2 3/4? – 28” / BROWNING PATENTS”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number at the front. The left of the receiver is marked “Light Twenty / BROWNING” and with a bust portrait of John Browning. The receiver has tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 28?, Vent-Rib
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead at the front of the ventilated rib. The top of the rib and the top of the receiver are serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with finger-grooved forend, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and textured black plastic Browning buttplate. There are a couple light compressions on the forend, most noticeable on the left side towards the top edge. There is a small compression on the comb. Otherwise, there are just light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light handling wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks, no major defects. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a magazine cutoff on the left front of the receiver, a safety at the rear of the trigger guard and a bolt release on the right side of the receiver. 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: Included is a Naugahyde case, paperwork including the manual, printout of a manual, and case key.
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 one is a Light Twenty made by FN for Browning and has a 28″ barrel with a vent rib and a fixed modified choke. This one is in truly Excellent condition and even comes with a Naugahyde case and manual. This sharp shotgun will be a nice addition to your collection and certainly be up to the task of dropping birds or dusting clays. Please see our photos and good luck!