Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 Magnum 12 GA 30” Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1948-1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1480
LSB#: 220203TH001
Make: Browning Arms
Model: Auto 5 or (A5) Magnum
Serial Number: 2V41189
Year of Manufacture: 1948-1953
Gauge: 12 gauge, chambered for 3” Shells
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / *SPECIAL STEEL-12 GAUGE-SHELLS-3”, with an assortment of specifications, a proof, and a date code. The right side of the barrel is marked “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. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 32”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is checkered and the top of the receiver is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded semi-pistol grip, brown ventilated recoil pad, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have just minor handling wear with a few scattered very minor compressions. The checkering is well-defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has light wear and has darkened a bit with age; it is a bit dry. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. There are some faint streaks of fouling scattered.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel has a few very minor nicks through the finish, notably near the left side markings. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked, all have strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-plus 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, and 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, and was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun. Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented just two years later, it was produced continually for nigh on 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 units. The design was later licensed to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755. During WWII, production of the Auto-5 was moved to Remington alongside the Model 11 until FN could resume production after the war. This Auto-5 is a Magnum model which was built by FN sometime in the period between 1948-1953 with engraving on the receiver and tangs. It is chambered for 12 GA. 3” shells and has a 30” vent rib barrel that is choked Full. This is a nice example of a post-war Auto-5, perfect for any Browning collection. Good luck and happy bidding!