Browning FN A5 Auto-5 A-5 12 GA 2 ¾” Semi-Auto 29 ½” Shotgun, 1931 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,190.00

LSB#: WY240925JT021

Make: FN Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre Herstal Belgium – Browning Arms Company St Louis

Model: Auto 5

Serial Number: 212539

Year of Manufacture: 1931

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Recoil Operated, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO / *SPECIAL STEEL-12 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 ¾”” with a series of proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”.  The right side of the receiver and bolt has Belgium proofs.  The left side of the receiver is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the bottom-front is marked with “FN” in oval and “212539”.

Barrel Length: 29 1/2″ with solid rib.

Choke: Fixed, Full

Sights / Optics: The front is a metallic bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib and receiver are checkered for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded pistol grip, finger grooves running the length of the forend and a black hard rubber FN/Browning Automatic buttplate. The stocks have a few scattered light compressions. The checkering is well defined overall. The LOP measures 14 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the horn buttplate. The stocks rate in about near Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is very minor scattered erosion.  In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at the leading edges. There are a few scattered light scratches and marks. The bolt has typical light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a safety at the front 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: 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, the “Sweet Sixteens” didn’t start production until 1909. 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. This shotgun has all serialized parts matching and is in great shape for a gun nearing its centennial. This would make a great addition to a Browning shotgun collection and would also likely still make a good sporting or hunting gun to this day. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.