Belgian Browning FN Auto-5 Grade I A5 A-5 12 GA Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1947 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,527.99

LSB#: WY240925JT019

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: Auto 5

Serial Number: 238620

Year of Manufacture: 1947 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/auto-5-semi-automatic-shotgun.html) – First year of Post-War production imported into the US.

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS M.O. / **SPECIAL STEEL-12 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 ¾” with a series of Belgian proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the bottom-front is marked with “FN” in oval and “238620”, the right has Belgian proofs under the ejection port. The bolt is marked with Belgian proofs and “620”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving. The carrier screws are marked “16 / 20”.

Barrel Length: 27 ½”

Choke: Fixed, Full

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead on a dual sided ramped base at the front of the barrel. There is a groove along the top of the receiver for use as a sighting plane, serrated for glare reduction. The top of the barrel is matted for glare reduction as well.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a round-bottom pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have a few scattered light marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined and attractive. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered minor wear and a small nick on the left side near the toe. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. There is very minor fouling down the length. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is some minor thinning on the leading edges and insignificant surface marking elsewhere. The action shows very little operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked, all with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. A5’s have a magazine cutoff on the left front of the receiver, 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, 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”. It is also an important piece of Browning/Winchester history.

John Browning had previously sold his designs to Winchester for lump-sum payments, turning over all of the patents related to a particular model. Winchester had gotten in the habit of having their engineers and attorneys assist Browning in filing for his patents, in order to ensure that when they received those same patents they would be airtight. Browning’s experiences with Colt and FN had convinced him that he would be better off licensing his designs rather than selling them outright, but when he presented this to Winchester, they refused his terms. This ended the relationship between Winchester and Browning.

Browning would eventually license the design to FN in Europe and later to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755. These designs went on to be a great commercial success, the first truly successful autoloading shotgun. This Auto-5 was built by FN in 1947, which was the first year FN began bringing guns into the US after the war. The Grade I engraving on the receiver and tangs is gorgeous. The gun has been well cared for and is in Excellent condition despite being more than 75 years old. This will make for a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

– L.S.

Belgian Browning FN Auto-5 Grade I A5 A-5 12 GA Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1947 C&R
Belgian Browning FN Auto-5 Grade I A5 A-5 12 GA Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1947 C&R