Browning A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge Semi Automatic Shotgun MFD 1950 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,350.00
LSB:WY240925JT018
Make: Browning Arms Company
Model: A-5 Light Twelve
Serial Number: 295968
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Operated Semi Automatic, Internal tube magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO / SPECIAL STEEL / 12 GAUGE – SHELLS 2 ¾” and a series of Belgian proof marks. The left side of the receiver is marked “LIGHT TWELVE / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John Browning. The receiver has tasteful Grade I engraving. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The bolt is marked with Belgian proof marks. The bottom of the receiver is marked “295968” below an ovaled “FN”. The right side of the receiver and bolt are marked with Belgian proofs.
Barrel Length: 27.5”
Choke: Fixed, Full
Sights / Optics: The sights are a steel bead mounted to the top of the ventilated rib, a plastic white bead mounted to the middle of the rib, and the top of the receiver and rib are checkered/serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered walnut with round bottom semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, FN Browning polymer buttplate, and checkered forend with finger grooves running the length. The LOP is 14 1/2” from the front of the of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks display a few light compression marks. There is one notable nick on the left side of the buttstock near the comb and another at the bottom right of the grip which has disrupted a couple of the checkering. Other than this, there is no notable wear. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks are original. The stock rates in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The bluing is strong and elegant throughout with only some faint thinning on the muzzle. There are a couple minor scratches on the receiver, primarily above the magazine cutoff. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent 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 all you maintenance requirements.
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”. 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 Auto-5 is a lightweight model which was built in 1950 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 27 ½” barrel. This should make for a great classic hunting gun or an excellent addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding! -L.S.
