Browning Auto-5 A-5 Magnum Twelve 30” 12 Gauge 3″ Semi-Auto Shotgun 1975

SOLD FOR: $1,525.00

LSB#: LSB250729TC005

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: Auto 5 Magnum Twelve

Serial Number: 75V38072

Year of Manufacture: 1975 

Gauge: 12 gauge, 2 ¾” or 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, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and with a series of Belgian proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO-5 / * SPECIAL STEEL-12 GAUGE-SHELLS 3”-30 / BROWNING PATENTS”.  The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum Twelve / ® / 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: 30”, Vent-Rib

Choke: Fixed:  Full.

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored 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 & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a pistol grip, fluted straight comb, finger grooves running the length of the forend and a ventilated brown rubber Browning recoil pad. The forend has only a few scattered minor marks and compressions. The buttstock has light scratches and compression marks.  The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The stocks rate a Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish.  There are  minor nicks and scratches and a couple of spots of faint surface oxidation, mostly on the right side of the receiver. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear.  Overall, this shotgun is in a Very Good to Fine 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: 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. His patent dated 1903 read, in part:

“My invention relates to an improvement in recoil-operated magazine firearms in which all of the several operations of the arm, with the single exception of pulling the trigger, are performed by power derived from successive explosions of the cartridges in cartridge-chamber…”

His invention did all of that, in a way so successful that it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998. 

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.

The first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun featured a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”. 

Chambered in 12 gauge with a 3″ chamber and fitted with a 28″ barrel with a Full choke, this “Magnum Twelve” shotgun offers a long range capability and quick follow up shots for upland game. If, like this gun writer, you “occasionally” miss a bird, the quick follow up shot of an A5 might come in handy.   The 28 inch barrel allows for a balance between quick target acquisition and quick pointing.  The finely checkered walnut stocks deliver both control and elegance.  

The A5 is a classic, desirable for its Belgian craftsmanship and mechanical reliability.  It will add to a Browning collection or add a traditional heavyweight fowling piece with a rapid follow-up shot to a hunter’s arsenal.  While the full choke is inconsistent with modern steel shot, with bismuth waterfowl loads this one would be a fine duck and goose gun.

Please check out our high quality photos – C.B.