Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 16 Gauge 2 9/16″ 25.5” Semi Auto Shotgun, 1939 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB250803JT013
Make: Browning Arms
Model: A5
Serial Number: 118640
Year of Manufacture: 1939
Gauge: 16 Gauge, 2 9/16” Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO”. The left side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 16 GAUGE SHELLS 2 9/16”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “118640”. The left side of the receiver is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO” and “BROWNING / TRADE MARK”.
Barrel Length: 25.5″
Choke: Fixed: Modified.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead on the top of the barrel. The top of the receiver has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stock has little to no wear. There are a couple very faint scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains well defined and semi-sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. 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 this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows little to no wear. There are a couple of very faint scratches on the receiver. 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 your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with an authentic letter from Browning.
Our Assessment: This Browning Auto-5 is an outstanding example of the classic long-recoil Browning semi-auto in Excellent overall condition. The shotgun retains approximately 99% of its original blue finish with only a couple very faint scratches on the receiver; the screw heads are sharp and the factory markings are clear and legible. The two-piece checkered walnut stocks are in Excellent condition with well-defined checkering, only minimal compression marks and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with no erosion and the rifling is pristine — in the writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10. The fit and finish, strong markings, and high level of preservation make this a particularly attractive C&R example from 1939.
The long-recoil action functions correctly on inspection; the shotgun has not been test-fired. As with all previously owned firearms, we recommend a professional cleaning prior to firing. This A-5 should serve well as a high-quality shooter with careful use, and it also presents very strongly for a collector seeking an exceptionally preserved Browning Auto-5. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P
