Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 Ga 26″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1967 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,226.99
Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 Ga 26″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1967 C&R
LSB#: LSB260509TW043
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5 Light Twelve
Serial Number: 7G6796
Year of Manufacture: 1967 / C&R
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the 26″ barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “N608″. The right side of the barrel is marked “**$ SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 2 ¾”.
The left side of the receiver is marked “Light Twelve / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “7G6796″. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 26″
Choke: Skeet.
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a silver-colored bead at the front of its vent-rib. The top of both receiver and barrel have checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a semi pistol-grip, fluted straight comb, black hard plastic FN buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The buttstock has a few impression marks and scratches. The checkering is semi-sharp. There are no chips, cracks, or areas of finish loss. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the refinished stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is some lead fouling. Bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is very light fading on the receiver. There is very light handling wear on both receiver and barrel in the form of small scratches. There are a few light drag lines on the mag tube. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine 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: 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”.
His design for the A-5 having been refused by Winchester, Browning took his 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 750.
This Auto-5 is a “Light Twelve” model which was built by FN in 1967 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4″ shells and has a 26″ barrel choked Skeet. The gun appears to have seen some use, but shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight. At 7lbs, 12 oz, this Light Twelve would be a great quail or grouse gun with quick follow up shot in case of the “occasional” miss. Please see our photos. -C.B.