Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge 28″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1985

SOLD FOR: $1,650.00

LSB#:  LSB251013LB011

Make:  Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model:  A5 Light Twelve

Serial Number:  17565PV211

Year of Manufacture: 1985

Gauge:  12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chamber

Action Type:  Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine

Markings:  The left side of the 28″ barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. /  MADE IN JAPAN”.  The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO-5 / INVECTOR SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 2 ¾ -28″ / BROWNING PATENTS”.  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, “17565 / PV211″.  The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length:  28″ Vent rib.  

Choke:  Invector Choke System.  Full choke installed.  Original Box.  

Sights / Optics:  The barrel has a silver-colored bead at the front of its vent-rib.  The top of the receiver and both barrels have checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a pistol-grip, fluted straight comb, black plastic Browning buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend.  The buttstock has just a few light impression marks.  The checkering is sharp.  There are no chips, cracks, or areas of finish loss.  The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.  Overall, the refinished stocks are in Excellent to Like New condition.

Type of Finish:  Blue

Finish Originality:  Original.  

Bore Condition:  The bores are bright.  There is no erosion.   Bores rate 10/10.

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains nearly all of its metal finish.  There is a tiny nick in the trigger guard.   The screw heads are sharp.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this shotgun is in an Excellent to Like New 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:  Three Invector Choke tubes, IC, MOD, Full.   

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 755. 

This Auto-5 is a “Light Twelve” model which was built in Japan in 1985 with simple but nice engraving.  It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4″ shells and has a 28″ barrel with an Invector Choke system.  This gun appears to have seen almost no use, shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight.  At 8lbs, 5 oz, this Light Twelve would be a great pheasant or grouse gun with quick follow up shot in case of the “occasional” miss.  Given the Excellent or better condition of it, it would be a nice fit with an A5 collection.  Please see our photos.  -C.B.