Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Magnum Twelve 12 Ga 28″ Semi-Auto Shotgun 1980
SOLD FOR: $1,450.00
LSB#: LSB260430PF002
Make: Browning Arms, Japanese production
Model: A5
Serial Number: 14692PM151
Year of Manufacture: 1980 / Modern (PM date code)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3″ Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the 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 12GA SHELLS-3″-28″” / “BROWNING PATENTS”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum Twelve” / “BROWNING”, and portrait of Browning. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. Both sides of the receiver, the trigger guard, and the upper and lower tang are marked with a Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 28″ Vent-Rib
Choke: Threaded for Invector Choke System, (No choke installed)
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead fixed at the muzzle end of the barrel. The top of the receiver and barrel rib are wavy serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, ventilated rubber Browning buttpad, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. There are scattered compression dings and handling scratches. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttstock and forend are two different shades. The checkering remains sharp and defined. There are no chips. There are a few minor cracks in the bottom rear of the forend. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror-bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are minor handling scratches. There is minor storage wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good 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. We do not recommend firing this shotgun until the proper choke tube is installed.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes with its factory box.
Our Assessment: The Browning Auto-5 was designed by John Moses Browning and became the first commercially successful long-recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun. Introduced at the beginning of the 20th century, its distinctive humpback receiver, recoiling barrel, and tubular magazine made it one of the most recognizable sporting shotguns ever produced. After decades of Belgian manufacture, Browning shifted Auto-5 production to Miroku in Japan, where the design continued to be built to a high standard of fit and finish. The Magnum Twelve variant was engineered for 3″ 12-gauge shells and provided additional versatility for waterfowl, turkey, and other demanding field applications. By 1980, Japanese-produced Auto-5 shotguns incorporated modern features such as the interchangeable Invector choke system while preserving the traditional long-recoil action, engraved receiver, and classic walnut furniture that had defined the model for generations.
This 1980-production Auto-5 Magnum Twelve retains approximately 97% of its original blue finish, with only minor handling marks and storage wear. The mirror-bright 9.75/10 bore and correctly functioning action are strong positives, while the walnut stocks show scattered wear, mismatched coloration, and several minor cracks at the rear of the forend. The 28″ vent-rib barrel is threaded for Browning Invector choke tubes, though no choke tube is currently installed and one will be required before firing. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY