Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Magnum Twelve 12 Ga 32″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,136.00
LSB#: LSB250807EM021
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5 Magnum Twelve
Serial Number: 70V64874
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the 32” barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “VL93050”. The right side of the 32” barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS_ 3″.
The left side of the 28.5” barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN ”. The right side of the 28.5” barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO-5 **SPECIAL STEEL 12GA. SHELLS-3”-28 / BROWNING PATENTS”.
The left side of the receiver is marked “MAGNUM / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “70V64874”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Lengths & Chokes:
32″, Vent-Rib, Full
29”, Vent-Rib, Improved Cylinder
Sights / Optics: Both barrels have silver-colored beads at the front of their vent-ribs. 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, brown vented rubber Browning buttpad, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The buttstock has scattered light impression marks, scratches and areas of finish loss. The checkering is still sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is some lead fouling.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is blueing loss on the receiver leading edges and tiny spots of widely scattered corrosion pitting on the receiver. Both barrels show considerable field wear but no corrosion. There are scattered scratches and some light handling marks throughout. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in a 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: Spare barrel. Nice leather case for receiver and both barrels.
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 magnum model which was built by FN in 1970 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” or 3” shells and has a 32” barrel choked Full and a 29” choked Improved Cylinder. The gun appears to have seen some use, but shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight. This would be a great one-shotgun-does-it-all, with a choice of chokes, the rapid follow up of an A5, and the power and versatility of a magnum twelve gauge. Please see our photos. -C.B.
