Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Magnum Twenty 20 Ga 28″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,576.00
LSB#: LSB250828GA009
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5 Magnum Twenty
Serial Number: 69X20465
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3” 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 ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 3″.
The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum Twenty / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “69X20465”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 28”
Chokes: Fixed, Full
Sights / Optics: The barrel 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. There are several significant compression marks and scratches — the latter on the underside of the forend. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in a Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. There is some lead fouling. 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are just a few tiny scratches and minimal blueing loss at the edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in an 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: 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 755.
This Auto-5 is a magnum model which was built by FN in 1969 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 20 Gauge. 2 3/4” or 3” shells and has a 28” barrel choked Full. The gun appears to have seen very little use and shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight. This would be a great addition to an A5 collection, as it is in Excellent shape. Please see our photos. -C.B.
