Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Twelve 12 Gauge 30″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1968 MFD C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,161.00

LSB#:  LSB251130SL027

Make:  Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model:  A5 

Serial Number:  68M57758

Year of Manufacture:  1968

Gauge:  12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chamber

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

Markings:  The left side of the 30″ barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “N95855″.  The right side of the 30″ barrel is marked “* SPECIAL STEEL 12 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 ¾”.  

The left side of the receiver is marked “ ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “68M57758″.  The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length:  30″ 

Choke:  Vent-Rib, Full

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, black plastic FN Browning buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend.  The buttstock has scattered 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 plastic fouling in the chamber and close-by.  

Overall Condition:  This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish.  There is blueing loss on the receiver leading edges and a few tiny spots of widely scattered corrosion pitting on the receiver.  The barrel shows considerable operational wear in the form of draglines,  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:  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 was built by FN in 1968 with simple but nice engraving.  It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4″ shells and has a 30″ barrel choked Full.  The gun has seen some use, but shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight.  This would be a great late season upland piece or good turkey gun, with the rapid follow up of an A5 and the power and versatility of a twelve gauge.  Please see our photos.  -C.B.