Browning Auto-5 A5 A-5 Twenty 20 Ga 26″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,575.01
LSB#: LSB251105MW011
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5
Serial Number: 3Z71927
Year of Manufacture: 1963
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the 26″ 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 20 GA. SHELLS 2 ¾”.
The left side of the receiver is marked “Twenty / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number, “3Z71927″. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 26″
Chokes: Threaded for Briley thin wall chokes, Improved Cylinder installed
Sights / Optics: The barrel has white-colored beads at the muzzle and at the mid-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 rounded pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black vented rubber Pachmayr 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 is a ¼” chip in the belly. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. 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 97% of its metal finish. There is moderate operational wear on the barrel, mostly in the form of draglines and tiny scratches. The receiver exhibits minimal fading and a little blueing loss at the edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in an 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 1963 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 20 Gauge 2 3/4″ shells and has a 26″ barrel threaded for Briley thin-wall chokes. The gun shows no corrosion and seems mechanically tight. This would be a good addition to an A5 collection, as it is in Fine shape. Alternately, it would be a very traditional upland fowler, easily adjusted for conditions with additional choke tubes. Please see our photos. -C.B.
