Browning FN Auto-5 A5 20 GA 28 in. 2 3/4″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1960 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,077.00

LSB#: LSB250712DI029

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: A5

Serial Number: 0Z41279

Year of Manufacture: 1960

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber

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

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q./ ** SPECIAL STEEL—20 GA.—SHELLS 2 ¾”” with a series of Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Twenty / ® / BROWNING”, with a bust portrait of John M. Browning and some scroll engraving. The underside has “0Z41279”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length: 28″ Ribbed.

Choke:  Fixed:  Modified.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead at the front of the barrel. The top of the barrel rib and receiver have checkering for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black rubber Browning FN Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stock set has many light impression marks, and just a few scratches. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate.  Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright.  It is the opinion of this writer that the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal refinish.  There are just a few tiny scratches throughout.  There is some operational wear on the underside of the barrel.  The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in an Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, and the trigger has a clean and crisp break. 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. His patent dated 1903 read, in part:

“My invention relates to an improvement in recoil-operated magazine firearms in which all of the several operations of the arm, with the single exception of pulling the trigger, are performed by power derived from successive explosions of the cartridges in cartridge-chamber…”

His invention did all of that, in a way so successful that it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998. 

Browning presented his design to Winchester, where he had sold his rifle designs, but they refused his terms. He then went to Remington, but the president of the company died while he was waiting to offer them the gun. Browning then took the 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.

The first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun featured a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”. 

The twenty gauge A5 was introduced in 1958 with “Twenty” engraved on the receiver, as you see in the accompanying photos.  In 1973, this engraved designation of this model was changed “Light Twenty”.  This one weighs in at 6lbs, 8.5oz.

Chambered in 20 gauge with a 2 3/4″ chamber and fitted with a 28″ vent-rib barrel with a modified choke, this Light Twelve offers versatility for upland game, clay sports, and waterfowling. If, like this gun writer you “occasionally” miss a bird, the quick follow up shot of an A5 might come in handy.   The vent rib allows for quick target acquisition, while the finely checkered walnut stocks deliver both control and elegance.  

This is a C&R-eligible classic, desirable for its Belgian craftsmanship and mechanical reliability.  It will add to a Browning collection or add a lightweight fowling piece with a rapid follow-up shot to a hunter’s arsenal.

Please check out our high quality photos – C.B.