Browning FN Auto-5 A5 20 GA 3″ Chamber 27 ½” Semi Auto Shotgun, 1969 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,625.00
LSB#: LSB250530JH004
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5
Serial Number: 69X25314
Year of Manufacture: 1969, C&R
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3” 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. / MADE IN BELGIUM” with a series of Belgian proof marks and “X32383”. The right side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL— 20 GA.—SHELLS 3?”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum Twenty / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside is marked “69×25314”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 27 1/2?
Choke: Improved-Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead atop the vent rib. The top of the rib and receiver 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 hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have some scattered light impression marks and scratches and a few small areas of finish loss. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14“ 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: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. In the opinion of this writer, the bore rates a 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The top left of the receiver evidences tiny rust freckling. There are some light scattered scratches, light handling marks, operational wear and blueing loss on the edges of the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in 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 long-recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. It was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun, patented in 1900. It is an extraordinarily successful design that is produced continually for almost 100 years — with production ending in 1998. It features a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”.
This Auto-5 is a magnum 20 Ga. which was built by FN in 1969 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 20 GA. 2 3/4” or 3” shells and has a 27 ½” barrel choked Improved-Modified. The gun appears to have seen limited use with scattered light wear in the stocks, but little in the metal. This shotgun would make for a very traditional hunting gun or a neat addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos. -CB
