Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 16 Gauge 26″ 2 3/4″ Semi Auto Shotgun, 1950 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,051.00

LSB#:  LSB250718LT052

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: A5

Serial Number: X36831

Year of Manufacture: 1950 (Browning Auto-5 Shotguns by H.M. Shirley Jr and Anthony Vanderlinden)

Gauge: 16 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 / SPECIAL STEEL-16 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 3/4” and Belgian proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”.  The left side of the receiver is marked “SWEET SIXTEEN / BROWNING” with an engraving of a bust of John Browning.  The underside of the receiver has the serial number, “X36831”.

Barrel Length: 26″

Choke: Fixed:  Full Choke

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead on a ramp at the front of the barrel. The top of both barrel 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 hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have light impression marks, scratches, and areas of finish loss throughout, especially on the semi-pistol grip.  The checkering remains well defined and 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 Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is a half inch spot of corrosion pitting in the top of the midbarrel.  There is fading on the receiver.  Otherwise, there are just a few light handling marks, scattered about.   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 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”. 

Chambered in 16 gauge with a 2 3/4″ chamber and fitted with a 26″ barrel with a Cylinder choke, this “Sweet Sixteen” shotgun offers a long range capability for upland game. If, like this gun writer, you “occasionally” miss a bird, the quick follow up shot of an A5 might come in handy.   The 26 inch barrel 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 traditional lightweight fowling piece with a rapid follow-up shot to a hunter’s arsenal.

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