Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 20 GA 3″ 27” Semi Auto Shotgun, 1971 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,585.00

LSB#:  LSB250729TC085

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: A5

Serial Number: 71X40483

Year of Manufacture: 1971 (Browning Auto-5 Shotguns by H.M. Shirley Jr and Anthony Vanderlinden)

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” and “0kg 905 20-75 15.7”, Belgium proofs throughout. The right side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL-20 GAUGE-SHELLS 3” and Belgian proofs. The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum Twenty / BROWNING” with an engraving of a bust of John Browning.  The underside of the receiver has the serial number, “71X / 40483”.

Barrel Length: 27″

Choke: 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, straight comb, black synthetic FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. There are scratches and compression marks. Most of the wear is on the buttstock. There are a couple of scrapes. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ 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 bore is bright. There is no erosion. There is some fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows handling and storage wear. There are light scratches and oxidization throughout. Most of the wear is on the receiver. There are some scrapes on the barrel and spots of finish loss. The brass trigger has oxidization in the grooves. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good 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: This Browning A-5 presents as a solid, well-preserved example of the long-recoil Browning autos with attractive factory engraving and strong cosmetics. The metal surfaces retain about 96% of their finish with only light handling and storage wear; the receiver shows the greatest concentration of light scratches and scant finish loss. The walnut stock and forend are in Very Good condition with defined checkering, light compression marks and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright, free of erosion and rates 9/10 in the writer’s opinion. Mechanically the action cycles and functions as intended; we did not fire the shotgun.

 As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning and a safety/function check are recommended before putting this shotgun into service. Overall, this A-5 rates in about Very Good condition. Please see our photos and good luck with your bid! -N.P