Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 GA MOD Semi-Auto Shotgun 1968 C&R

SOLD FOR: $926

WOA#: WY240301ER003

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: Auto 5 Light Twelve

Serial Number: 68G42568

Year of Manufacture: 1968 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/auto-5-semi-automatic-shotgun.html)

Gauge: 12 gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

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. The right side of the barrel is marked “* SPECIAL STEEL-12 GAUGE-SHELLS 2 3/4″”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Light Twelve / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length: 27 1/2″, Vent-Rib

Choke: Fixed Full

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the 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 flat-bottom pistol grip, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. There is some minor crazing in the buttstock’s finish. The grip areas show handling wear. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of more notable scratches in the right of the buttstock. There is a thin crack at the rear of the top tang and a few tiny losses around the front edges of the wrist. The condition and color of the forend compared with the buttstock may indicate replacement. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has scattered wear. 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 in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edge, primarily on the receiver. The receiver has handling wear on the bottom and in the tangs with the worn areas going to a light patina. There scattered light nicks and scuffs. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a magazine cutoff on the left front of the receiver, a safety at the rear of the trigger guard and a bolt release on the right side of the receiver. 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: This shotgun comes with two additional barrels. One is a Belgian made Light Twelve 27 1/2″ barrel choked Modified, the other is a Japanese made standard Auto-5 26″ barrel choked Improved Cylinder.

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”. 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.

This Auto-5 is a lightweight model which was built by FN in 1968 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 27 1/2? vent-rib barrel choked Full. Additional barrels are included choked Modified and Improved Cylinder, making for a versatile set. The gun appears to have seen some use in the field, in Very Good condition. This should still make for a great classic hunting gun for the lucky winner, but would also be a neat addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud

Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 GA MOD Semi-Auto Shotgun 1968 C&R
Browning FN Auto-5 A5 A-5 Light Twelve 12 GA MOD Semi-Auto Shotgun 1968 C&R