Browning FN Belgian Auto-5 28” 20 Ga. Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1961 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,400.00

LSB#: LSB250809BK004

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: Auto 5 

Serial Number: 1Z53164

Year of Manufacture: 1961 (Browning Auto-5 Shotguns, by H.M. Shirley, Jr. and Anthony Vanderlinden)

Gauge: 20 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. /  “**- SPECIAL STEEL-20 GA-SHELLS 2 ¾”” with a series of Belgian proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The underside of the barrel is marked with “760397” and Belgian proof marks.  The left side of the receiver is marked “Twenty / ® / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has “1Z 55164”. The receiver, tangs and trigger guard have tasteful Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length: 28”

Choke: Fixed.  Full.

Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead in a base fixed to the vent rib. The sighting plane in the top of the vent rib is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, red vented rubber White Line buttpad and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have handling wear with scattered scratches, compression marks, and areas of finish loss. The checkering is still well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 15 inches from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks rate in Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel has operational wear down the sides.  The receiver has bluing loss on the edges and scattered fine scratches.  The barrel is remarkably free of most handling wear.  The screw heads are lightly tooled but still have quite serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine 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: 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, and this one was — with production ending in 1998. It features a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”. 

This Auto-5 was built by FN in 1961 with Grade I engraving on the receiver and tangs. It is chambered for 20 GA. 2 ¾” shells and has a 28″ barrel choked Full.  Here is a stylish autoloading shotgun which weighs 6lb, 13oz and would serve well on a dove or quail hunt.  The gun appears to have been well cared for, and is in Fine condition with purely aesthetic minor wear in the stocks and metal. This should still make for a great hunting gun for the lucky winner but would also make a great addition for collectors. Please see our photos.  -C.B.