FN Browning Auto 5 A5 Sweet Sixteen 16 GA 26” Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1956 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,847.59
LSB#: 230928GR015
Make: Browning, made by Fabrique Nationale
Model: Auto 5 Sweet Sixteen
Serial Number: 6S56718
Year of Manufacture: 1956 C&R
Caliber: 16 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil, Semi Auto Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 26”
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel bead fixed to the ventilated rib above the muzzle. The top of the rib and receiver are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a finger-grooved forend, a semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb and a black hard rubber Browning buttplate. The wood shows light nicks, dings and some handling and storage marks. The checkering is mostly sharp with a few compressed checkers. There are no chips or cracks, however, there is finish cracking present. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb measures 1 ½” and the drop at heel is 2 ?”. The cast is neutral and the weight is 7 lbs 2 oz. The buttplate shows minor wear throughoutwith no chips or cracks. The stocks are in Fine overall condition. Overall the stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some faint fouling near the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling and storage marks. There are a few speckles of oxidation scattered along the blued finished parts. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
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. 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. During WWII, production of the Auto-5 was moved to Remington alongside the Model 11 until FN could resume production after the war.
This Auto-5 is a Sweet Sixteen, built by FN after WWII with Grade I engraving on the receiver and tangs. It is chambered for 16 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 26” barrel choked Modified with a ventilated rib. The gun is in Fine condition with wear consistent with 50 plus years of responsible care, a great bore and strong mechanics. It should make a great field or sporting gun for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!
-CC