Miroku Browning Auto-5 A-5 Magnum 20 Gauge 3″ Semi Automatic Shotgun 1987
SOLD FOR: $2,325.00
LSB#: LSB260513KE005
Make: Browning, Manufactured in Japan by Miroku
Model: Auto-5
Serial Number: 54004 PR161
Year of Manufacture: 1987 / Modern
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, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.” / “MADE IN JAPAN”. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO-5” / “INVECTOR SPECIAL STEEL 20GA. SHELL-3″-26″” / “BROWNING PATENTS”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum Twenty” / “BROWNING” and a Browning portrait. The bottom of the receiver is marked “54004” / “PR161”. The receiver and upper tang have Grade I engraving. The trigger guard is marked with a gold-filled Browning logo.
Barrel Length: 26″, Vent-rib
Choke: Threaded, FULL Browning Invector Choke installed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead fixed to the top of the vent-rib. The top of the receiver and the vent-rib are 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, black synthetic Browning buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. There are handling scratches and compression marks. There is liquid residue on the buttstock. The LOP measures 14 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The checkering is sharp and well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrel shows longitudinal polish marks. There are minor handling scratches. There is some corrosion freckling on the receiver. 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: Small black Browning choke case and three Browning Invector choke tubes; SK, MOD, and IC.
Our Assessment: The Browning Auto-5 was designed by John Moses Browning and became the first commercially successful semi-automatic shotgun, using a distinctive long-recoil system in which the barrel and bolt move rearward together before separating during the operating cycle. After decades of Belgian production, manufacture shifted to Miroku in Japan, where the design continued with excellent machining, fit, and finish. The Magnum Twenty variant combined the lighter handling of the 20 gauge with a 3″ chamber for heavier hunting loads, making it especially useful for waterfowl, turkey, and general field use. This 1987 example retains the classic humpback receiver, Grade I engraving, 26″ vent-rib barrel, and interchangeable Browning choke system associated with later Japanese Auto-5 production.
This Magnum Twenty retains approximately 97% of its original blue finish, with minor handling scratches, longitudinal polishing marks on the barrel, and light corrosion freckling on the receiver. The checkered walnut stocks remain in Fine condition despite scattered handling marks and residue on the buttstock, while the bright 9.5/10 bore has no visible erosion. The action functions correctly, and the shotgun includes a Full choke tube installed, three additional Browning choke tubes in Skeet, Modified, and Improved Cylinder, and a small Browning choke case. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY