Browning (FN) Auto-5 Magnum A5 A-5, Blue 28″ 12 GA Vent-Rib Semi-Automatic Tube Fed Shotgun 1964 C&R

SOLD FOR $1,025.00
LSB#: 180416DC06

Make: FN in Belgium for Browning

Model: Auto-5 Magnum

Serial Number: 4V58907

Year of Manufacture: 1964 (4V Date/Model Code)

Gauge: 12 gauge with 3” Chambers

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 BLEGIUM” with a Belgian inspector mark and three Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “*SPECIAL STEEL-12 GA.-SHELLS 3″”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MAGNUM / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John M. Browning, the underside has the serial number. The receiver has tasteful Grade I engraving. The recoil pad is marked “BROWNING”.

Barrel Length: 28 1/4” to the end of the barrel, 29 1/2″ to the end of the extended Colonial Arms Inc choke.

Choke: Threaded for removable chokes. Currently Modified is installed.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the muzzle and a smaller brass mid-bead on a stepped ventilated rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a gloss-finished two-piece checkered walnut set with a round-bottom pistol grip and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The forend has scattered light marring and compressions with patchy finish at the bottom-right toward the rear. The buttstock has many scattered light compressions, scratches and scuffs with concentrations on the bottom of the grip, the toe-line and at the heel. The finish is just starting to crack from age. There are no chips or cracks in the wood. The LOP to the end of the ventilated brown rubber recoil pad, is 14″. The buttpad is still supple and has light wear at the heel and toe. The pad is in about Very Good-Fine condition. The stocks rate in about Good-Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. There are only a few scattered light marks on the receiver and the edges of the rib and some light handling marks. The screw heads are mostly sharp with a few showing light tool marks with str. With the exception of the proofs on the left of the barrel, the markings are clear though shallow and with soft edges. The proof marks are very shallow to nearly obscured with very round edges. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition as refinished.

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 referred to as 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 Magnum Twelve was built by FN in 1966 with Grade I engraving on the receiver. It is chambered for 12 GA. 3” shells and has a 28 1/4” barrel which has been threaded for removable chokes with a full-length stepped ventilated rib. This shotgun shows little wear since its refinish and looks beautiful, especially with its engraved receiver. This is a well-made shotgun and a functioning piece of history. With its 3″ chamber and removable choke, this shotgun is ready for the longest shots on the biggest birds. Please see our photos and good luck!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible shotgun can be transferred in California.