Browning Auto-5 A-5 A5 Magnum Twelve 28″ 12 GA Semi-Auto Shotgun, 1975
SOLD FOR: $1,112.57
WOA#: WY240120LB003
Make: FN in Belgium for Browning Arms
Model: Auto 5 Magnum Twelve
Serial Number: 75V37085
Year of Manufacture: 1975 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/auto-5-semi-automatic-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 gauge, 3” Shells
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and with a series of Belgian proofs. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING AUTO_5 / ** SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS_3″_28 / BROWNING PATENTS”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Magnum 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: 27.5″, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib has wavy serrations and the top of the receiver has serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a flat-bottom semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, ventilated brown rubber Browning recoil pad, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. There are a couple peaks on the left side of the forend that are compressed. The LOP measures 14.25″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has minor wear and is still fairly supple. 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 the bore. There is some fouling and minor scratches at the mid length and choke. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows thinning on the leading edges, especially on the left rear edge of the receiver. There are some light scratches and scuffs on the barrel. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. 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 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”. It is also an important piece of Browning/Winchester history.
John Browning had previously sold his designs to Winchester for lump-sum payments, turning over all of the patents related to a particular model. Winchester had gotten in the habit of having their engineers and attorneys assist Browning in filing for his patents, in order to ensure that when they received those same patents they would be airtight. Browning’s experiences with Colt and FN had convinced him that he would be better off licensing his designs rather than selling them outright, but when he presented this to Winchester, they refused his terms. This ended the relationship between Winchester and Browning.
Browning would eventually license the design to FN in Europe and later to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755. These designs went on to be a great commercial success, the first truly successful autoloading shotgun. This Auto-5 was built in Belgium by Fabrique National in 1975, just a few years before production would move to Japan. It is a Magnum Twelve chambered for 12 GA. 3” shells with Grade 1 engraving and has a 27.5″ barrel choked FULL. The gun appears to have been well cared for, in Fine condition with some light wear in the stocks and metal. This should still make for a great hunting gun for the lucky winner but would also make a nice addition for collectors. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
