Browning FN Auto-5 A-5 Light Twelve 12GA Shotgun, 1952 C&R & Extra Barrel
SOLD FOR: $841
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5
Serial Number: 384603
Year of Manufacture: 1952, C&R
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Long Recoil Semi Automatic Shotgun fed by Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. / SPECIAL STEEL-12 GA.-SHELLS 2 ¾” with a series of Belgian proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Light 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. The right side of the receiver has a Belgium proof as well as on the bolt.
Barrel Length: 25.5”
Choke: Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead on a dual sided ramp. The top of the barrel is wavy serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The stocks have scratches, scuffs, and compression marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is attractive with only fairly worn peaks on the pressure points. The LOP measures 14.5″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mirror bright. There are some minor scratches. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10 and is exceptional given its age.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. There are some light scattered scratches and some light handling marks. There is some faint oxidation and corrosion freckled about the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition as C&R.
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: This shotgun comes with an extra 29.5” 12GA FULL fixed choke barrel with full length vent rib and bead fronts sight in excellent condition. The bore is bright and shiny with some very faint fouling near the choke. The bore rates 10/10.
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. This Auto-5 is a lightweight model which was built by FN in 1952, the first year that FN took over production, with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 25 ½” barrel Modified choke and an extra 29 ½” barrel choked FULL. The gun appears to have seen limited use with scattered light wear in the stocks, but little in the metal. This should still make for a great classic hunting gun for the lucky winner, but would also be a neat addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding! – L.S.
