Browning FN Auto-5 A-5 Light Twelve 12GA Shotgun, 1963 C&R
SOLD FOR: $772.67
Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: A5 Light Twelve
Serial Number: 3G 92679
Year of Manufacture: 1963, 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. & MONTREAL P.Q. / 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: Improved CYL, Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver-colored bead on a dual sided ramp. The top of the barrel and receiver are wavy serrated/checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a round-bottom semi-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 from the midlength to the chamber. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 and is exceptional given its age.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is thinning and finish loss on the leading edges. There are scratches and scuffs on the receiver and barrel exterior. There are some patches and freckles of rust on the receiver as well. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good 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: 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. This Auto-5 is a lightweight model which was built by FN in 1963 with simple but nice engraving. The gun appears to have seen limited use with scattered wear in the stocks. 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.
