Make: Fabrique Nationale
Model: Auto-5
Serial Number: 25388B
Year of Manufacture: 1960-1975
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4"
Action Type: Long-Recoil Semi-Automatic Tube Magazine Fed Shotgun
Barrel Length: Two barrels are included, one 26" and one 28".
Choke: 25 1/2"- Improved Cylinder, 27 1/2"- Full, both fixed.
Sights / Optics: Each barrel has a silver-colored bead on a base fixed to the front of the barrel. The top of each barrel has a double-line of matting and the top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a finger groove forend, flat-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and black plastic FN Browning Automatic buttplate. A sling swivel is installed in the belly and there is another on the magazine tube cap. There are a couple of nicks in the belly near the toe. Otherwise, the stocks have only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has no notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition as likely not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: We believe the finish is Original to the parts, the barrels are not original to the receiver and are from different period of manufacture to one another, 26" with a Morgan Utah and 28" with St. Louis MO markings.
Bore Condition: The bores are both bright with no erosion. In this writer's opinion, both bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun set retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks, no major defects. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition as not parts-original.
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: Included is a Browning luggage case fit for the receiver assembly and both barrels, includes key.
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 standard production ending in 1998. It features a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname "Humpback". The design was later licensed to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755.
This is an intriguing example, appearing to have been put together as a custom set. The safety indicates the receiver was made somewhere between 1960 and 1975, but is puzzling due to a total lack of Browning markings or engraving, as well as lacking any Belgian proof marks. The included barrels, one 26" IC and one 28" Full choked, are both Browning marked barrels from different periods of production. The stocks have no serial markings and appear to be of more modern manufacture. What may make sense is that a receiver made by FN for the European market was purchased by itself, which may explain the lack of proof marks. The receiver was later assembled, fitted with new stocks, and paired with these barrels. The gun has hardly any wear, with little sign of use. This sharp shotgun will be a nice addition to your collection, displaying well in the included case, and certainly will be up to the task of dropping birds or dusting clays. Please see our photos and good luck!
