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Browning ~ Auto-5 ~ 12 Gauge
Guns International #: 103175408 Seller's Inventory #: 4475221
Category: Browning Belgium Shotguns - A5 - Browning Belgium Shotguns - Semi Auto
Seller's Information
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Seller: Cabelas Kearney
Company: Cabelas - Bass Pro
Member Since: 6/16/25
State: Nebraska
Zip: 68847
Country: United States
Phone: (308) 234-3933
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 73
Total Number of Listings: 89
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted:
Description:
One of the most recognizable and historically significant shotgun designs in the world, John Moses Browning's Auto-5 was the first reliable semi-auto shotgun able to be produced at large scale and using a recoil-operated system. The Auto-5 (not to be confused with the modern "Browning A5") was first available in 1902, produced in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale (FN). Though Browning had initially visited Winchester and Remington with the patent, Winchester refused and Remington's president died unexpectedly. They and Savage Arms would later create their own shotguns based largely on the Auto-5's design: the Winchester 1911, Remington Model 11 and Savage 720. Though it's unique "humpback" receiver shape makes it easily recognizable, the most iconic detail of the Auto-5 is its reciprocating barrel—a necessary piece of the recoil-based operation of the gun: Upon firing, the barrel actually moves rearward with the bolt until the bolt stops at the end of the receiver. The barrel then slingshots back into place and the delay between the barrel and bolt allows the next round to feed into the chamber. The actions going on during this split-second operation can lead to a relatively strong recoil impulse compared to other gas-operated shotguns. The Auto-5 is best known as an extremely reliable hunting shotgun that often is passed down from generation to generation. However, the shotgun has also seen combat usage in both World Wars and Vietnam, though never as a widely-issued or "official" weapon, and not nearly as much as the famous pump-action Winchester 1897 or Remington Model 10. In WWII, Remington 11s were sometimes used by US troops (since FN in Belgium was under German control) and some Auto-5s were said to have been used by the Navy. In another context, law enforcement have used shortened Auto-5s as riot guns and for other security uses, and (though not a Browning) Bonnie Parker of 'Bonnie & Clyde' fame used a cut-down 20 gauge Remington 11 "whippet gun." This shotgun for sale is a 1965 FN-made Auto-5 standard model. Chambered in 12 gauge, the shotgun can accept 2 ¾" shells and has a 27" barrel with a fixed full choke (identified by the single asterisk * on the barrel). The gun has a ribless barrel with a single silver front bead and the receiver's top features an engraved top surface for reducing glare. The receiver also has decorative engravings on the sides, bottom, trigger guard, tang, and rear of the receiver. The shotgun wears a set of gloss-finished walnut furniture with checkering on the forend and pistol grip stock. The stock also is capped with an original FN-branded buttplate—an interesting feature for the eagle-eyed. The magazine tube on the gun can hold four shells, but a plug is installed currently, restricting it to two in the tube. This piece in question is in very good operating condition. The furniture still has a very glossy finish to it and there are no visible cracks in the wood (something to be wary of, especially on Auto-5s). The finish has checking in the gloss, alluding to its likely original finish and aged condition. The inside of the receiver is very clean and so is the bolt assembly. The barrel is mostly in good shape, with no rust or pitting and a bright bore. However, the left side of the barrel has been scratched pretty deep and refinished with a slightly different hue. This shotgun does not include a box or case. 12 Gauge
Price: $799.99
Chambers: 2 3/4
Metal Condition: "Good, roughly-refinished barrel
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Very good
Barrels: 27
Stock Dimensions:
14 1/2" LOP
Fore End: Gloss checkered walnut
Butt Pad: Plastic buttplate
Weight: 8 Lbs 1 oz
Sights: "Textured receiver, no rib, silver bead front sight
Chokes: Fixed full choke
Item Location: Kearney, NE