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| < 16ga. Guns ~ Need Expert Browning/FN Auto 5 Help Please!! |
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 Posted:
Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:13 am
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Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Location: The Great Northwest
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Hey guys,
I need some advice from you experts. I've been wanting a Browning Auto 5 for quite some time. As I was surfing gunbroker last night (BAD, Bad thing to do), I caught a Browning 16 gauge only minutes from closing. Because it was only at $450 and in good condition, I bid really quick before the auction closed. I didn't realize however, that this is actually a FN marked gun. While I do realize that these are effectively the same thing, I was really wanting a "Browning" marked gun. Anyhow, the gun is in pretty good condition, and I only paid $460 for it. How did I do? Please check out the link for information and pictures:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...?item=58089287
Also, can you tell me anything about the gun? When it was made? Approximate value? The significance of the "special steel" marking on the barrel? Anything else that might be interesting? I really appreciate any insight that anyone might have to share!! Thanks!
cox3497 |
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:26 pm
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Joined: 01 Jul 2006
Posts: 26
Location: Finland
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| The link doesn't seem to be working. |
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:45 pm
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Member
Joined: 27 Jun 2005
Posts: 1545
Location: Michigan
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 1:12 pm
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Member
Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Posts: 2016
Location: Glendale, AZ
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:11 pm
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Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Location: The Great Northwest
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Dave,
Thanks for fixing my link.
Revdocdrew,
I've looked at those links. Thanks for posting them! So, to me it looks like this is the standard 16 gauge (not the sweet sixteen) -- is that what you're thinking? I'm glad that the choke is modified as that fits my future uses of this gun. I don't yet know the serial number, but when I find out, I'll compare it against that link you gave. I really appreciate your help. So, how do you think I did on this buy? From my brief study, it seems like I paid about what the gun should go for -- is this pretty much what you think as well? Thanks for your help!!
Benjamin Cox |
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:13 pm
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Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Location: The Great Northwest
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Just as a quick ps, this shotgun is meant only for lead shot, no? Thanks!
cox3497 |
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 4:29 pm
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Member
Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Posts: 2016
Location: Glendale, AZ
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:25 pm
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Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Location: The Great Northwest
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Uh, oh guys. I just found out that this gun has the serial number 90301, and was built in 1927. This probably means that it has the 2 9/16" chamber, correct? If so, where do I find shells for that? Is it a strictly reloading prospect?
If this serial number gives you any information about the gun, PLEASE share. I really appreciate all the help!!!
cox3497 |
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 6:44 pm
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I think you should probably sell it to me. I'll figure out some loads for it.  |
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| Posted:
Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:25 pm
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Member
Joined: 28 Dec 2005
Posts: 2016
Location: Glendale, AZ
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 7:36 pm
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Joined: 11 Jan 2006
Posts: 179
Location: Hoosier state
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relax,,,,you bought it,right? When you get it, look at the marks....16/65 is 65 mm(2 9/16in or 2 1/2in...close enough)....... if it's 16/70 that's 70mm ( 2 3/4in).
The problem if it has short chambers will probably be with extraction/ejection with the longer 2 3/4in shells.
You can have it "fixed" for longer shells, but I'm not sure how much that will cost. And you can probably sell it to someone who can feed it short shells. .........As the song goes "Don't worry, Be happy!"
Jeff |
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Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:40 pm
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Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Location: The Great Northwest
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Jeff,
I like your motto: "Don't worry, be happy!" If only I could remember that more often! 
All,
Well, I think I've officially read nearly all the posts about Browning Auto 5s on this forum.  From what I've read, it seems that everyone is indicating that these older Brownings with the 2 9/16" chambers are only worth $3-400. Is this correct? What is the reason for this? Is it because of the inconvenience of the chamber? But, it seems like these older models are worth only 3-400 no matter the chamber. It seems like a heck of a gun, but most people seem to say its only worth marginally more than an 870 express -- what gives?
I'm trying to find some source of information that confirms I didn't pay more than this gun is worth! Probably doesn't matter seeing as I'll probably keep this the rest of my life, but I like to know what my stuff is worth. If anyone has any further insight to share about anything, I'd be eternally grateful! Thanks.
cox3497 |
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Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:57 am
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Joined: 04 Feb 2005
Posts: 191
Location: Western Connecticut
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Congratulations on getting your Auto-5!
Sales value hinges a great deal on condition. I happily paid $500 for a 65mm chambered 16ga A-5 3-shot with a non-Browning wood case in wonderful condition......Judging from the photo, on gb.com, I think that you paid a fair price.
You will not want to shoot steel shot with this gun.
If this gun is 65mm chambered, [and with no letter prefix, it likely is], IF you handload, a whole new world of load discovery awaits! You will be impressed at what 1 oz. of shot can do! If you don't handload, as others have said, the shells ARE still available.
Since your version is not Browning marked, it was likely originally made for the European market, though many if not most of them had a cheek piece and sling swivels in the stock. It is still a Browining, 1927 was the year after JMB died.
If you obtain and read Vanderlinden & Shirley's book, you will find that as soon as you decide what is "standard" on the Auto-5, you will encounter an exception!
Enjoy! You will find the Auto-5 a wonderful gun to shoot! |
_________________
.....SQUIRREL, the OTHER dark meat..... |
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| Posted:
Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:19 am
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Joined: 16 Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Location: The Great Northwest
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offhand35,
Thanks for your reply. I'm glad to hear that someone knowledgeable in these guns confirms I didn't pay too much! I thought as much concerning the lead shot. With all the links for 16 gauge 65mm shells posted, I shouldn't have any issues whatsoever.
What effect, exactly, does the fact that this was made for the European market have on the gun? Monetarily? Less desire to collectors? Or does it not really matter?
Is there any specific reason these guns command less of a premium? Some of the 1950s guns seem to be going for 7-800. Why are these worth less? I'm just trying to learn all I can! I can't wait to get this thing and take it out shooting!! Thanks again.
cox3497 |
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| Posted:
Tue Oct 17, 2006 7:31 am
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Member
Joined: 15 Mar 2005
Posts: 358
Location: Houston
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| The Blue Book Serialization shows that the 16 ga A-5 with serial # 90301 was made in 1930. Maybe that's only for Browning marked guns? Not sure the 3 years makes a difference, anyway. |
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