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I have come by a Browning FN Auto-5 16ga with what I think is a 2-9/16 in chamber. Anyone know a fast way to verify? Assuming I am correct, are there any shells still around or is it just a museum piece? Hoping the more experienced hands will help me out....thanks in advance!

First, start with the serial number. ALL 16ga Auto-5's built before the end of WWII had 65mm (2 9/16") chambers. Somewhere near the base of the bbl, where it joins the "barrel extension" is a stamping of a large "C", with the numbers 16-65 or 16-70, inside of it. 65 = 65mm, 70= 70mm (2 3/4"). This stamping is sometimes very light, and not legible.
Note, if your Auto-5 is from before around 1924 or so, the "16 C" will be inside a diamond shape, with no chamber size marking.

However, even if it is marked 65mm, your A-5 MAY have been converted.

The fastest way to find out if your A-5 has a 2 9/16" (65mm) chamber, is use a chamber length gauge that your dealer or local gunsmith may have on hand. Just as easy is to take a BRAND NEW, straight never loaded 2 3/4" shell, and gently place it in the chamber. Do this with the bbl out of the gun. If the shell won't fit completely, but leaves about 3/16" sticking out, the gun has a 2 9/16" chamber.

Let me know your serial number, leaving off the last digits as x's. PM me if you'd rather. I have one of the latest references available, and can help date your gun. IF your serial number has an "X" prefix, you have an early postwar A-5, with 70mm chamber. There are other prefixes in even later numbers, but the 1st group had an "X".

I have 2 with 65mm chambers, one from 1934, and the other from 1938.

Member Joined: 26 Jun 2005 Posts: 376 Location: North ID.

There are a number of manufacturers that produce 65/67 mm shells for the short chamber. The home page for this site has a listing of 16 gauge factory ammo. A couple that aren't listed is Polywad and Westley Richards to name a few.

There is a 16 gauge reloading group on this site also that could probably steer you right if you reload. I'm sure someone will be along to provide better information than I.
CH

I missed addressing your other question......as to ammo.......
I think that there are some here who buy 2 1/2" or 2 9/16" shells for their short chambered guns.....it is still available, but mostly mail order or special order through your dealer.

I think there are postings regarding that in the ammunition section.

However, I believe that most people on this forum who shoot short chambered guns handload their own.
I obtained a MEC 600 Jr. reloader and set it up specifically for 65mm shells that I cut from 70mm shells.

Handloading gives you more choices in the loads for these guns.

Oh, and, may I welcome you to this forum?! I myself have only been on for a few months, but have benefitted tremendously arlready!!

Thanks a lot to both offhand35 and IDcut. I had checked the ammo forum before I asked, but must have missed the posts they referenced. I'll check my serial number, or failing that, try checking the chamber directly or with a gauge. And I'm glad to hear that I can still load or buy ammo for it!

There is an easy way to measure that chamber. Take a steel machinists scale(ruler) and slide it down to the forcing cone. Keep it held against the chamber wall when doing this. It will stop as soon as it gets to the start of the forcing cone. You can read the measurement.
I think B&P shells are 2 5/8 inch or they advertise 67 mm and I noticed that Eley makes a lot of 2 1/2 inch shells for the 16 gauge.
Good luck!

1st post...this is from the B & P UK website regarding the 67mm 16 gauge ammo... I ran a couple of thousand of these through a short chambered 16 gauge A5 and never had any issues..glad to see they are back in the U.S.

"Only cartridge available from B&P in this gauge, which unfortunately has almost disappeared in Europe. Our efforts were aimed at obtaining a sophisticated product in the F2 line, characterized by an average charge of 29g in a 67mm case to meet the demanding requirements of those who still own gauge 16 shotguns with chambers of at least 65 mm. This cartridge is available in different shot diameters to adjust to different needs and hunting situations."

Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 287 Location: missouri

Fiocchi used to make the 65-67 mm hulls but I don't see them listed anymore. I know Cheddite still makes empty hulls in 65-67 mm, if you reload Grafs could probably get the short 16 ga Cheddite hulls for you.

*Last edited by 16gaugeguy on Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:03 am; edited 1 time in total*

I'd like to know if there are any issues with having this gun's chamber lengthened to 2-3/4". I don't know much about A-5. You could also consider a second barrel if you want to keep the gun original. Just a thought. 16GG.

Joined: 17 Nov 2005 Posts: 158 Location: NW Florida

Where are the adapters available for converting the MEC reloaders for 2.5in shells? Thanks, Bob

Mec has them I think. Ballistic Products has their own line too.

Converting an A-5 from 65mm to 70mm chamber is a little more complex than simply lengthening the chamber or using a newer barrel, in that the ejection port and operating handle slot have to be lengthened as well.
I have on hearsay [not directly from Browning] that Browning can do the alterations for a small fee.

A phone call to Arnold, MO will confirm this and also get you a ball park figure on the cost. Check out the corp. web site for the 800 number. I'd strongly suggest this is the best option if you want to go the alteration route. Browning stands behind their work so its not likely the gun will get screwed up. They will also test it for function as part of the work. Give them a call if its in the budget.

Kent is carrying short stuff, in 16. As is(or was) RST

Joined: 06 Jan 2006 Posts: 25

John Barsness in June 2005, Handloader Magazine states, "a 2.75 inch shell doesn't create any pressure problems in a 2.5 inch chamber". He goes on with the research and findings. My drilling specialist agrees with this premise. I am in the process of considering it, and have shot a few non-magnum 2.75 loads in my pre-war drilling. Also, and this my my ignorance, I shot my 16 gauge Fox Sterlingworth with 2.75" shells for 10 years during hunting season without realizing it had 2 1/2" chambers. It did not negatively affect the gun. I do buy the Focci 2 1/2" shells to shoot as a general rule in the drilling, but for hunting I do not fear the 2.75" shells.

I'm not advocating the above. However, it does contradict the many years of conventional wisdom of high pressure problems with shooting 2.75" shells in a 2.5" chamber.

Mike