[drforsythe]

I am trying to help my father who purchased a shotgun at a pawn shop. He has always been a fan of the Browning Auto 5 and has a couple Belgian ones (made by Fabrique Nationale (FN)). The one he just purchased is NOT a Browning unit- it is made by FN and other than a reference to the Browning patent, it does not mention Browning. The unit is in fair to good shape and my father is interested in replacing some of the screws that were messed up by the previous owner as well as the recoil spring carrier that is covered by the stock. I am looking for a source of info on this shotgun as well as a source for parts. I have found replacement parts for the Browning Auto 5, but am interested in finding out year of manufacture, value, and exact replacements if possible. Any assistance would be appreciated.

[10X]

Browning did not manufacture their own guns. FN made most of them and some were made in Japan. The Browning A5 parts should fit the FN you have.
You could also contact Browning.com. They have some parts as well.

In order to date the gun you would need to post the first few digits of the serial number with x's substituted for the last 3 digits. Also describe the gauge, barrel length, whether or not there is a solid or vent rib and any other markings.

[drforsythe]

Thanks, 10X. I did not have the info handy when I originally posted. The info on the shotgun is listed below. It appears to be a 12 gauge, but no markings to indicate that. I need to gauge it to verify it is a 12 gauge and also check length of cartridge (2-3/4", 3"). The barrel is non-vent ribbed. I hope to be able to post pictures in a later post. I need to do some editing of the ones I took.

On left side (non-ejector side) of receiver:
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNINGS PATENT DEPOSE

Receiver Serial Number:
143xxx

Barrel Markings, left side:
ACIER SPECIAL (translated = “Special Steel”)
0Kg885 (with some symbols)

Barrel Markings, bottom:
18.3 CHOKE 18.2

Barrel Length:
24.5”

Barrel Serial Number:
143xxx

[Virginian]

For all intents and purposes, It's a Browning 12 gauge not manufactured for the North American market. Check Numrich Arms for parts.

[rcmodel]

You can get real factory A-5 parts from either Browning, or Brownell's:
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/schematics/schemmfg.aspx?schemid=404&m=2&mn=Browning%c2%ae&model=Auto-5+

rcmodel

[tbotts]

Your shotgun was made in 1929. Look on the left side of the barrel, near the receiver, and there should be an oval shaped proof mark. Inside the oval, should be the numbers 12-70. This will confirm that it is a 2-3/4 12 gauge.
As to value, it depends on the condition of the gun, such as blueing, or lack of, and the condition of the stock. Also, if it has one of the adjustable choke devices(polychoke or cutts) on the end of the barrel, it will decrease the value. And geographical location will play into it as well.

[drforsythe]

Thanks, I'll look for the marks. I do not recall seeing them when I was looking for marks that would help identify it. I am still trying to find time at home to include pictures. The pictures will show that at one time this was a nice piece. One major difference between this and the Browning Auto 5 (at least any that I have seen) is the position and type of safety. The A-5s that I have seen have all had button safeties that operate perpendicular to the motion of the trigger. This one has a safety on the front of the trigger guard that moves in the same direction as the trigger.

[CZguy]

This one has a safety on the front of the trigger guard that moves in the same direction as the trigger.

There were different types of safeties depending on when it was made.