Browning A-5 good investment?

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xring

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Hello. Today I met a 75 year old gentleman who purchased a new 16 ga. A-5 around 1954 or so. In 50 years, he states that he had put 2 boxes of shells through. I examined it, and it sure looks to be true. The wood and bluing would be in 95% or better. It has a 26" modified choke barrelNo vented or solid rib. Owners manual (rough) and plug in the wrapper included. No box.
Could I get a rough estimate what it is worth? He is interested in selling.
Thanks, Randy
 
I've been looking for a good A5 for a few months now. Prices in my area for one that has about 50% bluing, scratched to hell stock (but good, clean action) goes for about 500$, nicer almost new versions are 750$ on up (this is central pennsylvania).

I know a few people that have them and would give up there first born before there A5's, and having been loaned them a few times I agree.

Trust me, they are that damn good.
 
Thanks for the info. This one can be had for 350. The problem is, he also has a S&W 17 full lug .22 (4in.) that is NIB. Same price most likely. I should get both, but I would need some creative financing.:D
Randy
 
350$ !?!?!?!?!?!


This is a purchase that needs no thought, trust me on this. If I could find one like that around here for that price I would be out shooting it now instead of here!!
 
Definately a steal, check out auction arms or gunbroker for current pricing. Poor ol'guy doesnt know what he has...I hate that...taking advantage of an ol'man, give me his phone number so I can tell him what your doing!

Bob
 
Definitely a good deal I guess, if it would be put to good use. I have looked into parts for these in case they'd ever be needed. Sounds like a potentially expensive investment for a fine old field gun. Considering I would hardly shoot it, and can't see making a worthwhile profit on it, I'll probably pass. I must mention though that this deal came to me, I did not seek it out intending to take advantage. Afterall, this is not the Sweet Sixteen. The auction sites with these do not reflect exorbitant prices. Now if he'll give up the Smith...
r
 
I have an A-5 Light 20 that is pristine after 30+ years of light use. It couldn't be bought for any price. If you can buy that gun, do it.

RJ
 
I don't know much about the a-5, but "Sweet Sixteen" is not engraved on the receiver. Plus it has the plain barrel. If I thought it was, I'd jump on it.
All the responses is really making me think twice though. Maybe this is one I should put away for the kids? - after maybe running one box through.:)
I'll post if I get it. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions. If I remember the ser. # correctly, it was made in '53. It would make it the oldest firearm I own. Hmmm. Old and blue always was good in my book. What was I thinking?? Randy
 
my browning book says FN started back manufacturing in 52 so if yours is a 53 than it's belgium.in 54 browning went to a new number system useing an H for normalweight and L for lightweight in serial #. in 58 they started useing an S in 16ga serial # to idenify the sweet sixteen.

I think both guns you have a chance at are real quality firearms and you won't go wrong with either. It's getting harder to find 1 owner guns from the 50s that are in real good condition, and while I personaly don't buy to collect you should be able to use such guns and with care keep them nice for the next generation.
 
I won't even mention the S&W mdl. 27 NIB he also has - which might be available.
On the A-5, I did notice an"R" above the ser.#. Any idea on that?
Thanks, r
 
"S&W 17 full lug .22 (4in.)"

It's good to see that somebody else likes these. Most folks have never seen one or just hate the full lug on general principles. They were made from '86 to '94 IIRC. I bought mine in '90.

John
 
Everyone, I just picked up the A-5 and the ser.# is 18427. I guess I was way off on the #. An R is above it. It is chambered for 2.75". Can someone help me date this? It can't be as old as the '30's can it? It's in phenomonal shape. He stated it was new in the 50's - but not that that's when it was manufactured. I asked if the barrel or any parts were ever replaced. Nope. He said he barely fired it. Something is strange, or I'm missing something. (not hard to do) Thanks for any help.

Randy
 
Last edited:
sweet pickup!!

Excerpt from Browning's "date your gun" section of their web site, re-arranged by me to make it easier to read:

Beginning with Serial Number 1 to approximately 228,000.

1903-1939 First 10,000 shipped to U.S. Marked with "BROWNING AUTOMATIC ARMS CO. OGDEN UTAH-U.S.A." Very few serial number records remain.



Exact production figures are not available. Year of manufacture on Pre-World War II production is strictly a guess.
 
Thanks absolute0, I had looked at these dates. A very rough estimate might place it 1910-1920, but it almost looks as if it was made last year. I either stumbled across an A-5 from the Browning Gods, or something is amiss. I will post pics tomorrow.
Any other ideas on this one are welcome.
Thanks, Randy
 
your # puts it at 1925 18001-33000 my book says although the 16 was being made since 1909 it wasn't availible here till 1925. the sweet sixteen was first cataloged in 1937.
 
Huntsman, Thanks! This one has the rear safety - that's why I'm soooo confused. Nothing makes sense. I've been cramming as much info as I can, but cannot come to a conclusion. I will study the details of the A-5 after work. The ser.# makes no sense at all. I know I did not misread it 3 times!
Thanks again. Randy
 
I won't get to the pics today unfortunately. I cannot get the magazine cap off no matter how hard I try. Yes, I did compress the barrel. I will have to wait until I get some help, as I WILL NOT resort to pliers! I really want to check the ser.# of the barrel.
Randy:(
 
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