Browning A5 Light 20

[mdrisc85]

A neighbor brought this one over last night, along with a nice old Winchester M94 in 30-30. They belonged to his deceased father, and his own medical condition doesn't allow him to do much shooting anymore. He asked me to help him find them a new home.

My knowledge of shotguns doesn't go much past that i believe its a Belgian made Browning A5 20 gauge, and that it looks to be in very nice condition. Both are even in the vinyl factory brand soft cases with what looks to be factory safety and promotional pamphlets in them.

Can anyone recommend a resource on these nicer older shotguns I can use to give him some more info? Before I start posting on the local gun trader boards or an auction site I'd love to be able to give him some better information than my own expertise would allow.

 

[Stubert]

You can go on Brownings web site and date it. Then you can see what they are going for on auction sites. I have a sweet 16 made in 1956, In my area, I see them from $800 - $1500. (asking price)

 

[troy fairweather]

a5 browning here in ny run 400 to 450 for good shooter in about 90%

 

[Rudolph31]

It’s a Light Twenty, and they go for a little more. I’d say $700-$900. Yours was made in Belgium between 1958 and 1966; there’s a single digit prior to the Z serial number prefix that’ll give you the year.

 

[mdrisc85]

Thanks very much for all the help- its a nice one, wish i was in a position to keep it myself.

 

[Sniper66]

I've seen dozens of them at gun shows. My buddy loves them and will pay more for a light 20 than a heavy 12. There are lots of them available so no increased value as a hard to find item. The 20s are harder to find than 12s. I've seen ones in very good condition for $700, give or take. If I had it, I would ask $800. I've seen them higher and lower, but those are asking prices.

 

[mdrisc85]

Just got home and was able to find those serial numbers- for any interested, the are a 9Z over the numbers 21399. Off the their website to try and decode...

 

[Rudolph31]

DON’T use the Browning website, it’s full of errors and contradictions. And though they don’t tell you, even the accurate information pertains only to the 12 gauge. This is a better reference:

http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/serialization-date of manufacture.pdf

9Z means your Light Twenty was made in 1959.

 

[mdrisc85]

DON’T use the Browning website, it’s full of errors and contradictions. And though they don’t tell you, even the accurate information pertains only to the 12 gauge. This is a better reference:

http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/serialization-date of manufacture.pdf

9Z means your Light Twenty was made in 1959.

Very helpful- thank you!

 

[Rudolph31]

You’re welcome.

A little Auto-5 trivia:

All (non magnum) twenties are Light Twenty’s, they just didn’t put the full name on the receiver until 1973.

Round Knob stocks were used until 1967, when the Square Knob took over.

Based on the 16, the Light Twenty debuted in 1958. John Browning gave up the idea of a 20 gauge A5 when he couldn’t make it lighter than the more effective 16.

 

[Ks5shooter]

I love my light twenty....don't sell it until you shoot it,you will love it as well.

 

[BigBlue 94]

X2

Here in the plains those are very desirable in some bird circles. Mine shoots oh so nice! Depending on where you sell I'd price it at $800-1000.