Browning A5 Value

[dak0ta]

What's the value of a Japanese Browning Auto 5 3'' Magnum in very good condition. It was originally full choke, but was opened up to mod by a gunsmith. No rust, bluing very good, walnut very good.

 

[rbernie]

Around these parts, a non-steel rated Magnum is about the least desirable Auto5 and the Light 12s and 20s the most desirable. Ideally, it's worth a good five bills but in reality they sit and rarely sell for anything over $350-$400.

 

[orphanedcowboy]

It is Japanese, it is safe for steel. $450-$500 tops in excellent condition.

 

[dak0ta]

So even fixed choke Japanese barrels were rated for steel shot?

 

[rbernie]

As far as I know - no, they were not. Only Invector barrels were rated by Browning as thick-walled enough for steel shot.

ETA - Orphancowboy knows his way around the Auto5s, so if he confirms that it's OK then I'd accept that as solid fact.

 

[evan price]

I like A5s and always look for them. There's currently about six Miroku A-5's on the racks at local to me gun shops that I know of, all asking $500-$700, none have moved in months.

There's a couple Belgian Light-12s for the same price range, also have been sitting with no buying. Great guns, but not "tactical" and thus have been kind of overlooked in the last-year craziness.

 

[orphanedcowboy]

All Japanese barrels are steel rated, 1976 and later, fixed choke or not as long as it is Modified or more open.