Looking for info on the origins of a Browning Auto-5

[Fingolfin]

Recently picked up an Auto-5 that was advertised as a Belgian gun with a Japanese barrel. I'd like to know if that is true and if so, were some made like that with mixed manufactured parts.

The receiver is marked as such:

15941
RP211FN

Which from my snooping determines it's a Light 12 made in 1978. But does the "FN" suffix mean it was made in Belgium? I know most of them were made in Japan starting in the '70's. The 30" VR barrel has a fixed full choked and is marked Made In Japan. There is also a number on the barrel, i'd have to take the forearm back off but it didn't match the receiver number. The receiver has no engraving or markings on it anywhere other than the serial number and model/date code given above.

If anybody who knows about these shotguns could give some incite as to it's origin i'd appreciate it. I picked it up for $300 plus shipping and transfer, which I thought was a reasonable price.

Here is a link to a pic:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u170/bswygert/auto5.jpg

 

[axeman_g]

hmmm... I thought all Belgian guns were marked "Made in Belgium" but I could be wrong. I have been before.

I have a Light 12 from Japan, and I believe it is every bit as good as a 1970s Belgian gun, just doesn;t have the panache. The triggers are sometimes a little crisper in Jap guns, I think.

Anyway, it is definetly not worth $300, you WAY overpaid for it... I will give you $50 bucks for it. Box it up and send it to me to ease your pain.

 

[evbutler462]

FN is the anagram for the company in Belgium that made the A5 and now makes the Browning Gold. The Belgium guns are great and carry a nice price tag. However, I have examined a lot of the A5's and find that the Japanese made A5's are of as good or better quality. Miroku is the top of the heap in quality.

 

[tbotts]

according to "Browning Auto-5 Shotguns" by H.M. Shirley; your gun was made in Japan, 1978.
$300.00 was a good price.