What's it worth?

[Plank Road Farm]

Buddy of mine just bought a Browning 16 Ga. semi-automatic shotgun.
Said it is marked to use 2 9/16 inch shells.
I've never even seen any 16 Ga. shells that size.
He said someone told him this was a rare item.
He paid $600 for it.
Does anybody know what this gun is worth?
He wants to sell it.
Thanks for any opinions.

 

[Jeff Mull]

I have 4 of thse short chambered A5's and know a bit about them.

Browning introduced the Auto-5 in 15 gauge in 1909. They were made with 65mm chambers until production ceased during WW2. When production resumed in 1946 they had 2 3/4" chambers on all the guns made for the US market.

A 65 mm chjamber is 2 9/16" long and that was a standard size back in the day. It will not cycle 2 3/4" shells unless the mechanism is modified for that (many were). You can buy 2 1/2" 15 ga shells from RST who makes a wonderful shell that is perfect in an early Auto-5.

Regarding the price, depending on the gun your friend may have overpaid, most of these 16's sell between $400 and $450. But it might be worth $600 depending on the year made, barrel style and condition.....

Post the serial number, and note the barrel length, rib type and whether there is engraving on the receiver and I'll give you a detailed response. With a couple of pictures I can tell you if it was modified to shoot 2 3/4" shells.

Jeff

 

[Liberty1776]

Depends totally on condition, of course. Used to be very hard to get a buck for these, but now that 2 1/2" shells are available, that might be different. You cannot use regular 2 3/4" shells without a couple hundred dollars of work on the gun, unless you (he, or a new owner) can do the work. Overall, unless this baby is absolutely like new, he paid too much.

Just my opinion, but I'm stuck with it....

 

[Plank Road Farm]

I will post serial number and other details as soon as
get them. May take a week or so.
Don't know if I can get any pictures though, I will try.
Thanks for the responses.