Need a Browning Expert

[jrb466]

I have a 16 gauge A5 that has a serial X301** From what I have read this appears to be a 1925 if you go by the numbers but what is baffling me is the X in front of the serial. Above the serial on the bottom of the receiver is marked FN. It is marked Made in Belgium. The barrel is stamped 2 3/4. I have read the forums but still unsure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jrb466]

Found the answer

This is a quote from A5GUY at shotgunworld forum.


My source says the gun was made in 1949. It probably is not a Sweet Sixteen. However, at that time they ran some "Stealth Sweet Sixteens" with no gold triggers but with the steel removed from inside the receiver and the magazine ring (on the barrel) drilled with three holes.

Jeff Mull, the moderator on the I Love My Browning forum here at SW is an expert on "Stealth Sixteens". You may want to post your info there for more help. His sources may not match mine on the DOM and are probably more accurate with these early post WWII A5s.