Browning Auto 5 12 ga

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  • warren5421

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    May 23, 2010
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    A lady friend of the wife has a FN [FONT=&amp]BELGIUN BROWNING Auto-5, Grade 1, 12GA SEMI AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN, 1948 MFG DATE, SCTOLL ENGRAVED, 30" BBL, 2 3/4", CHOKED full, RIB, MEDIUM DARK FIGURED WALNUT, PISTOL GRIP, FINGER GROOVE FOREND, with Packmure Recoil Pad sold at Mages Sport Store, Chicago, Ill. Nov 1, 1948. It has been used over the years but is a good 85-90. Front bead is gone but center iv[/FONT]ory bead is there. She asked me what price to charge when she sold. I told her I don't do shotguns but A5's cost so she might get $2500-$2600 from it. Is there anyone in the Indy area that could give her a better idea what it is worth. It is in Plainfield. She is in need of the money but wants to make sure it is priced right.
     

    thunderchicken

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    Feb 26, 2010
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    I certainly could be wrong, but 2500-2600 seems to be a bit high. I looked on Gun Broker and there was on with a buy it now price right at 2k. I'd speculate 2k is about right depending on wear. You might give the guys up at Indiana Gun Club a call and see what they say. They should have a good idea of the value
     

    Mongo59

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    I buy them all the time from my LGS for <$600 in better condition than you describe.

    Sweet 16's can go for $1200 or more.

    In the last 2 years I have bought 6 of them for less than $500 each...
     

    M67

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    Jan 15, 2011
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    30" Full is kinda unique

    Having a recoil pad detracts from the value cause it would have had a buttplate. If it's had a recoil pad on it chances are the stock has been chopped which takes away from the value as well, usually a big hit.

    How's the forearm? Is it split? Bolt handle resting on the receiver or is there a gap?

    Regardless, even mint in box, $2k is suuuuuuuper optimistic. In that condition it's not worth anything close to that. Even the limited editions or super rare ones are touchy at that price
     

    warren5421

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    May 23, 2010
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    This gun is a grade 1 with engraving not a standard. The ones I found in 12ga ran $2200-$2500 that's why I asked. A friend in Ohio that collects Auto-5's said that junk ones are $1500-1800 if shotable.
     

    ru44mag

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    INGO is a good place to get opinions. If in doubt about the price of something, I always go to gunbroker and check to see what is getting bids.
     

    Mongo59

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    This gun is a grade 1 with engraving not a standard. The ones I found in 12ga ran $2200-$2500 that's why I asked. A friend in Ohio that collects Auto-5's said that junk ones are $1500-1800 if shotable.

    Sounds like you need to take it to Ohio to me.

    There is no reason for me to try and lie to you, but some folks are looser with their bucks than I am.

    If the owner needs to sell, it would be a shame to wait patiently by the phone for months for a call that may never come.

    What you describe priced at $800 around here would grow cob webs.

    If the friend in Ohio thinks he can add a "1" to that, I would be putting him to the test right quick...
     
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    Jan 28, 2009
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    Sounds like you need to take it to Ohio to me.

    There is no reason for me to try and lie to you, but some folks are looser with their bucks than I am.

    If the owner needs to sell, it would be a shame to wait patiently by the phone for months for a call that may never come.

    What you describe priced at $800 around here would grow cob webs.

    If the friend in Ohio thinks he can add a "1" to that, I would be putting him to the test right quick...

    :+1:
     

    drillsgt

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    Nov 29, 2009
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    The grade 1 had more engraving, than the standard at. Personally I think it mainly adds value to the collector who is not going to want a gun with mark's, and a missing bead.


    The 'grades' I-IV were a pre-war thing and most were dropped by 1940, being a 1948 mfg it would just be a standard gun with the traditional A5 scrollwork and nothing particularly special.
     

    42769vette

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    Oct 6, 2008
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    south of richmond in
    The 'grades' I-IV were a pre-war thing and most were dropped by 1940, being a 1948 mfg it would just be a standard gun with the traditional A5 scrollwork and nothing particularly special.


    I didnt know they changed it in 1940. My father is the real A5 expert, I just know what I know by hearing him talk.
     
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