Question about Browning A5 20 Gauge

[jessica47201]

I have a quick question about a Browning A5 20 gauge Shotgun, Made in Belgium. I went to Brownings' website to research the serial # but I can't find the letter designation. Here is a partial serial # 71Z62XXX. I have someone interested in buying not from this sight. He wants to research it alittle bit more. I have it posted on armslist.com. There is some pitting/rust on the barrel and receiver and there is a crack in the butt stock at the narrowish part close to the receiver. The guy shot me back a price of $200? Seems low but I don't know alot about this shotgun. Any advice?

 

[42769vette]

light 20 or standard? round knob or square.

this might help but i dont see your serial number

Browning Date Your Firearm - Auto-5 Semi-Automatic Shotgun

 

[jessica47201]

Partial serial number is 71Z62XXX light 20 gauge and what am I looking for on the round or square knob? Sorry I know nothing about this gun!

 

[42769vette]

Partial serial number is 71Z62XXX light 20 gauge and what am I looking for on the round or square knob? Sorry I know nothing about this gun!

the pistol grip is called the knob. if its round or square will be obvious. round knob means older

 

[jessica47201]

Round.

 

[snapping turtle]

I will pay 210 for it. Ok 215.

A round knob light 20 is a nice shotgun.

 

[PUalum04]

If the serial number you posted is correct then it was made in 1971. In 1968 Browning started using the two digit year code in front of the letter designating the model number. 71=1971 and Z=Lightwieght twenty gauge. The only thing that seems odd here is that you say it is a round knob. 1966 was the last year for the round knobs on the Auto 5's. I will look into it a little further when I get home and have access to my Shirley and Vanderlinden book...also known as the Auto-5 Collectors Bible.

One other question: Does it have a vent rib?

 

[jessica47201]

It does not have a vent rib. And I believe I might have made a mistake on the rounded knob. I was looking at the over-all shape not the edge of it. The edge is squared off not smooth.

 

[PUalum04]

It is definitely a 1971 Auto-5 flat knob "Light Twenty". The flat knob guns are not as desireable as the round knobs but still worth more than $200, to the right person that is. The vent rib barrels are more desireable as well. However, if this the original Browning barrell and not a Hastings barrel, then you have what is commonly referred to as a "Browning Buck Special" barrel (Actual name was Big Game Barrel). The barrel alone is worth $200. There just aren't that many 20 ga. Big Game Barrels out there.

Obviously the biggest thing hurting this gun is the cracked stock. You can check with Art's Gun Shop in Mo. He is an Auto-5 and all things Belgian Browning guru (he retired from Browning). He could fix you up with an original Belgian stock and refinish it to match your forearm if you were to keep it.

As is, I wouldn't take any less than $400 for it. Let me know if you have any other questions about the gun. I like Auto-5's and like to think I know a thing or two about them

 

[jessica47201]

Thank you very much everyone for the help in figuring out this gun. I knew that the vent rib was more desirable and I knew round was better than flat I just didn't know anything about price considering A-5's are all over the map and that mine has a cracked stock. So far I'm working with a guy in WV who is interested in it for $340 + $20 shipping, but I'm not too big on the shipping thing. Thanks again for the help! You all saved me from making a mistake and selling it for $200!

 

[PUalum04]

No problem. Glad to help.

 

[snapping turtle]

That 20 gauge slug barrrel (Err Big game barrel) is worth 200. It will also shot 3 pumkin ball slugs into 3 inches at 60 yards. Not to shabby for a smooth bore slug barrel with open sights. I have seen more than a few cracked stocks right where yours is cracked.

 

[Field King]

There are a lot of Stocks online, a little pricey but will fix it right up, I would buy a new stock for it, they require just a little fitting most of the time!

 

[PUalum04]

I checked my book last night and found that Browning had several "official" names for the slug barrel: "Buck Special" and "Big Game Barrel".

Not that it really matters, but I hate not posting the 100% correct answer!!!

 

[jessica47201]

There are a lot of Stocks online, a little pricey but will fix it right up, I would buy a new stock for it, they require just a little fitting most of the time!

Field King-- I can't respond to your PM because I don't have enough posts. I still have the Browning. My email is jessica.r47201@gmail.com