Jim Neal Posted September 27, 2020 Report Share Posted September 27, 2020 I have custody of my Dad's Browning A5, serial is 465667, but I can't make any sense out of the available info as to when it was made. Does anyone have any ideas? He's owned it since at least the late 70s if not earlier. His oldest sxs is over a century old so it's one of his "new" ones! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strimmer_13 Posted September 28, 2020 Report Share Posted September 28, 2020 I've had a good gander and watched a YouTube vid, can't find anything with that serial no. It that what's definitely stamped into the bottom of the receiver above the loading gate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landy george Posted September 28, 2020 Report Share Posted September 28, 2020 8 hours ago, Jim Neal said: I have custody of my Dad's Browning A5, serial is 465667, but I can't make any sense out of the available info as to when it was made. Does anyone have any ideas? He's owned it since at least the late 70s if not earlier. His oldest sxs is over a century old so it's one of his "new" ones! Are the first two numbers in a bigger font, if they are this is the year. If they aren't I'm sure someone else will be able to help 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enfieldspares Posted September 28, 2020 Report Share Posted September 28, 2020 9 hours ago, Jim Neal said: I have custody of my Dad's Browning A5, serial is 465667, but I can't make any sense out of the available info as to when it was made. Does anyone have any ideas? He's owned it since at least the late 70s if not earlier. His oldest sxs is over a century old so it's one of his "new" ones! Try the speedload test. Either with, or without, a snap-cap or (in a safe direction) cartridge. Without. See if without pressing the button on the side you can press the plate at the bottom of the ejection port upwards when the bolt is in the forward position. If you cannot it doesn't have the speedload feature so is pre-1953/1954 With. See if when the bolt is in the rearward position you can simply insert a snap-cap or cartridge into the magazine in the usual way and that when you do the bolt then will on its own without pressing the bolt release immediately move forward and chamber that cartridge into the barrel. It is post-1953/54 (or at later date has been retro-fitted with the speedload feature). Check the Belgian proof marks as these again have a letter code that will give a broad date range or use one of a number of online websites that give serial number ranges for the A-5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opossum Posted September 28, 2020 Report Share Posted September 28, 2020 You can test the speed load feature by just poking the lifter from the bottom. if it moves freely it's speed load, if it requires you to hold the bolt release button down in order to push it up to insert a cartridge into the magazine, it's an earlier one. Your serial number makes it seem like a 1958-ish version? My 1960's version begins with a small "60" followed by the larger font 5-digit serial number Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Neal Posted September 28, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 28, 2020 Thanks for the replies, gents. Next time I'm near the cabinet and have 5 minutes I'll grab a photo of the s/n. The last snap caps I owned are probably by now well buried in the mud somewhere in one of the woods I shoot after losing them one day 🤥 I should get some more really, seems as my guns tend to hibernate between March and October. @enfieldspares and @Opossumthanks for the tips, I'll run through those procedures as and when I get a chance. I'm quite curious to find out exactly how old the gun is! Cheers 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hector Vector Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 (edited) Try having a look here: https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=216472 Somebody has done awful lot of research on the Auto 5! Edit; Just realised the above link only goes as far as 1940, yours is later, but it's still some interesting research. Edited September 29, 2020 by Hector Vector Inaccuate info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enfieldspares Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 Scroll down when you have opened the link. As I mentioned here are the relevant letters: http://www.hunting.be/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Belgian-Proof-Marks.pdf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy H Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 If all the numbers are the same font then 1954 should be about right. https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/auto-5-semi-automatic-shotgun.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon1979 Posted September 29, 2020 Report Share Posted September 29, 2020 Great link, dated my A5 to around 1930. Still a great shotgun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opossum Posted September 30, 2020 Report Share Posted September 30, 2020 I managed to use the detailed link to date mine to 1907. I thought it was early-ish when I bought it but got it home and it's 113 years old! Still shoots great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.