Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Browning Auto5 2 3/4, 12ga. Belgian made

I have a 1960's era, Browning Auto5 Belgian made 12 ga. 2 3/4".
It's in good shape but is worthless to me. I don't waterfowl or upland game hunt anymore and won't shoot steel if I did. I have two barrels for it. Both 28", one full one modified both with vent ribs and two beads. Functions flawlessly. It was my dad's but he traded up to an 11-87 some time ago to shoot steel and then to a Super Black Eagle. He told me to pedal it if I wasn't going to use it or wanted it. It's taking up precious room. I'd add some pics but I can't get this site to work for me when it comes to pics.

What should I ask for the gun and extra barrel? PM me with an e-mail if you want pics.

Before you can get a decent answer we need to know condition of this gun. Give detailed description of wear or damage on both metal and wood.

wood is in very good shape, minor scratch here and there. The wood is a lighter blonde color. metal has normal wear on the bluing from being handled. My dad was a machinist and taught the skill his whole life so he took care of his stuff. It even has the original owners manual and purchase card. I could send you some pics via email but have yet to figure this site out when it comes to posting pics

PM sent for pics

A couple things to clarify. The purchase card is dated October of 1960 and it is a "round knob" stock. I believe that is the correct terminology. Original finish on the wood and bluing. The Butt plate is original and reads "Browning Automatic." Hopefully this gives a little more insight. Good gun, fires and functions flawlessly. It is just taking up room. I am one for working guns not guns that sit around taking up room. This one was retired in the mid 80's when the lead shot ban went into effect because it has very tight fixed chokes and it only takes 2 3/4" shells. And, it's a wee bit heavy for an upland game gun. My dad moved on to an 11-87 Remington and then to a Benelli Super Black Eagle. I quit waterfowl hunting and got a German Shorthair and a 12 Ga. O/U.

Unfortunately they do not command the price they used to. I have had it's twin for sale for about 6 months now and have dropped the price to $650.00. Posting pictures might help.

If you decide to sell the modified barrel separately I might be interested.

FWIW, I've seen a couple photos and it appears to be an honest/legit A5; round knob, buttplate intact, etc. Some of the neat original paperwork too.

Yep, you have to be an old-schooler to appreciate these. There are certainly some design and manufacturing advancements, but the steel and craftsmanship can't compare.

Pm for pics

So I've heard. I'ver decided to put up an Italian O/U I have to buy either a new barrel or a couple cases of Kent Bismuth shells.

Thanks to all of you for the insight. I am going to keep and use the gun. On a little different topic have any of you used Bismuth shot? I figure on using it with the modified barrel as that was the barrel bought separately and isn't the "original" barrel just in case. Browning said it will work fine and I have sent correspondence to Kent to see what they recommend or not for using in this gun. I remember my dad being able to cleanly take geese out to 65 yards or so with lead 2 3/4" No.4 shot. I believe 1 1/4 oz loads high antimony. Handloads obviously using the good ol' WW hulls. Pretty close to what they called a "square load."

Bismuth is hard to find. I use Kent tungsten matrix in my old guns. Kills like lead and safe in your A5.

I have used some Bismuth in my Model 37 Ithaca, seemed to work just fine with 2 3/4 loads for ducks and geese over decoys

I have had a 12 ga 1948 Browning Auto 5 since 1999.
I have had a 12 ga 1995 Remington 11-87 Police and extra barrels since 1996.

I like the Browning auto 5. It just kills stuff. I shoot steel. Everyone says not to, I just keep doing it.

I could tap for remchoke and put the choke on the outside.