Auto 5 Serial #'s

International Harvester

International Harvester

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Republic of Saskatchewan
Is there any chance the number on the barrel won't necessarily match the serial # at the bottom of the receiver on an "all original Browning Auto 5".

I bought one a couple years ago in like new condition and never bothered to check since the blueing on the whole gun looked new. Recently I happenned to measure the barrel and found it to measure 28 5/8" which was odd because the box said 30" barrel, then I checked for a number and it wasn't the same.

My other question would be whether the barrel has been cut since 5/8" is a weird measure. I'm measuring from the receiver forward to the end of the barrel. I'm hoping this isn't a case of "buyer beware" and "live and learn".

IH
 
On a factory-original A5, the serial number on the receiver will be the same as that on the barrel.

It's possible that the barrel was cut, but one can't be certain just based on the the unusual length observed. Is there a bead on the barrel? How far is it mounted from the muzzle? Can you post a picture of the muzzle?
 
The serial number should match.

Barrels are measured from the bolt face, action cocked and closed.
 
Well we are getting closer to 30" like the box says but still the numbers should match. If they don't match it does indicate a different barrel was put on the gun. Maybe it was replaced by Browning for some reason when the gun was fairly new.
 
I just got an FN Auto5 passed down to me. The serial number is out of range according to the Browning website - 4618XX
The same number is on the receiver and the barrel.
Any idea when this gun was built?
 
Here's a note I've found on the web and kept.
Not dealing with serial numbers, but the markings they use for choke designations.
There is a new in the box A-5 from the 80's I'll dig out later and check up on the serial #'s.



Older Brownings are marked by choke by using a symbol or symbols on the left rear of the barrel.

Full: *
Imp Mod: *-
Mod: **
Imp Cyl: **-
Skeet: **$
Cyl: ***

And remember- Any choke marking is a rough guide. When you pattern your barrel with the shell you plan to use, it might be tighter, looser, or perhaps even right.

From my limited experience, older barrels pattern tighter than they are marked. The theory is that shells we use now with the plastic cushioned wadcups protect the shot better than the old shells that might just have some fiber or felt wads with the shot poured on top. The better the shot condition when it leaves the barrel, the better the pattern.
I imagine those older barrels' choke markings are a lot closer match to the shells from 50 years ago
 
I bought a Belgian A-5 years ago as a 3 barrel set...none of the barrel #s matched...it was bought new in the box from Parkinson's Gun Shop in London. I now use a Hastings barrel with screw in chokes in the OL girl.
 
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