Browning Auto 3

From what I understand, they were a model that was designed to only hold 3 shells (no plug), 1 in the chamber and 2 in the mag, probably a type of sales ploy when it became law that a gun could only hold 3 shells for waterfowl.
 
I thought they were made for the European market where some countries had a 3 shot capacity on shotguns. Either way, it was basically an Auto 5 with a shorter mag tube and fore end.
 
Think Remington model 11 Sportsman on a much grander scale. Such a rare bird that google has no images of one. I have seen a picture of the elusive beast and it was a gun with mega cool factor if you are an Automatic 5 guy.

Darryl
 
Blackduck642 said:
Anyone on CGN lucky enough to own one.
Click to expand...

They were made from 1932 to 1947. It was first mentioned in the 1932 Auto-5 brochure and imported in the US. I know of one now in 16ga a YANK owns
After 37 they were labeled Browning Special .The "Special" is featured in the 1937 catalog. It had hand engraving and a blued trigger and type 2 safety. It was offered with a raised hollow rib , or a plain rib at $19.85. The vent ribbed version was $63.85. Both 3 and 5 shot versions were cataloged at the same price. Prior they had a plain receiver Forearms were stamped 3 shot
They were discontinued in 1936 for a short period after Browning introduced "The Browning Adaptor" (known today as a plug). I guess they thought the three shooter was no longer needed but it returned.
Auto 5 was also offered in a two shot model in the early 1900's but few are aware of that
Cheers

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