Browning Magnum 20??? W/PICS!!!

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fishkinger

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Hi Folks,

I have a Belgium made Browning Magnum Twenty I'm looking for some info regarding it's date of manufacture and approximate value.

Receiver has very nice engraving and on top says 'Magnum Twenty'.
The barrel is stamped 20guage 3" magnum and it is vent ribbed with a polychoke.

Butt pad has Browning Automatic with an 'FN' in the middle.

Serial number reads 7X 544*

Any information regarding this firearm from those who know more than I do would be greatly appreciated!


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Cheers

Jamie
 
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CoryTheCowboy said:
For dating:
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?bg=x&id=13

A lot of people think the Poly (unless factory), will detract from the value as they're "ugly". It might be an apples to oranges comparison, but I just paid $500 shipped for a Magnum Twelve.

Cory
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Hi Cory:
Every shotgun collector I know or been around in 40 plus years see poly chokes as a definate reduction in value when added to any shotgun. Many won't buy even rare guns if they have been fitted. Hunters seem to have no issue with them however. Just one man's opinion.
 
3macs1 said:
Hi Cory:
Every shotgun collector I know or been around in 40 plus years see poly chokes as a definate reduction in value when added to any shotgun. Many won't buy even rare guns if they have been fitted. Hunters seem to have no issue with them however. Just one man's opinion.
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As you can see, I'm a hunter ;)

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I'm curious, I was told that some Browning A5's (I know they're not your favourite), had factory installed Polys. Would that still detract from the value?

Sorry for the hiajck.


Cory
 
struff55 said:
20ga mag version with poly $450.00 ish.
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How exactly did you come up with that number? I'm not saying you're wrong I'm just curious. Considering on the US boards (the only place I can find one for sale) mint condition versions are going from $1000 and well upwards of that and there is a mint one in our EE classifieds for sale without a poly choke for $1750 I'm just questioning where you are getting your information.
I'm fully aware the polychoke will detract from it's value as I believe it was added aftermarket (although I am not yet positive). If you know of other 1967 built A5 magnum twenty's going for $450 please hook me up.

Jamie
 
I've noticed that out west, the prices for Browning A-5's tend to be lower than
in Ontario. A dealer in Victoria had over 8 of them languishing in the back room
and sold them off cheap. Most of them were in decent shape and fitted with
"dial-a-duck" chokes. I could've had 3 for 500.oo, but passed on it cause
a friend sold me a minty 1953 A-5 a few weeks before for 300.oo:eek:
 
I think the value is subjective... if you are a collector, then the poly-choke detracts from the value. If a shooter, you probably don't care. Either way, a nice A-5!!
 
CoryTheCowboy said:
As you can see, I'm a hunter ;)

I'm curious, I was told that some Browning A5's (I know they're not your favourite), had factory installed Polys. Would that still detract from the value?

Sorry for the hiajck.


Cory
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Hi Cory. My opinion if it can be proven to be factory installed not as much but still some. Others who collect seem to agree.
Not my words but worth sharing
A Poly Choke (or any of several other brands of variable chokes and choke tubes) is not bad, per say, but they will definately degrade the value of an otherwise collectible vintage shotgun, such as a Winchester Model 12, Remington Model 11, Browning A5, etc.. Typically, installation involved cutting back the length of the barrel (essentially cutting off the original choked section) and silver-soldering on a device. It was normally done by gunsmiths or manufacturers of the choke devices to convert a standard single-choked barrel to multi-choke capability. Typically, the barrel was also reblued at the time of installation due to the damage of the original finish where the device was installed. Some manufacturers offered these as factory options, and if one of those can be verified as being factory-installed by the shotgun manufacturer, the value would not be diminished as much. They work OK, but are somewhat unsightly.

It's about the same value reduction as a reblued gun. However, if you want a shooter and not a collectible, a shotgun with a variable choke can be a fine performer, and you can often pick up an excellent gun at a great price.

On the matter of factory installed choke devices, on page 109 of Browning Auto 5 Shotguns by H M Shirley and Anthony Vanderlinden it states Brownings customer service can usually confirm if they installed a Poly Choke, another way to confirm is to unscrew the choke end and look for Browning's dealer number #11 or #9 for FN. Cutts compensators were used on Skeet Model A5s and were sold by Browning with this system installed, again the book says the best way to be sure is to ask their customer service department.
 
Man oh man 450-500 are you guys ever out in left field on this one. Poly choke or not it is a 1st year production 20 ga mag in 95% plus with a vent rib.
They go for 800-1800 on gun broker. If I could not get a grand min in canada it would be in my safe until I did. This is going the way of that 450 wingmaster which I was quoted as being nuts on also here but did sell in the end for 450. Time to get out of the 60's boys on this one.
 
Guns international 20ga 3'' mag vent rib modified choke very desirable 1972 nice clean gun $895.00 and no one is buying it. I do a lot of researcher before i post a price also it it easy to jump around the Internet and look at all the high asking prices that is not the way to value a firearm. you go to 3or-4 sites and find the best example of the lowest price . As far as out to lunch I have worked a gunsmith and retail salesman in the fiearms industry since 1977 I have probably bought and sold more fireams than 90 % of the people combined on this Site Like I always say list it for whatever you want and let the views pile up just like that $450 plain bbl 870 Good luck with the Evaluation this is going to be my post on these forms The nonsense is just to much.
 
struff55 said:
Guns international 20ga 3'' mag vent rib modified choke very desirable 1972 nice clean gun $895.00 and no one is buying it. I do a lot of researcher before i post a price also it it easy to jump around the Internet and look at all the high asking prices that is not the way to value a firearm. you go to 3or-4 sites and find the best example of the lowest price . As far as out to lunch I have worked a gunsmith and retail salesman in the fiearms industry since 1977 I have probably bought and sold more fireams than 90 % of the people combined on this Site Like I always say list it for whatever you want and let the views pile up just like that $450 plain bbl 870 Good luck with the Evaluation this is going to be my post on these forms The nonsense is just to much.
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For starters A 67 and a 72 in this model are like comparing a horse to a donkey. I suggest reviewing the completed listings for guns sold for this or any model on guns international and gun broker not the ones not selling . Two sites of which I am a member of ,visit daily and actually buy guns there and have for some time. Your prices are normally bang on and I agree with you normally 100% of the time but not this one or that past wingmaster.
Don't think you are the only one here that worked as a gunsmith or in a gun shop. Some of us have been in that enviroment since the 60's. My dad when not underground and mining coal was a pretty good smith and I worked his shop and did various repairs since the 60's. It was not an option for me or my brothers and I hated it since I wanted to play hockey and baseball not help in an old shop. I could probally easily go gun for gun with you for sales and repairs but what difference will that make and is of no value.
Who cares who has the bigger tools or more experience. I don't get upset when those don't agree here since it is just as I say one man's opinion and I have been wrong before many times and will be again in the future.
It is like your 257 light weight, two years only made, a sweet gun for a super low price but it is still for sale. I remember when you listed it the 1st night I didnot think it would last 1 hour and a few weeks later it is still for sale.
One thing I have learned is I will never be able to figure out what canadians on EE forums see as rare or collectable but for sure will always pay much lower than on the yank side. Take care and please continue to share your knowledge we can all benefit from it.:)
 
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Thanks to all those who have posted in this thread. Whether I like the evaluation or not it's all food for thought before I post the firearm for sale. Just like many things in this world some items are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them. Then it's up to the seller whether they're willing to accept it. The magnum twenty is a fine firearm and simply surplus to my needs or I would be keeping it anyway as I am not a collector at this time in my 'firearm career'. Both Struff55 and 3macs1 have many more years experience than I do from a firearm standpoint and I appreciate both perspectives - and having differing views can only lead to more discussion and knowlege - many thanks to you both.
Jamie
 
Aside from the A-5 "Mystique" why would any one who is planning to use the gun for its intended purpose pay 1k+ when you can get Beretta's, Browning and Winchester Semi-Auto's with back bored barrels, steel capable chokes and warrenties for less?

At some point you have to say it is JUST a semi-auto 20 gauge from a reputable maker. We are in Canada so unless you intend to export the gun, international prices and gunbroker are irrelevant.

Collectors and shooters up here have the good fortune to be able to buy "Collector" quality guns for much less than other markets because the markets are DIFFERENT.
 
As far as pricing, I (on Thurs) was shown a beligum made 20 gauge a-5 light, vent rib, fixed mod choke and some handling marks on the wood, but no rust or pitting anywhere. Retail price $800 tax in.
 
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