Got offered an A-5 for cheap (pic heavy)

[Megaclocker]

Any idea if it's worth it ?

I always wanted an A-5 but don't need it.
Price seems right at 300$.

I am not an expert on A-5, but if anyone can give me a rough year of make it would be awesome.

Thanks
Eric

 

[Norton]

date your firearm:
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=13

On the left hand side of the barrels' monobloc near the ejectors, you will
see some " * ", " $ " and " - " markings. These indicate original Belgian
factory choke designations.

Full Choke *
Improved Modified *-
Modified **
Improved Cylinder **-
Skeet **$
Cylinder ***

Edited to add: Bluebook site has better info, but I also think it has an error in their charts for the 12 gauge.
It shows 8V, 8G and 8M for both years 1958 and 1968.
I'm pretty sure my A5, serial number 68V-2###x is a 1968, so in their chart for 1968 12 gauge which shows 8V, 8G, 8M should read 68V, 68G, 68M

http://www.bluebookofgunvalues.com/Info/PDF/Firearm/Serialize.pdf

 

[kamlooky]

That is not a $300 shotgun.
More like a couple brown ones.
There are aftermarket stock assembly plastickie ones available for
close to a hundred bucks.
That would put you around $400 and into a nicer A-5.
Fillyer bewts.

 

[davemccarthy707]

Non-vent rib A5's are almost impossible to get used to. The bead sits about 3/8 of an inch off the barrel. I wouldn't touch it for 50 bucks (and I already have one).

 

[Norton]

Note OP that you shouldn’t use steel shot with a full choke Belgian made A5 without getting it honed out to modified or putting a new Japanese made invector barrel on it.
http://www.browning.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=128

 

[gunsaholic]

That is no way a deal at $300.00 for this particular gun. I would pass but it's your money.

 

[Megaclocker]

Sounds good guys. I'll wait for a nicer one.

 

[CoryTheCowboy]

I love Auto-5s, but that's not a $300 gun. The forearm is gibbled, and like 'Looky says, you can get composites or a Boyds to replace it.

If you're looking for a project gun, that's a good one, but again not at $300.

Cory

 

[duke1]

I have owned Browning A5 shotguns for years and I would say this one is somewhat overpriced at $300. You can do better than this if you are not in a hurry. My offer for this one would not be more than $200. Keep in mind that an A5 is usually hard to sell and the price you get for one is usually less than expected. It is still one of my favorites and is a well made gun with few problems.

 

[madtrapper143]

I believe that is an American browning. These were produced in the US and are much closer to Remington models 11 than Belgian FN built. Makes it even less desirable.

Darryl

 

[Blastattack]

That gun is messed up. I paid $400 for an all matching and excellent condition 1952 FN Auto-5. $200 would even be a stretch as you would spend that again on new wood alone. $300 is a ripoff, you can get far better examples for that price.

 

[struff55]

I buddy of mine just bought the same vintage gun 95+% from a cabels store in Canada for $250 and I mean mint it's a time warp

 

[Rod B]

I would pay no more than $200.00 for that gun.