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vhancock
Starting Member
3 Posts |
 Posted - 11/03/2009 : 09:59:54 AM
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| I have a Browning 20 Gauge Belgium Made Shotgun. There is "3-Z" on the barrel, and then a serial #72881 on it. Can you tell me what year it was made, and it's value? |
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Bert H.
Moderator
USA
8249 Posts |
Posted - 11/03/2009 : 10:06:28 AM
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Is the gun a semi-auto A5? Is the serial number on the barrel, or on the bottom of the receiver frame?
If the number is "3Z" over the top of "72881" and it is on the bottom of the gun just above the loading port, that indicates you have a 1963 vintage Light Twenty. |
Bert H. - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
Real Men own and shoot a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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vhancock
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 10:22:27 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bert H.
Is the gun a semi-auto A5? Is the serial number on the barrel, or on the bottom of the receiver frame?
If the number is "3Z" over the top of "72881" and it is on the bottom of the gun just above the loading port, that indicates you have a 1963 vintage Light Twenty.
The gun is semi-automatic, but what is A5? How do you tell if it is A5?
The serial number is on the bottom of the receiver frame.
Also, the 3Z is just as you said. Thanks. |
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Bert H.
Moderator
USA
8249 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 1:37:41 PM
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| Browning (FN) referred to their semi-automatic shotgun as the "Auto-5" (A5). The "5" indicates that it is capable of holding five shells in the magazine. The GCA of 1934 forced all shotguns manufacturers selling guns in the U.S. to install plugs in the magazine tube that limited the shell capacity to just three shells (two in the magazine, one in the chamber). |
Bert H. - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
Real Men own and shoot a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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PA Shootist
Junior Member
USA
487 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 2:31:53 PM
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| I believe the National Firearms Act of 1934 had more to do with regulating and restricting what were perceived as "gangster weapons", e.g. full-auto guns, short-barreled ("sawed-off") guns, destructive devices like hand grenades, etc. Hunting regulations were what most often brought about the magazine restrictions of shotguns, plugged to hold no more than three shells. Indeed the Browning Auto 5 normally holds five standard-length shells. Here in Pennsylvania I can go shooting targets with my Auto 5's full capacity, but can't go hunting with them without the required plug to three rounds. The characteristic squared-off back end of the receiver is the most prominent feature, handsome to me, not so to some. The Belgian-produced Auto 5's are highly regarded for their fit, finish, and ruggedness. |
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rsnyder55
Senior Member
1813 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 4:02:58 PM
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| And they kick more than just about any other shotgun of their weight and gauge....with the Benelli Super90 coming close. |
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vhancock
Starting Member
3 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 5:38:50 PM
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| The gun is an A5, then. It has been used hunting, but is in very good shape. Do you know an approximate value for it? |
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golferboy426
Junior Member
466 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 5:46:07 PM
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| value will be dependent a lot on the choke and if it has a vent rib, To find the choke look on the barrel and you will see a *, ** **- etc . It is a 1963 per the Blue Book |
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Bert H.
Moderator
USA
8249 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 11:20:07 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by PA Shootist
I believe the National Firearms Act of 1934 had more to do with regulating and restricting what were perceived as "gangster weapons", e.g. full-auto guns, short-barreled ("sawed-off") guns, destructive devices like hand grenades, etc. Hunting regulations were what most often brought about the magazine restrictions of shotguns, plugged to hold no more than three shells. Indeed the Browning Auto 5 normally holds five standard-length shells. Here in Pennsylvania I can go shooting targets with my Auto 5's full capacity, but can't go hunting with them without the required plug to three rounds. The characteristic squared-off back end of the receiver is the most prominent feature, handsome to me, not so to some. The Belgian-produced Auto 5's are highly regarded for their fit, finish, and ruggedness.
You may be correct, and I may have mistakenly tied it to the NFA of 1934. That said, there was some sort of law or regulation passed in 1934 that also restricted the number of shells that a shotgun could legally be loaded with to hunt game birds or water fowl. |
Bert H. - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
Real Men own and shoot a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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Bert H.
Moderator
USA
8249 Posts |
Posted - 11/04/2009 : 11:22:09 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by vhancock
The gun is an A5, then. It has been used hunting, but is in very good shape. Do you know an approximate value for it?
Pictures, pictures, pictures. That said, the Light Twenty is a very desirable gun, and values typically run from $600 - $1500. |
Bert H. - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm
Real Men own and shoot a WINCHESTER Single-Shot!
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Robin
Senior Member
1055 Posts |
Posted - 11/05/2009 : 08:04:16 AM
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Bert,
I could be off base but shotguns must be limited to 3 shell capacity when hunting migratory waterfowl and birds classified as migratory. This is a federal law. State laws regulate upland birds and animals and generally the capacity is not limied to 3 shells. In Florida it is 5 shells for deer. In South Dakota, I don't think there is a plug required for pheasants when using repeating shotguns. Personally, I preferred the ole SxS for upland bird hunting. Anyway I think the law you are referring too deals with federally regulated hunting not NFA |
Worry is the interest humans pay on the debt of miscalculation.<BR> |
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Browning 20 Gauge Shotgun - Belgium Made
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