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Browning A5 12 ga. and some other pricing.
redbiker
Member Posts: 117 ✭✭
I am looking at two A5's, first one has a serial #209550 ($ 310)and other one is #223580($379). I went to Browning website and all I could find on serial numbers were pre1910, pre world war 2, etc. Both these guns fall in the pre WW2 era. Is there a way to pin the year down any better? Assuming both guns to be similar (good-verygood) condition, what is the actual worth. Oh, These are both 12ga. I am presuming they would take 2 3/4 and3" shells but no magnums, which is just fine with me. I hate heavy recoil weapons. I know, I'm a chicken s***. hey, I'm old, things that never used to hurt now hurt a lot. I know this isn't a lot of info. let's see, the etchings on receivers were clear and easy to make out. No obvious wear on them. One has a small ding out of the stock between cheekpad and butt. This is the earlier numbered gun that looks well used but well loved. really clean bore no obvious pits without bore light anyway. All nice and shiny. I am not looking for a collector's piece. I am looking for a 12ga and one with personality and history is always nice. I would be doing some turkey hunting and bear scaring. What is bear scaring? Well out here in rural Colorado, bears are known to wander in yards, on your steps, in your trash, etc.
CO DOW gives homeowners 12ga shells that have rubber 00buckshot or a rubber slug in them. These are in a plastic casing and have a slightly lighter load than standard shells. The buckshot ones are for up close (sort of) and the slug for 50yds away to make sure the bear keeps on running. I may or may not shoot skeet/trap. Did some as a kid and don't care one way or another if I shoot it.
Off the subject. I saw an interesting 12ga single shot rifled barrel with long eye relief scope on it. Don't remember the brand but it was up around $279 or so. I don't think I am a good enough shot for a single shot guy, my eyes are not what they used to be, neither is the rest of me.
I saw a lot of used Mossberg 500's in there, and some new ones. New ones were the short barrel, pistol grip, or the collapsible stock. These look impressive but don't think a bear or turkey would know the difference. The DOW officer said they pick up used single or double barreled shotguns cheap and use them in firearms/safety courses they offer. They indicated that there was plenty of time to reload a single shot gun.
I am most interested in opinions, ideas, etc on the A5's.
thanks,
Myles
CO DOW gives homeowners 12ga shells that have rubber 00buckshot or a rubber slug in them. These are in a plastic casing and have a slightly lighter load than standard shells. The buckshot ones are for up close (sort of) and the slug for 50yds away to make sure the bear keeps on running. I may or may not shoot skeet/trap. Did some as a kid and don't care one way or another if I shoot it.
Off the subject. I saw an interesting 12ga single shot rifled barrel with long eye relief scope on it. Don't remember the brand but it was up around $279 or so. I don't think I am a good enough shot for a single shot guy, my eyes are not what they used to be, neither is the rest of me.
I saw a lot of used Mossberg 500's in there, and some new ones. New ones were the short barrel, pistol grip, or the collapsible stock. These look impressive but don't think a bear or turkey would know the difference. The DOW officer said they pick up used single or double barreled shotguns cheap and use them in firearms/safety courses they offer. They indicated that there was plenty of time to reload a single shot gun.
I am most interested in opinions, ideas, etc on the A5's.
thanks,
Myles
Comments
Myles
They were made in 1937 and 1938 respectively, and NO, they will not take 3" shells... strictly 2-3/4", and no steel shot.
The prices on them do not appear to be inflated.
WACA Historian & Life Member
thanks for that information. Now I'll have to go back and look again. Hmm, might have to look in more than one store. What better excuse than "honey, i have to protect you and the dogs from the bears" to buy the semi auto instead of single shot...
I presume the boxes will have type of shot on them? I know they have gauge and shot size...duh, so they probably have type.
Silly question...In your opinion (or anyone elses) if I buy one of these A5's, am I risking buying a gun that soon will shoot discontinued ammo?
I have a Savage 99 and I know some of them are in calibers no longer manufactured.
Thanks again. appreciate the help.
Myles
If you don't buy the Browning "hump-backs" ---- I will.
The prices are excellent.
As mentioned -- they are chambered for 2-3/4 inch shotshells only. And NO steel shot.
If you are in a state that only allows you to "scare" the bear then the rubber buckshot will have to do. If you are allowed to "defend" yourself, then you want the tri-ball buckshot loading from Dixie Slugs.
You can go to the web page with www.dixieslugs.com.
If you go with the rifled barrel single shot, then you want the "Terminator" slugs. But I am going to warn you in advance, when you light one off it is going to be a religious experience and you are going to have you a bruised shoulder. BUT what ever is on the receiving end is DEAD.
Best Regards[:)]
Steve Adams
AdamsQuailHunter