Can't identify Browning shotgun?

P

Philip Finck

Member
Here is my problem. I have a Browning semi-automatic shotgun. The forstock (Sp?) is broken but I have no idea what the gun is, ie what to look for. The Browning customer service site is less than useless!

The front bottom of the action has "1M 40414". The left rear side of the barrel says "special steel - 12 gauge - shells 23/4inch". Behind this is "1Kg 080" and "F76596". Top of the barrel says "Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo & Montreal PQ". The right side says "Made in Belgium'. Bottom of barrel "48 503".

So for the "Browning gun pros", can you tell me what I have and where to get a forstock?

Thanks

Philip finck
 
You most likely have an Auto-5-FN made in belgium from 1952 to 1976. The butt plate should say Browning Automatic with FN in the oval if it was made before 1967. (Information is from the Standard Catalog of Firearms) How bad is the fore end broken? If it just a crack, you might be able to repair it your self. I an sure if you look on the web for Browning Auto 5 shotgun, you will find some sources for parts that you want.


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If you are still having trouble locating a fore end for your A5, try here http://www.browninga5.com/ I bought a gun from him a few years ago and those are 99% of his buiness. If he does't have one in stock, he should be able to get one for you. Hope that helps.

Bob Beal
 
I might be able to tell you how it got cracked. If the end of the tube magazine isn't tightened down properly it will lead to a crack in the forestock after only a few rounds. Nothing wrong with the gun.

Mike
 
If you plan to hunt the gun, do yourself a favor and buy a synthetic stock for it. I replaced 2 expensive walnut stocks shooting my A-5 Magnum. It is my everyday gun, Belgium made with a newer, interchangable choke barrel installed. Great duck gun, but keep it well lubed or it will not shuck the shells. Dave
 
I have replaced mine a couple of times over the years. I believe I paid under $100.00 for the last one at Kesselrings Gun Shop in Burlington WA. They do a mail order business and have a web site. Family run business, good people.
Randy
 
As soon as I read that it was a Browning with a cracked forend I knew! I think I've seen more Belgian A5s cracked than not. I've pointed a few out to guys that inherited them and didn't even notice. They seem to usually start as a little hairline and then go from there. Great gun though!
 
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