Inheriting a Browning shotgun

[jrandyw]

I was so honored today when I was told I'd be inheriting my grandfather's shotgun. I have memories of seeing it sitting behind the front door whenever we'd visit (gasp! I know, so unsafe, but we were taught to never guns!). My grandfather actually died over a decade ago, but my grandmother has finally decided that one of the grand kids should get the gun. So I don't have in in my possession yet, but I have a few photos of it. I'm trying to figure out when it was made. I was sent a few photos and one seems to show the serial number. It looks like A19484. I went to Browning's website but that serial number doesn't seem to match up with their serial number "schemes" for the Auto-5 shotguns, which is what I think this gun is. Anyway, I'd appreciate anyone's input here.

[jrandyw]

I don't have it in hand yet and my parents (who have it right now) aren't savvy enough to know for sure. They know its bore is smaller than their 12 gauge but that's all. I'm guessing its a 16, but I guess it could be a 20 gauge. What doesn't make sense to me is that from what I'm reading from Browning's website, the serial numbers that have a single letter before them should have a number after that's higher than 229,000. Hopefully I can get more info once I have the shotgun in hand.

Any recommendations on getting it back in shooting condition? I suspect it isn't really worth much as a collector's item and I really do want to put it back in use. Can I safely remove the rust without damaging the receiver/barrel myself, or should I send it off somewhere? I've read some stuff that seems to indicate that some older shotguns may not be able to shoot 2 3/4 shells or larger. That would seem to really limit its usefulness to me and if so then I might just hang it on the wall.

[mrvmax]

Here is some info, the serial number range does not include yours but it is close


"AMERICAN BROWNING" AUTO-5
- 12, 16, or 20 ga., Remington-produced variation of the Browning Auto-5, very similar to the Remington Model 11, except with Browning logo, mag. cut-off, and different engraving, over 38,000 mfg. in 12 ga. (ser. no. range B5000- B43129), over 14,000 in 16 ga. (ser. no. range A5000-A19450), and 11,000 in 20 ga. (ser. no. range C5000- C16152), stocks have Remington style round knob pistol grip. Mfg. 1940-47.

[jrandyw]

Thanks MrVmax, that is a very good lead.

[Andrew]

My brother sent our Pop's Remington built Auto 5 to Midwest Gun Works. They did a beautiful job on refurbishing it, but it was not inexpensive. I'm thinking with a few new parts, work on the action, blue receiver and barrel, refinish stock was right at $700. Gun was about 85% original blue, no rust. I dont believe that the gun was worth that much, it was a sentimental thing.

[Chris]

I would write to Browning and at least see if they can date it, and give you some load data so if you are able to shoot it, you know what to look for.

I dont believe that the gun was worth that much, it was a sentimental thing.

You can't put a price on firearms like that. It's a personal history that is worth far more.

[jrandyw]

Yeah, I think it would definitely be a matter of getting it restored for the sentimental value rather than the financial value of the gun.

[Matt78665]

I have a Sweet 16 Browning like the one you have pictured. All the my serial number tells me is that it is pre 1939

[LeonCarr]

John Browning had 128 firearm related patents. Of all the firearms he invented, he considered the Browning Auto-5 his greatest achievement.

Very nice shotgun you have there.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[stroo]

I have a Sweet 16 I inherited from my Dad. Love shooting it although 16 guage ammo is expensive. My son likes and shoots it even better than I do. Someday it will be his.