The Browning Auto-5 (A5) is a well-known shotgun model that has been popular among hunters and shooters for over a century. Its timeless design and reliable performance have made it a classic firearm that still holds up today. If you own a Browning A5, you might be curious about its age and the history behind it. By decoding the serial number, you can find out when and where your A5 was made. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying the production year of your Browning A5.
What Is a Browning A5?
The Browning Auto-5, also known as the A5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun that was designed by John Browning in the early 1900s. The A5 was first introduced in 1902 and was produced until 1998. The original A5 was manufactured by the Browning Arms Company in Belgium, while later models were produced in Japan by Miroku Corporation. The Browning A5 is known for its distinctive humpback-shaped receiver and long recoil action, which makes it a highly reliable shotgun.
Where to Find the Serial Number
The serial number of your Browning A5 can be found in several places, depending on the model and production year. The most common location is on the receiver, just below the ejection port. The serial number can also be found on the barrel and the trigger guard. On some models, the serial number may be stamped on the bottom of the magazine tube or inside the fore-end.
How to Decode the Serial Number
Decoding the serial number of your Browning A5 can tell you the year of manufacture, as well as other important details about your shotgun. The serial number is a combination of letters and numbers that represent the date of manufacture and the model type. The following chart can help you decode your A5 serial number:
First Letter: Indicates the year of manufacture
- A = 1947
- B = 1948
- C = 1949
- D = 1950
- E = 1951
- F = 1952
- G = 1953
- H = 1954
- I = 1955
- J = 1956
- K = 1957
- L = 1958
- M = 1959
- N = 1960
- P = 1961
- R = 1962
- S = 1963
- T = 1964
- U = 1965
- V = 1966
- W = 1967
- X = 1968
- Y = 1969
- Z = 1970
- A = 1971
- B = 1972
- C = 1973
- D = 1974
- E = 1975
- F = 1976
- G = 1977
- H = 1978
- I = 1979
- J = 1980
- K = 1981
- L = 1982
- M = 1983
- N = 1984
- P = 1985
- R = 1986
- S = 1987
- T = 1988
- U = 1989
- V = 1990
- W = 1991
- X = 1992
- Y = 1993
- Z = 1994
- NR = 1995
- 01 = 1996
- 02 = 1997
- 03 = 1998
Second Letter: Indicates the month of manufacture
- A = January
- B = February
- C = March
- D = April
- E = May
- F = June
- G = July
- H = August
- I = September
- J = October
- K = November
- L = December
Numbers: Indicates the model and gauge of the shotgun
For example, if your Browning A5 has a serial number of 69V12345, it was manufactured in 1969 (V = 1969), in August (H = August), and is a 12-gauge model (12345).
Other Factors to Consider
While decoding the serial number can give you a good idea of when your Browning A5 was made, there are other factors to consider that can affect its age and value. For example, the production years for some models may overlap or have gaps, and the location of manufacture can also affect the value of your shotgun. Additionally, modifications or repairs made to your A5 can affect its authenticity and value as a collector’s item.
Conclusion
If you own a Browning A5, decoding the serial number can provide you with valuable information about its age and history. By using the chart provided above, you can determine when and where your A5 was produced, as well as other important details about its model and gauge. However, it’s important to keep in mind that other factors such as modifications and repairs can affect the value of your shotgun. By knowing the production history of your Browning A5, you can better appreciate its unique design and performance.