Guys,
I’m trying to assist a friend of the family with the selling of some long guns that belonged to her deceased husband. I feel pretty good with researching everything but the Browning. Can you recommend any reliable sources for information?
Thanks,
Keith
Browning has a serial number lookup on their website. I would try that to find out the year.
What gauge is it? Where’s it made? Also, is it a Light, Standard or Magnum? Anything special about it like being a DU edition?
Auto 5 20s bring higher price than 12’s
Belgium guns…higher than Japan
16 gauges now sell for more than above
The Sweet Sixteen(a model) in 16, of course, sell for a very, very high premium
Adjustable chokes like PolyChokes or the Cutts Compensators–reduce prices, even if factory installed.
Shortened stocks or poor recoil pad installation reduce prices. So many auto 5s were made that only those in tip top condition will command top dollar.
See Gunbroker
Guys,
I appreciate the replies. I rode over last night to take a closer look at the piece. The serial number starts with 71G which shows it to be a 1971 lightweight and everything appears to be stock. It has engraving but I was unable to locate a signature. Unfortunately there are some spots on the finish but there doesn’t appear to be any pitting. It has a longer barrel, which I didn’t measure but guessing 28"ish, without a vent rib, flat at the bottom of the pistol grip.
I’ll hopefully get a chance to do some more research this weekend and again, I really appreciate the help.
Keith
Sorry to hear about your loss. I have had two of a similar pattern, Remington model 11 and a FNH Auto 5. However if yours is 1971 FNH or browning production it should actually be worth something. For those years the barrels were made in Japan I believe and should hold up well being made of a stronger steel than the earlier ones. It might be worth it though if it was well loved and or stored with the recoil spring compressed to replace it and the friction ring if the barrel seemes to move with only moderate pressure. Midwet gun parts has all the items I used to bring the FNH I bought at a gun show for cheap back to life.