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Browning A-5 16 ga Restoration

CSI21
Hello all,
I need help with a dilemma. I have my great uncle's 1932 A-5 16 ga. shotgun. I inherited it. It was used extensively through out his life and shows the wear. Would a restoration destroy value or add to it? I am talking a real restoration instead of someone just rebluing it. Also does anyone know a restoration service besides Turnbull?
The shotgun shoots the old length 2 9/16. Hard to find, I plan on hunting quail with the shotgun to continue the family tradition.
Thanks to all,
RVG
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • Herschel
    The A-5 can be converted to fire the 2 3/4" 16 ga. It is much more complex than just lengthening the chamber. I would suggest having that done if you want to continue to shoot it. It would not be a restoration but would make it much more useable.
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  • rufe-snow
    Not likely IMHO that a professional restoration would be viable, per your description of the shotgun. You would be putting way more money in it then it would be worth, after you got done with the restoration. Have the shotgun reworked for 2 3/4 shells by a competent gunsmith, and leave it at that.
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  • CSI21
    I had asked about the conversion with my gunsmith, he did not think I should do it. I can get ammo from Polywad and Kent Gamebore for fairly resonable prices. I am looking more for a restoration to bring new life to the old workhorse. The internals according to my gunsmith are in great shape. Its just the exterior that looks worn. I will kill quail with it, its just whether or not I should restore it or not.
    Thanks for the help.
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  • slumlord44
    If it were mine I would not restore it. As it is, it is a family heirloom with every scratch and wear mark showing it's history. Refinished it is an old gun that now looks like a new gun but isn't. Refinished the stock on my dads A5 Light 20 many years back when it was getting scruffy looking and now wish I had not. Fortunately I left the metal alone. Shoot it and enjoy it. Still hunt with my dads on occasion.
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  • CSI21
    Mr. ForgeMonkey,
    That is the best question, No he would not! He might replace the old recoil pad that has broken, and go with it.
    I think you answered my question. I am the last of the line and want to continue the hunt.
    Thank you all for your responses.
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  • tsr1965
    As has been told to you, the value after restoring it would be about half of what you put into it. A complete restoration would cost around $2K, and you would be hard pressed to get $1K out of it after you were done.

    As for the chambering modification, it will cost in the neighborhood of $200.00-300.00. A competant gunsmith that knows what this entails, knows that the forcing cone needs to be lengthened along with the chamber, the ejection port opened up, the forend will need work, and if it has a rib on the barrel, vent or solit, that will need to be modified too. Most likely your gunsmith does not want to take this job on.

    Best
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  • gearheaddad
    quote:Originally posted by CSI21
    Mr. ForgeMonkey,
    That is the best question, No he would not! He might replace the old recoil pad that has broken, and go with it.
    I think you answered my question. I am the last of the line and want to continue the hunt.
    Thank you all for your responses.

    Excellent decision!
    Every scratch, nick, scuff, and wear mark is character. You will feel a connection to your Uncle when you use the gun as is!
    Enjoy, and good hunting,
    Ed
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  • asphalt cowboy
    quote:Originally posted by gearheaddad
    quote:Originally posted by CSI21
    Mr. ForgeMonkey,
    That is the best question, No he would not! He might replace the old recoil pad that has broken, and go with it.
    I think you answered my question. I am the last of the line and want to continue the hunt.
    Thank you all for your responses.

    Excellent decision!
    Every scratch, nick, scuff, and wear mark is character. You will feel a connection to your Uncle when you use the gun as is!
    Enjoy, and good hunting,
    Ed


    Couldn't agree more. That gun could tell many stories if it could talk.

    If you have any interest in reloading you will really open up your ammo selection.
    A good used MEC 600Jr can be had for half the price of new. MEC also makes a "short shell plate" to adapt the press for the 2 1/2" cartridge. And best of all, Ballistic Products has their own load manual dedicated to just the 16 gauge with plenty of 2 1/2" recipes.
    I use a 1939 short chambered 16 gauge A5 and it will do anything my 2 3/4" gun will do.
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  • utbrowningman
    Leave it as is. Those are character marks from your great uncle. Would restoration kill birds and more dead? Dead is dead. I have an old Colt Officers Model .38 that was my grandfather's, and who knows before him (died w/out telling me the stories behind his guns) that has most of the bluing gone and the checkering on the grips is non-existent. Would not change it for anything. Restoring the gun makes is someone eles's gun.
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