Browning A-5 16 Gauge - serial number & refinishin
I have a 16 gauge Browning A-5 with serial number X-3064. (its a real X, I'm not trying to hide an identification number) I've looked at several references and guides, including the Browning website. I'm stumped as to the information contained in the serial number. A guide book at the local gun store suggests that the serial number means the A-5 was manufactured around 1937-1939. Another on line reference suggests it might have been manufactured in 1924.
The larger screws on the receiver have the serial number stamped into the heads and the X-3064 appears on all the internal parts, including the barrel, which looks like was modified at the factory to accept a 2 3/4 inch shell. When I take the barrel out, there is this attachment, unblued, that appears to have a double shell catch on the side opposite the ejection port. The opening for ejecting shells through the receiver measures 2 9/16 inches.
My questions:
What does the "X" mean?
Can the date of manufacture be determined?
The finish is pretty well worn off both the fore and butt stocks. Checking is in good condition. I'd like to refinish the wood, but not remove the patina.
My questions:
Are there references on how to refinish a gun stock of this age so not to destroy the patina?
What was the original finish on this line of shotguns? I'm thinking of using tung oil, but can't find any definitive reference.
The engraving on the gun is minimal, so I don't think I'm dealing with a rare or valuable A-5. But I'm in no hurry to destroy its value or charm. The wood itself is blond, but no remarkable grain pattern.
Any suggestions or observations are welcome.
The larger screws on the receiver have the serial number stamped into the heads and the X-3064 appears on all the internal parts, including the barrel, which looks like was modified at the factory to accept a 2 3/4 inch shell. When I take the barrel out, there is this attachment, unblued, that appears to have a double shell catch on the side opposite the ejection port. The opening for ejecting shells through the receiver measures 2 9/16 inches.
My questions:
What does the "X" mean?
Can the date of manufacture be determined?
The finish is pretty well worn off both the fore and butt stocks. Checking is in good condition. I'd like to refinish the wood, but not remove the patina.
My questions:
Are there references on how to refinish a gun stock of this age so not to destroy the patina?
What was the original finish on this line of shotguns? I'm thinking of using tung oil, but can't find any definitive reference.
The engraving on the gun is minimal, so I don't think I'm dealing with a rare or valuable A-5. But I'm in no hurry to destroy its value or charm. The wood itself is blond, but no remarkable grain pattern.
Any suggestions or observations are welcome.
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Mark acording to 1 of Matt Eastman books the 16ga was first made in FN July 1909.But not "introduced" to the US until 1923.Ser# for 1926 or 13001-22000(+-). Now the guess part. My guess is that the X stamp in front of the ser# may have noted that gun for export. Say a special mark for the guy at the end of the line to do something different with(my guess). As for as finish goes I would all the charm the way it is.HTH 0 -
quote:Originally posted by legn4
Mark acording to 1 of Matt Eastman books the 16ga was first made in FN July 1909.But not "introduced" to the US until 1923.Ser# for 1926 or 13001-22000(+-). Now the guess part. My guess is that the X stamp in front of the ser# may have noted that gun for export. Say a special mark for the guy at the end of the line to do something different with(my guess). As for as finish goes I would all the charm the way it is.HTH
Thanks - I just got the butt stock off and the stock is stamped "3064" and the pin/screw that holds the butt stock to the frame is also stamped "3064". Rust was minimal on the recoil spring. Dirty as heck, but not much rust.
As for the finish, I think for now I will just lightly clean it up with mild soap and some high quality finishing wax.0 -
According to the serial number/date of manufacture table in the back of my Blue Book Of Gun Values, Browning serial numbers X1001 and X13666 were manufactured in 1947. If indeed the gun was made in 1947 it would have had the 2 3/4 inch chamber. I believe the 2 3/4 inch chambering started in about 1928. What markings do you see on the barrel that make you think it was rechambered? 0
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