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Browning A5: Light or Magnum?

RobArtRees
I have "inherited" 2 Browning A5s. How can I determine if they are magnum or light? Both are 12 guage.

Front edge of receiver has:
1. Top:FN Middle:145949 Bottom:H. It has a thick forearm.
2. Top:FN Middle:61016 Bottom:an "O" in a circle. This one has a thin forearm.

My feeble research indicates that they were probably made in 1936 and 1923.

The second one is missing the barrel - any recommendations for replacement?
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Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • Bert H.
    Hello Rob...

    Neither of the serial numbers you quote is correct for a Browning A5. Please tell us "exactly" what is stamped on the forward bottom edge of the receiver of each gun. Also, tell us what gauge each gun is.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • duckhunter
    "Light" and "Magnum" are stamped on the reciever

    I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.
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  • RobArtRees
    quote:Originally posted by duckhunter
    "Light" and "Magnum" are stamped on the reciever

    I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.
    If it was that easy, I might have noticed and wouldn't post the question. Is it stamped in an obscure place. Perhaps the older ones didn't have two styles?
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by RobArtRees
    quote:Originally posted by duckhunter
    "Light" and "Magnum" are stamped on the reciever

    I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.
    If it was that easy, I might have noticed and wouldn't post the question. Is it stamped in an obscure place. Perhaps the older ones didn't have two styles?


    If it is not clearly stamped on the left side of the receiver, then you have a standard weight A5. If the dates of manufacture you mention are accurate, there was no such thing as a "Light Weight" or "Magnum" A5 yet... they were introduced at a much later date.

    Try Numrich for a used barrel assembly, or contact Browning for a new barrel.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • timbroman
    Rob - I agree with Bert. You likely have standard A5's if all the info is accurate.

    Browning with the "H" at the s/n indicates a standard weight and I think that "H" designation makes it a 1955-1957 era gun, probably later in the series, maybe 1957.

    As to the encircled "O" I do not know what that mark indicates but the numbers indicate to me a pre-WWII gun, maybe 1928-1930

    As to the barrel that you do have, considering how you came to own the guns and the fact that one has no barrel, I don't think you can assume that it is original to either receiver. Will it make up properly to both the receivers? And does it have a chamber length indicated on the barrel?



    "If the zoo is closed, drop by the Senate. You'll get the
    same feeling and you won't have to pay." Bob Dole
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  • mjclothiers
    Also look on the bottom side of the receiver back by the screw that holds the butt stock on and see if you can see a brand there.
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  • RobArtRees
    Timbroman,
    Thanks. The one with the barrel has matching serial numbers on the receiver, the barrel, and the forearm. I haven't taken the butt off, but I bet that matches, too.
    I have tried switching barrels, and it seems to fit perfectly on either one. The barrel says "Full 12 Special Steel", "Browning Arms Ogden Utah", and "Made in Belgium". Also, with the various proof marks it has "0 kg 930".
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