I have a Browning Autoload 16 Ga shotgun that belonged to my dad. It is a Belgium made, FN Serial No. 112xxx. I don't know much about it, but I used it a few times duck hunting as a kid in the early 60s. I think my dad told me that it was a modified choke and that it was chambered for shells shorter than the standard 2-3/4" shell. It is in relatively good condition, but there are no markings on the gun that indicate the model number or choke. I assume that this is an A5 and that it is older than 1939, based on dating information I found on the Browning website. Can anyone help me find out more information about this gun? I have cleaned it best I can, but I don't know how to remove the bolt, and I can see dirt farther back than I can reach. I'd like to get more information before I shoot it again after 50 years.

First thing, don't post the full SN on the internet. I can say that what you have is the A-5. Choke info markings can be found on shotgunworld.com. You should have a gunsmith check the chamber depth as the early models were 2 and 9/16" and you should never shoot longer shells in those. If it has a short chamber it is possible to alter the gun but 'smiths that know how are getting scarce. Speaking of bolt removal, don't try disassembly unless you have correctly fitting screwdrivers as you Will bugger the slots, plus unless you know how there are certain procedures that must be followed to disassemble. I would recommend that you take it to a knowledgeable 'smith to be disassembled, thoroughly cleaned and checked for wear, and properly lubricated as it has probably not been checked in years. If needed there are several sources of short shells so you can shoot and enjoy something that was you dad's. Good luck. Goat

Go to www.midwestgunworks.com there you can find the Browning service manual. It gives a complete teardown of the A5.

If you go to www.shotgunworld.com in the Browning forum there is a sticky on taking the A5 apart with pictures.

Thanks for the info. I kinda figured further cleaning was a job for a gunsmith. I had roughly measured the depth of the chamber as 2-5/8". Any ideas on getting better info on the age?

If this copies, here's the choke info:


* designates full choke (F).

*- designates improved modified choke (IM).

** designates modified choke (M).

**- designates improved cylinder choke (IC).

**$ designates skeet (SK).

*** designates cylinder bore (CYL).

INV. designates barrel is threaded for Browning Invector choke tube system.

INV. PLUS designates back-bored barrels

Ah-ha, it worked. I'm turning into a regular geek.

From the information I have at hand the serial number range for 1938 was 111001 to 118200.
Go to www.16ga.com they have a listing of shell mfgrs. and there are some that still make the shorter shells. The following sell 2 1/2 inch shells: Estate; Polywad, about $14/box; Westly Ricards Agency $99 flat.

Thanks again! Full Choke - barrel is marked * 16 SPECIAL STEEL.

Stoker, you might want to go to shotgunworld.com and check the Browning forum. Much needed info on how to install the friction rings, I run into a lot of people that don't understand how. Goat