based off your chart my grandfathers A5 was number 101075, made in 1927, nearly a century old and i will make sure it sees another century. thank you, truly.
my father gave me my great-grandfather's Belgium 12ga Auto-5 when I was 12 years old after he had it re-blued with a new Remington 'replica' barrel but without the thick sight-rib that was on top of the old well-used barrel.. I was tasked to clean all the long-guns since around 8 years old.. it still looks the same after using it on many hunts and high school trap and skeet competitions.. now I know S/N 50527 was made in 1921, thank you.. she never felt heavy when I was younger.. at 70 years old she's a beautiful but hefty machine whose weight took most of the kickback off my right shoulder...
Thanks for the work y’all did on my A5 mag 12 gauge. I was so proud to see what kind of job y’all did. Sending to Arts was the best move I could have ever made. I can’t thank you enough. I wish I could do something to show how happy and proud I am. Thanks again.
Awesome video... Like others I was lost with the charts on the Browning site...you made this very simple. I have a 70V Magnum! 32" barrel! Thanks to you, now I know that!
Thanks. Way easier than Browning site. My daddy just gave me his 1973 mag 12 he bought new the year I was born, 1974. The deer in eastern NC were happy to hear that weapon has been relocated…..
Great presentation! More helpful than the Browning page. Buying a "Magnum Twelve" was a little like getting married. It was only after the deal that I learned her true age.
Thanks for this. I have been trying to date my Browning A5 that I inherited from my grandfather. Looks like was made 1955 with a serial number of H79027. It still shoots very good and is very reliable. I shot a round of trap with it recently and scored 23 of 25.
Your information is absolutely clear as a bell ! Browning’s website is very confusing! Thanks to Your info I now know my A5 Light 12 was made in 1955. Thank You so much.
What Mark said Brad/Art........I received my light Belgium 12 in 1973 as a graduation present from my Gunsmith Father. He procured it from a friend who was a Docter who completed his collection of Brownings and liquidating and starting a new collection. Very informative video, thanks much!
Thanks guys. My wife got her great grandfathers A5 12 for Christmas. I was trying to date it. It indeed has a 2M above serial number so thanks to your video we are calling it a 1962.
Mine is in the same era. Under the the receiver is 3G which it seems would be a 1963 Light 12. However there is no serial number below it. What is up with this?
Buddy that was really helpfull, i just inherited a Japanese made PX series wich stands for 1983 according to your board, and all i can say is that it is a really sturdy and well made gun. I'm waiting untill i shoot it next week! Thanks a lot for the info!
My brother just bought me this for my birthday this year and after watching your video and looking on browning’s website. My auto 5 was made in 1907. I kinda don’t want to shoot it now on my annual dove hunt
I got my Browning Auto-5 from an arms dealer friend. It had taken it from a collector. I've been trying to date this rifle for years but the serial number suggests it was made during the war when there was no production at the time. namely 226743. The rifle functions perfectly.
What about the Brownings made in WWII by Remington, in Illion, NY? Serial numbers are on the side of the receiver for these guns. They are clearly marked Browning. Do we not consider these Browning A-5s?
Thanks Guys, I called Browning to get a factory letter for my Great-Grandfathers’ 12Ga but they didn’t have any records. Your chart tells me it is from 1938 Thanks Travis
Thank you for a great, informative video! (Just bought a Browning "Light Twelve" today with "73G" stamped on it...oh and the word "Belgium.") Thanks again for your knowledge! Keep up the good work...
Question for everyone. I just inherited my grandfather’s 16 gauge Browning A5. Serial number 45557. Browning Arms company ogden utah on barrel. Fabrique nationale d armes de guerre herstal belgique in receiver. According to your video, this is dated to 1914. But would this be the case with the 16 gauge? Thanks for the info
Just purchased my first auto 5 thanks for information can't tell y'all how much it helped me through the searching and buying process hats off to you fellas
Thanks for the video. About 30 years ago I purchased a 1929 A5 12G. Bead front sight, no vent rib, no checkering and no engraving on steel. I believe "12G Full special" means full choke? The wood has no cracks but the gun looks like it has been used but well taken care of. I only shoot heavy loads and the cycling works without failure no matter how fast I can manage to squeeze the trigger. A testament to the reliability of John Browning gun making genius!
Might need to add a few more numbers to the 'H' Standard Series. I'm looking at one with a 'H stamped above the number 41152 number. Which I would think is a 1954 based on your charts. It's jist that your chart numbers for 'H' don't go that high. What are your thoughts on this (1954 or 55)? She's in excellent shape. A very very clean gun with a poly choke and magazine cut off.
You did not include the 16 ga models. The lightweight or Sweet 16 used an S for the post '57 models. So a 1961 Sweet 16 would start with 1S. Thanks for posting this. Very helpful.
Great video guys. I just picked up an A5 and it dates at 1965. Supper nice shape. I would like to now look into the proof marks and serial number on the barrel to get a little more info. Is there a good on-line source for this info? Cheers.
I haven't watched the video yet, but Ive been dating mine for 5 years and Im ready to take it to the next step. Should we move in together or go straight to marriage? Asking for a friend.
Hello. Very helpful. Thanks. However, I do have a question. Recently bought an Auto 5 and can't figure out the manufacture date by the serial number. The serial number on the shotgun is 60 (small size font) 18928 on regular font size. I can't post a picture here but would love your help to find out information about this gun. Is there an email to where I can send a picture? Thanks
Just picked one up at a flea market, serial in the 58,000’s. There is an ‘H’ above the serial number instead of the FN logo; what does this mean? Is it actually made in 1923 as the seller thought? Maybe at a different factory in Belgium?
I just bought one was told 1926 the serial #6001 bottom of receiver with no Letters?? I’m confused I thought they all had a mode letter? Also has 3 different dates on the side 1901, 1902, and 1903
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. You said in 53 that Browning came out with two lines L and G. What about the Light 12's made before 53? I have one with a SN of 344153. Is there a separate chart for them?
I’m looking at buying what I believe to be an Auto 5. But the serial number is on the side and there’s no number on the bottom. How can I tell what company made this gun? The serial number begins with a “B” and has 5 numbers afterwards.
Hey thank you for the info i inherited mine last week from my grandpa my serial number is M 41391 so would that be a 56 or 57 the chart doesn't include this?
I watched your video, I have a Browning A5 1953 model 12G but the serial number does not have a L/G or a M/H at all. it has FN in a circle and then the serial number? Please advise
I was give an A5 by a friend that doesn't know firearms at all. After trying to check the number it doesn't seem to match any of these records. The serial number has a prefix of FN in an oval the 6 numbers starting 439xxx. Now the charts only go up to 438000. Any suggestions?
I inherited my father's Belgium browning and I can't tell the year of manufacturer. It is labeled L and four digits that start with 6xxx. According to the chart it should fall between 1953-1954, but the serial number is greater than the last one manufactured in 1953, but less than the first one in 1954. Does anyone know why this serial number is not included in the chart? What happened to L-4451 through L-23799?
Good to know! Awesome video. My dad that passed 16 yrs ago had a FAB. N non magnum with a like 6” huge muzzle brake on it. I’m guessing it’s late 50s, early 60s, it’s currently locked away safely at a cousins house.....BUT, when they borrowed it the BROKE the muzzle brake off! I CANNOT find a barrel(with or without the ugly muzzle brake.) Any ideas once I get serial #?
I still can’t quit tell what mine is. Mines only got 4 numbers(7686) and a [v] in a square below them. Nothing else. No G. No L. That’s it. Can anybody help me here?
So #1270 is a 1903 browning ? The gun my dad gave me at age 14 for duck hunting. I can't believe this,I better sit down and double check this . Holy cow!
Have a browning automatic-5 20 gauge with serial number 48546. It has 1Z on top of that number. Trying to date the gun. Can't find a good date listing of that particular SN.
Hey thanks for the great info on the Browning Auto5. I am confused a bit by one of my Auto5's - it's SN is 91455 -Standard weight-plain barrel which dates to 1927! But, it also has a 9M above it. Looking thru the charts you provided, I don't see that code (9M standard weight code) until 1959. Did they those codes back in 1927? Any help will be appreciated😁
Please help! My A5 Magnum has a two line serial (5V & 78xxx) like you showed but it is a Japanese made... So I am very confused because I have a Belgium style serial number receiver but says made in Japan.
So apparently I have a Belgium 1957 light browning 5 in the box with the receipts and best of all never shot mint condition. what do you value would be?
You scanned over the part about when they added the number in front of the letter. If it shows 0G and then number below, can you clarify… this means it’s a light model?
Wondering if someone could help me decide a sn on a light twelve I’m looking at buying. If looking at the bottom of the receiver to the left you have 59 in small numbers. Followed by 1190 in large number with a g sideways on the right hand side
Hello! Happy New Year! I am inquiring about an odd SN Stamping or at least it seems different from the explaination in this video. There is a it is located on the bottom of the receiver. In the first row: A Circled FN In the second row: the number "177xxx" In the third row: A number in smaller type face that looks like a "51" All of the above stampings are centered on the receiver. There ar no letters except for the Circled FN. I ask of course because I want to date the shotgun, but also because it might help others since I am sure that many other shotguns were stamped with this method of stamping. Also to add to the confusion, it seems to have the split or two piece lifter. To me the Serial Number matches 1931 by your charts; other charts on the Browing site say FN took over production in 1952; Still there is a split lifter installed. Well, I am confused. ...I need to ask the experts!!! I look forward to your rapid reply. ...smiles! Thanks! 2021/12/31 ----
How can I contact you? My Browning A-5 which I always thought was a 1925 version, is per your serial numbers a 1904. I have done a little research and can find none like mine. My barrel says cockerill steel, on top barrel says Browning Arms Mfg. Ogden, Ut.. also after cockerill steel, CHOKE, a star with T on it's side, A double headed arrow to right, a diamond with 12C on side in side, then a crowned bomb? with E over LG over a star inside. I have pictures. Mine does not have the chambering lever.
I own and I have seen other FN made A5 with the following numbers. Mine is 59 (smaller numbers) then 4 bigger numbers, mine is 76xx. Receiver marked Browning and FN in oval circle. Many belgian ELG and PV proof markings on receiver, barrel and bolt. Any idea? Barrel marked Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre . Herstal-Belgique. It is 12/70. FN contacted, no answer yet. All markings original, deep and sharp. Greek sigma letter on barrel, which stands for 1959.
Thank YOU!! Browning c onfused me. I had a G31366, thought is was '57. but yours showed m '56.. St. louis side,. I don't have the purchase receipt from my dad.. But i shot it when i was 7... I'm 65 now..
I got one for ya. My browning auto 12 has a "B" in front of 37,xxx yes just 5 numbers. The b puts it at what 1939-46 but the serial number puts it way earlier. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mike.
My cousin has two Auto-5's we're trying to date. The first matches your charts, it's labeled a Magnum with 8V over a 4 digit (XXXX) serial number so I assume it's a 1958. The second is clearly labeled as a "Light Twelve" in cursive on the left-hand side, the serial number has FN in a circle above it and the serial itself is a 6 digit number, there are NO letter prefixes. It's 420xxx. Based on the initial chart you presented that would make it a 1953, however you mentioned it should have an L to indicate a Light 12, it does not? Thanks,
How are y'all able to read the charts? When I try to pause on them they have a bunch of stuff in front of them and it's blurry. What does G1 above the number mean?
based off your chart my grandfathers A5 was number 101075, made in 1927, nearly a century old and i will make sure it sees another century. thank you, truly.
this chart says mine is 1923, brownings official website says it’s a 1927 my number is (60398) under a FN stamp
my father gave me my great-grandfather's Belgium 12ga Auto-5 when I was 12 years old after he had it re-blued with a new Remington 'replica' barrel but without the thick sight-rib that was on top of the old well-used barrel.. I was tasked to clean all the long-guns since around 8 years old.. it still looks the same after using it on many hunts and high school trap and skeet competitions.. now I know S/N 50527 was made in 1921, thank you.. she never felt heavy when I was younger.. at 70 years old she's a beautiful but hefty machine whose weight took most of the kickback off my right shoulder...
Thanks for the work y’all did on my A5 mag 12 gauge. I was so proud to see what kind of job y’all did. Sending to Arts was the best move I could have ever made. I can’t thank you enough. I wish I could do something to show how happy and proud I am. Thanks again.
Thanks for the feedback. Let us know if you need anything else.
Awesome video... Like others I was lost with the charts on the Browning site...you made this very simple. I have a 70V Magnum! 32" barrel! Thanks to you, now I know that!
I was looking all over trying to get magnum dates. Finally came across this video and answered all my questions. Thank you.
Thanks. Way easier than Browning site. My daddy just gave me his 1973 mag 12 he bought new the year I was born, 1974. The deer in eastern NC were happy to hear that weapon has been relocated…..
Excellent. Absolutely excellent. I have a 1970 magnum 12 gauge. You took the stress out of trying to figure that out. Perfectly presented.
Great presentation! More helpful than the Browning page. Buying a "Magnum Twelve" was a little like getting married. It was only after the deal that I learned her true age.
Thanks for this. I have been trying to date my Browning A5 that I inherited from my grandfather. Looks like was made 1955 with a serial number of H79027. It still shoots very good and is very reliable. I shot a round of trap with it recently and scored 23 of 25.
Hi.. Where exactly is the serial number located im having a bit of trouble
@@jayalarcon72bottom side near trigger
Your information is absolutely clear as a bell ! Browning’s website is very confusing! Thanks to Your info I now know my A5 Light 12 was made in 1955. Thank You so much.
What Mark said Brad/Art........I received my light Belgium 12 in 1973 as a graduation present from my Gunsmith Father. He procured it from a friend who was a Docter who completed his collection of Brownings and liquidating and starting a new collection. Very informative video, thanks much!
Thanks guys. My wife got her great grandfathers A5 12 for Christmas. I was trying to date it. It indeed has a 2M above serial number so thanks to your video we are calling it a 1962.
That is correct.
Mine is in the same era. Under the the receiver is 3G which it seems would be a 1963 Light 12. However there is no serial number below it. What is up with this?
Just inherited my fathers original 1958 (8G XXXXX) Light Twelve! Appreciate the information. Glad I can pass it on to my son some day.
Thanks so much. Was able to date my dad's 1954 light 12 with your video. Great video.
Thank you for the video. I was able to determine my light 12 auto 5 was made in 64, 1 year before my dad was born
Buddy that was really helpfull, i just inherited a Japanese made PX series wich stands for 1983 according to your board, and all i can say is that it is a really sturdy and well made gun. I'm waiting untill i shoot it next week! Thanks a lot for the info!
My brother just bought me this for my birthday this year and after watching your video and looking on browning’s website. My auto 5 was made in 1907. I kinda don’t want to shoot it now on my annual dove hunt
I got my Browning Auto-5 from an arms dealer friend. It had taken it from a collector. I've been trying to date this rifle for years but the serial number suggests it was made during the war when there was no production at the time. namely 226743. The rifle functions perfectly.
What about the Brownings made in WWII by Remington, in Illion, NY? Serial numbers are on the side of the receiver for these guns. They are clearly marked Browning. Do we not consider these Browning A-5s?
They are. Just an odd lot type. These are not the only variants put there, for what it's worth.
Excellent video Art. Now I know how old my A5 is. A fun bit of “detective” work.
Great video! Just inherited my Papas browning 12 mag made in 1971 thanks for the video
Thanks Guys, I called Browning to get a factory letter for my Great-Grandfathers’ 12Ga but they didn’t have any records. Your chart tells me it is from 1938
Thanks
Travis
This is the greatest video! You answered all my questions about both of my browning 12 Guages. And no bs. Thank you, you da man!! 🙌
Thank you for a great, informative video! (Just bought a Browning "Light Twelve" today with "73G" stamped on it...oh and the word "Belgium.") Thanks again for your knowledge! Keep up the good work...
Very helpful. Way easier to follow than the chart on browning website. If I understood this right my browning was made in 1963
Question for everyone. I just inherited my grandfather’s 16 gauge Browning A5. Serial number 45557. Browning Arms company ogden utah on barrel. Fabrique nationale d armes de guerre herstal belgique in receiver. According to your video, this is dated to 1914. But would this be the case with the 16 gauge? Thanks for the info
Thx browning site was hard to figure out this helped me a bunch. Thx
I inherited my uncle's Light Twelve. It's from 1956, thanks for the help!
Just purchased my first auto 5 thanks for information can't tell y'all how much it helped me through the searching and buying process hats off to you fellas
Thanks for a great video I just dated mine it’s a 1906 and still seems to work fine 👍🏼
Great post…thank you. From a like new L-108 inheritance. Been 40 years since I used it. Amazing.
I have a Belgian made A5 that says "light twelve" on the side but the serial number puts it in a gap between 1920 and 1921. Have you seen this before?
I inherited my grandpa's 1962 magnum. Thank you!
My a5 says "9868" and that's all what year would that be?
And what could it be worth? My great grandpa left it to me.
Thanks for the video. About 30 years ago I purchased a 1929 A5 12G. Bead front sight, no vent rib, no checkering and no engraving on steel. I believe "12G Full special" means full choke? The wood has no cracks but the gun looks like it has been used but well taken care of. I only shoot heavy loads and the cycling works without failure no matter how fast I can manage to squeeze the trigger. A testament to the reliability of John Browning gun making genius!
Very interesting. What if it is a FN serial number, where do I go to date the Firearm
Might need to add a few more numbers to the 'H' Standard Series.
I'm looking at one with a 'H stamped above the number 41152 number.
Which I would think is a 1954 based on your charts. It's jist that your chart numbers for 'H' don't go that high.
What are your thoughts on this (1954 or 55)?
She's in excellent shape. A very very clean gun with a poly choke and magazine cut off.
Mine is 1953. Handed down to me from my Father
You did not include the 16 ga models. The lightweight or Sweet 16 used an S for the post '57 models. So a 1961 Sweet 16 would start with 1S. Thanks for posting this. Very helpful.
Thank you for the video.
My browning serial number starts with letters: P.I.
Could you please help me to know about this model?
Great video guys. I just picked up an A5 and it dates at 1965. Supper nice shape. I would like to now look into the proof marks and serial number on the barrel to get a little more info. Is there a good on-line source for this info? Cheers.
I haven't watched the video yet, but Ive been dating mine for 5 years and Im ready to take it to the next step. Should we move in together or go straight to marriage? Asking for a friend.
Hello. Very helpful. Thanks. However, I do have a question. Recently bought an Auto 5 and can't figure out the manufacture date by the serial number. The serial number on the shotgun is 60 (small size font) 18928 on regular font size. I can't post a picture here but would love your help to find out information about this gun. Is there an email to where I can send a picture? Thanks
Thanks so much! Have tried to decipher the SN on my dad's A5 for a while with no luck. 1956 it is!
Just picked one up at a flea market, serial in the 58,000’s. There is an ‘H’ above the serial number instead of the FN logo; what does this mean? Is it actually made in 1923 as the seller thought? Maybe at a different factory in Belgium?
I just bought one was told 1926 the serial #6001 bottom of receiver with no Letters?? I’m confused I thought they all had a mode letter? Also has 3 different dates on the side 1901, 1902, and 1903
I inherited a 12ga Browning lite, but the serial # is 425385 which I did not see listed in your video. How can I tell when it was made?
So I have a browning a5 H53426, this date fell between 1954 and 1955? But start and stop serial number don’t match? Can you help.
Hello dear can you advise about serial : CI FN 6887198 the first 68bare smaller than the rest of the serial🙏
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. You said in 53 that Browning came out with two lines L and G. What about the Light 12's made before 53? I have one with a SN of 344153. Is there a separate chart for them?
So mine says 2G 68849 sorry which year it ll be? It says light twelve on the side. Belgium made thank you
I have seen a Browning Auto 5 for sale with the serial number G 6529. The G is above the 6529. Can you tell me what year this was made?
3G 20153 is the number on mine. What am I looking at? Great video, thank you.
1963
Thanks. I'm looking at a 16ga. # X60472. Does not seem to conform to any of the numbering schemes. Has FN marks and cartouches
Just bought a 64 magnum ..so excited ..you helped me date it
Hello, thanks in advance, please advise: mine says 6887198
68 in small and the rest normal size
Above them written CI FN
With the serial number starting with 3G the A5 12 chambered and three-quarter two and three-quarter what year am I looking at?
I’m looking at buying what I believe to be an Auto 5. But the serial number is on the side and there’s no number on the bottom.
How can I tell what company made this gun? The serial number begins with a “B” and has 5 numbers afterwards.
My barrel is marked h21737 made in Japan. How do I know the year and value?
Hey thank you for the info i inherited mine last week from my grandpa my serial number is M 41391 so would that be a 56 or 57 the chart doesn't include this?
When did they stop putting light twenty on the side of the reciever
Is there a chance you know how to identify a browning BDA-380
inherited my dads light twelve, its from 1979 japan model, thank you for the fine research.
Ok i have a Browning A4 serial L 47721 which is not 1954 or 1955 according to your list? What gives with that?
Anybody know what year L 46057 would be? It says Light Twelve on the receiver. Seems to be a gap in the charts. Thanks. Jim.
I watched your video, I have a Browning A5 1953 model 12G but the serial number does not have a L/G or a M/H at all. it has FN in a circle and then the serial number? Please advise
I was give an A5 by a friend that doesn't know firearms at all. After trying to check the number it doesn't seem to match any of these records. The serial number has a prefix of FN in an oval the 6 numbers starting 439xxx. Now the charts only go up to 438000. Any suggestions?
I also have a 439xxx. Seems there was still quite a run after 438000, or you & I have a couple unicorns worth their weight in gold haha.
I inherited my father's Belgium browning and I can't tell the year of manufacturer. It is labeled L and four digits that start with 6xxx. According to the chart it should fall between 1953-1954, but the serial number is greater than the last one manufactured in 1953, but less than the first one in 1954. Does anyone know why this serial number is not included in the chart? What happened to L-4451 through L-23799?
Good to know! Awesome video. My dad that passed 16 yrs ago had a FAB. N non magnum with a like 6” huge muzzle brake on it. I’m guessing it’s late 50s, early 60s, it’s currently locked away safely at a cousins house.....BUT, when they borrowed it the BROKE the muzzle brake off! I CANNOT find a barrel(with or without the ugly muzzle brake.) Any ideas once I get serial #?
I still can’t quit tell what mine is. Mines only got 4 numbers(7686) and a [v] in a square below them.
Nothing else. No G. No L. That’s it.
Can anybody help me here?
So #1270 is a 1903 browning ? The gun my dad gave me at age 14 for duck hunting. I can't believe this,I better sit down and double check this . Holy cow!
Have a browning automatic-5 20 gauge with serial number 48546. It has 1Z on top of that number. Trying to date the gun. Can't find a good date listing of that particular SN.
CZ
998**
Is my guns mark
20 gauge 2 3/4 Belgium made
I'd like to know more about it.
Hey thanks for the great info on the Browning Auto5. I am confused a bit by one of my Auto5's - it's SN is 91455 -Standard weight-plain barrel which dates to 1927! But, it also has a 9M above it.
Looking thru the charts you provided, I don't see that code (9M standard weight code) until 1959. Did they those codes back in 1927?
Any help will be appreciated😁
1959
Mine starts with TN 43670 v which is quite confusing to date back so plis help
Where did you get this info from because it's conflicting with Browning archives.
Just bought a a5. Serial number is H 15471. The standard series chart doesn’t show that number? It’s between 1953 and 1954?
Please help!
My A5 Magnum has a two line serial (5V & 78xxx) like you showed but it is a Japanese made... So I am very confused because I have a Belgium style serial number receiver but says made in Japan.
Were the barrels stamped with a serial number, and if so, should it match the receiver serial number?
Does the numbers mean the same for 16 gauge ?
I have a question. My serial number is 383504 which means it was made in 1952, however it says light twelve on the side. Why would this be?
I just assumed my gun was made in 63, 63V 20571 but the 63 doesn't match your years on the page any idea or am I right thinking it's still a 63
Question ….. my dad left me his A5
Serial 2M 89193
The stock has a 5 stamped both sides behind receiver. Is this normal ?
My Ser number is 300682 and it's not on your list and it has the mag switch on the side so what year is it?
So apparently I have a Belgium 1957 light browning 5 in the box with the receipts and best of all never shot mint condition. what do you value would be?
You scanned over the part about when they added the number in front of the letter.
If it shows
0G and then number below, can you clarify… this means it’s a light model?
Check out the video at 1:50
Wondering if someone could help me decide a sn on a light twelve I’m looking at buying. If looking at the bottom of the receiver to the left you have 59 in small numbers. Followed by 1190 in large number with a g sideways on the right hand side
my browning have code:1
and
458900
what year pls?!
i cant found that number in video
Hello!
Happy New Year!
I am inquiring about an odd SN Stamping or at least it seems different from the explaination in this video.
There is a it is located on the bottom of the receiver.
In the first row: A Circled FN
In the second row: the number "177xxx"
In the third row: A number in smaller type face that looks like a "51"
All of the above stampings are centered on the receiver.
There ar no letters except for the Circled FN.
I ask of course because I want to date the shotgun, but also because it might help others since I am sure that many other shotguns were stamped with this method of stamping.
Also to add to the confusion, it seems to have the split or two piece lifter.
To me the Serial Number matches 1931 by your charts; other charts on the Browing site say FN took over production in 1952; Still there is a split lifter installed.
Well, I am confused. ...I need to ask the experts!!!
I look forward to your rapid reply.
...smiles!
Thanks!
2021/12/31
----
Thank you that was very helpful. Mine was made the first year of the lightweights
so - a small 58 then 0224 - what does that designate ?
How can I contact you? My Browning A-5 which I always thought was a 1925 version, is per your serial numbers a 1904. I have done a little research and can find none like mine. My barrel says cockerill steel, on top barrel says Browning Arms Mfg. Ogden, Ut.. also after cockerill steel, CHOKE, a star with T on it's side, A double headed arrow to right, a diamond with 12C on side in side, then a crowned bomb? with E over LG over a star inside. I have pictures. Mine does not have the chambering lever.
I own and I have seen other FN made A5 with the following numbers. Mine is 59 (smaller numbers) then 4 bigger numbers, mine is 76xx. Receiver marked Browning and FN in oval circle. Many belgian ELG and PV proof markings on receiver, barrel and bolt. Any idea?
Barrel marked Fabrique Nationale D’Armes De Guerre . Herstal-Belgique. It is 12/70. FN contacted, no answer yet. All markings original, deep and sharp. Greek sigma letter on barrel, which stands for 1959.
Good day, mind says 58M 43044 so is it a 58 standard or i am all wrong? Thanks for the help.
Thank YOU!! Browning c onfused me. I had a G31366, thought is was '57. but yours showed m '56.. St. louis side,. I don't have the purchase receipt from my dad.. But i shot it when i was 7... I'm 65 now..
Mine's a '57 Model Randy...G69853 Light 12 ~ Dad gave it to me in '66 when I was 10...still shooting strong ~
I got one for ya. My browning auto 12 has a "B" in front of 37,xxx yes just 5 numbers. The b puts it at what 1939-46 but the serial number puts it way earlier. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mike.
I have a very similar gun have you ever heard any more info?
My cousin has two Auto-5's we're trying to date.
The first matches your charts, it's labeled a Magnum with 8V over a 4 digit (XXXX) serial number so I assume it's a 1958.
The second is clearly labeled as a "Light Twelve" in cursive on the left-hand side, the serial number has FN in a circle above it and the serial itself is a 6 digit number, there are NO letter prefixes. It's 420xxx. Based on the initial chart you presented that would make it a 1953, however you mentioned it should have an L to indicate a Light 12, it does not?
Thanks,
How are y'all able to read the charts? When I try to pause on them they have a bunch of stuff in front of them and it's blurry. What does G1 above the number mean?
I’m still having problems with dating mine, and I’d prefer to DM you if ok? I have an enigma with my Browning, but it def newer.
Mine has an
H
9688
Chart stops at h-6600, confused on if it’s from 1953 or if it’s from earlier
I have a 16 gauge that has a G856 when was it made