Current Market Value of a Browning Auto-5
A Browning Auto-5 is worth around $700. However, prices vary and usually range from $450 on the low end to $900. If you have an expensive variant like the Sweet Sixteen, it may be worth as much as $2,500, depending on the condition.
What influences the price of a Browning Auto-5?
The price of a Browning Auto-5 is affected by several key factors. The main drivers of value for a Browning A-5 are:
- Condition
- Specific Model Variant
- Year of Manufacture
- Originality and Matching Parts
- Engraving or Inlays
- Accessories and Provenance Documentation
The Impact of Condition on Price
Condition plays a big role in the value of a Browning Auto-5. Modern guns usually don't lose a whole lot of value if they're used. However, Auto-5 collectors often seek out models in mint condition.
You can use the key below to determine what condition your Browning Auto-5 is in:
Mint Condition (98-100%)
No discernible handling marks, and as-new appearance. Auto-5's in mint condition are the most valuable.
Excellent Condition (95-98%)
Minimal handling marks, near-new appearance. Often valued at 80-90% of mint condition prices.
Very Good Condition (90-94%)
Slight wear, very clean overall. Typically valued at 70-80% of mint condition prices.
Good Condition (80-89%)
Visible wear, fully functional. Usually valued at 50-70% of mint condition prices.
Fair Condition (70-79%)
Significant wear, may have minor issues. Often valued at 40-50% of mint condition prices.
Poor Condition (60-69% or below)
Heavily used, may have functional issues. Typically valued at 20-40% of mint condition prices, mainly for parts or restoration.
For collectible Auto-5s, the difference between one in good and excellent condition can be hundreds of dollars.
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Different Browning Auto-5 Model Variants
Different variants of the Browning Auto-5 have unique features and varying market values. Here's a look at some popular variants:
Browning Auto-5 Standard 12 Gauge Model
The most common variant, featuring the classic humpback design.
- The market-value of a standard Browning Auto-5 in 12-gauge is $400 to $750, depending on condition and year.
Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve
A lighter version of the 12 gauge, popular for its improved handling.
- The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve is $500 and $1,100, with a premium for earlier models in excellent condition.
Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen
The 16 gauge version, prized for its balance and rarity.
- The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Sweet Sixteen is $700 to $2,500, with higher prices for pre-1976 models.
Browning Auto-5 Light Twenty
The 20 gauge version, favored for upland hunting.
- The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Light Twenty is $800 to $1,400, depending on condition and year.
Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twelve
Designed for 3-inch magnum shells, popular among waterfowl hunters.
- The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twelve is $550 to $900, with a premium for early models in excellent condition.
Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twenty
20 gauge version capable of firing 3-inch magnum shells.
- The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twenty is $700 to $1,800, depending on condition and features.
Post-2014 Browning A5
This model retains the iconic Auto-5 design but has a new inertia-driven system and lighter materials.
- MSRP: Brand-new Browning A5's range from $1,540 for the A5 Stalker all the way to $2,400 for the A5 Ultimate
- The market-value of a used post-2014 Browning A5 is $650 to $1,650, depending on the exact model variant.
Browning A5 Hunter
A modern A5 model with a gloss walnut stock, fiber-optic front sight, and a recoil-operated kinematic drive.
- MSRP: Brand-new Browning A5 Hunter's retail around $1,700.
- The market-value of a used Browning A5 Hunter is $700 to $900, depending on the condition.
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Year of Manufacture
Contrary to what some might expect, older doesn't always mean more valuable for Browning Auto-5s. The value can vary significantly based on the production era:
1903-1939 (Pre-WWII FN Production)
Highly collectible. Well-preserved models can fetch $1,000-$2,000 or more.
1940-1947 (Remington Production)
Made during WWII when FN couldn't produce. Sought after by collectors, values range from $600-$1,500 depending on condition.
1948-1975 (Post-war FN Production)
Generally valued $500-$1,000, with premium for excellent condition.
1976-1998 (Miroku Production)
Often $400-$800, less collectible but still sought after by shooters for their quality.
1999 "Final Tribute"
Limited edition, highly collectible. Can fetch $2,000-$3,000 or more.
New A5 (2014-present)
Modern inertia-driven system, valued more for performance than collectibility. Still, they are pretty valuable, ranging from $650 to $1,650 used.
The most valuable tend to be pre-1940 FN-produced models in excellent condition, followed by post-war FN models. To determine the year of your Auto-5, you can refer to Browning’s Auto-5 serial number lookup tool.
Other Factors That Impact The Price of a Browning A5
Engraving
Engraving can significantly increase value, especially on higher-grade models. Factory engraved models can be worth 50-100% more than standard models. Custom engraving impact varies based on quality and artist reputation.
Box or Case
Original boxes or cases have a minor impact on value for most models. For modern A5's, an original box might add $20-$40 to the value. For rare, early models, an original box can add more value to collectors.
Original Parts & Matching Serial Numbers
Crucial for collector-grade firearms. Auto-5s with all original, matching parts can be worth 20-100% more than those with replacement parts.
Original Finish
A well-preserved and original finish makes a Browning Auto-5 more desirable. Refinishing collectible firearms usually lowers their price. It often reduces their value by 30-50% or more.
Historical Provenance
Auto-5s with provable ties to history can fetch very high prices. However, it's not likely that your Auto-5 is historically significant.
The price of a Browning Auto-5 depends on many factors, including its condition, model variant, and year made. Modern A5's often retain value even after use, and condition matters a lot more for vintage Auto-5s. Prices range from a few hundred dollars for used models to thousands for rare, pristine ones. The easiest way to determine the value of your gun is to use Cash for Arms. Whether you want to sell a single gun, or sell a gun collection, we will send you a market-based cash offer for your guns.
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History of the Browning Auto-5
The Browning Auto-5 holds a legendary status in the world of firearms. It marks a major milestone as the first successful semi-automatic shotgun. Its history is as rich and complex as the firearm itself.
John Browning's Auto-5, unveiled in 1902, revolutionized shotgun design. This pioneering semi-automatic firearm boasted a unique long-recoil mechanism and iconic humpback receiver. For almost 100 years, the Auto-5 rolled off production lines in Belgium, America, and Japan. It cemented its legacy as a groundbreaking weapon.
Hunters, sport shooters, and even the military favored this legendary shotgun. They used it during both World Wars. Its reliability, versatility, and unique design made it popular. It was chosen for a wide range of uses.
Browning revived the A5 name in 2014 after it was discontinued in 1998. They gave it a modernized design. It keeps the classic humpback look. But, the new A5 uses an inertia-driven system. This shows Browning's commitment to innovation while honoring the original's legacy.
The Auto-5's impact on the firearms industry is undeniable. Its success paved the way for semi-automatic shotguns to become common. Its design influenced many other firearms. The Auto-5 is a symbol of innovation. It also shows the lasting appeal of a well-made firearm.