Gentlemen,

In an other thread:

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=215947&p=1798520

“3rdbuttondown” asked for a Browning Auto 5 timeline thread. I like his idea and I try to start. But before I’ll do so, some general remarks:

1/ basis of the following are guns discussed on this forum, my own guns, info I gathered from the internet and of course the book “Browning Auto-5 Shotguns – The Belgian FN Production” by H. M. Shirley Jr. and Anthony Vanderlinden (in the following: SV). There are “white spots” though, especially when it comes to pre-1909 A5s. I tried to fill the gaps as best as I can. But not all info given for guns in the 1903 to 1909 timeframe are exact – the info reflects my current knowledge. And I am still learning.

2/ I’m not a native English speaker and there will be mistakes in language. If you find something what can be corrected in language (especially grammar), please send me a PM and I’ll gladly correct it.

3/ My main interested are the pre 1940 A5s. I’m simply lost with the post 1940 A5s. I’d be happy to see a fellow willing to continue the timeline for guns made after 1940. If this fellow like to have drawings like the ones shown hereinafter: advise, and I’ll make them.

4/ The drawings shown hereinafter were made by myself, based on observed features. There may be mistakes in it – advise by PM, and I will correct them.

5/ I’m referring to technical details only when a change was made, e.g. I’m referring to locking screws only in 1909, when they were introduced. If there is no reference to a specific feature in later years, that means, no changes were made.

6/ abbreviations:
SN = serial number
SV = Shirley/Vanderlinden “Browning Auto-5 Shotguns – The Belgian FN Production”, first edition, 2003, Wet Dog Publications, Greensboro, NC; ISBN:0-9707997-1-3

7/ Hopefully, the following isn’t too boring for you! If you find anything what should be corrected or amended, please advise via PM.

Enjoy!

Regards

Martin

1903

Overview Beginning of series production of the Auto 5 in 12 gauge (only) by FN. First 500 approximately had a two part trigger housing and the patent dates on the trigger housing. An example for such a gun (SN 1) is shown in SV, page 51. An example for a later 1903 A5 SN 2996 is shown here:

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openThe ... akeyourown

Serial number range 1 - 4121

Receiver legend FABRIQUE - NATIONALE - HERSTAL - LIEGE. BELGIUM – BROWNING’S – PATENTS.
OCT. 9. 1900 – DEC. 17. 1901 – SEPT. 30. 1902 – JUNE. 16. 1903

Barrel address (US market) BROWNING AUTOMATIC ARMS Co OGDEN UTAH U.S.A.

Barrel address (non-US market) FABRIQUE –NATIONALE - HERSTAL-LIEGE. BELGIUM.

Barrel steel indication COCKERILL STEEL

Barrel Ring mounted on ramp

Barrel Rib none

Barrel Chamber length 2 ¾” (70 mm) for the US market – 2 9/16” (65 mm) for the European market

Receiver features Square cartridge stop. Punch port over screw of carrier assembly (large diameter on left, small diameter on right). Straight horizontal edge interrupted only by front screw of trigger assembly. Operating handle wedge-shaped. Magazine tube secured by a screw located on the right side. Carrier latch button plain and having small diameter.




Recoil spring Square coils

Safety “Suicide safety” – safety type 1

Magazine cut-off none

Magazine Tube/Screw Cap Tube with fine thread at front end – cap with two rings and corresponding fine thread

Trigger Straight

Stock/Forearm features Mostly straight English stock with no checkering. Some with checkering. Forearm with finger groove not extending all way to the front, but having a “stop”




Buttplate Thick hard rubber with distinctive mold pattern on the back



Proofs Inspector’s marking Star/J on bolt and receiver. Most (but not all ?) are only black-powder proofed and lacking Belgian Lion over P.V. smokeless proof.

Misc. Most are like described above, but some have features of 1904 guns. See 1904 for these.

1904

Overview In 1904, four different variations have been observed with overlapping serial numbers:

1904-A: Identical to the above described 1903 model, but having SNs of 1904. Inspector’s marking Star/T (all?). A nice engraved example of a 1904-A SN 7312 is shown in SV, page 207. Said #7312 has inspector’s marking Star/T and no smokeless powder proof.

1904-B:Like the above described 1903s and having 1903 SNs, but with a magazine cut-off and a safety type 2 factory installed. 1904-Bs actually are 1903 made shotguns “updated” in 1904 by FN before they were shipped. These 1903 receivers (but having the “1904 service pack”) have Inspector’s marking star/J but a smokeless powder proof. Examples: SN 2506, discussed here
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=202856&p=1674208
and SN 1842, discussed here
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=214348

1904-C: like a 1904-B, but SNs of the 1904 SN range, have all features of 1903s, but have the “1904 service pack” installed also. Inspector’s marking star/T, smokeless powder proof Lion/P.V. An example for a 1904-C is Jeff Mull’s #12658 shown/discussed here:

viewtopic.php?t=134453&view=next

1904-D:Punch port moved towards front of receiver. Magazine tube secured by screw of magazine cut-off – no screw on right side. Inspector’s marking star/T and smokeless powder proof lion over P.V. Type 2 safety and long magazine cut-off, now installed regularly.

Example: SN 12400, discussed here:
viewtopic.php?f=53&t=196952

Serial number range 4122 – 15300

Barrel steel indication COCKERILL STEEL or ACIER SPECIAL

Receiver features Depending of the variation (see above). Only variation 1904-D has some totally new features: Punch port moved forward to allow disassembly of the breech in the forward position. Magazine tube secured by screw of the magazine cut-off – no screw located on the right side.



Safety Safety type 1 (on variation 1904-A) or type 2 (on variations 1904-B, 1904-C and 1904-D)

Magazine cut-off none on variation 1904-A / short type magazine cut-off on variations 1904-B and 1904-C / long type magazine cut-off on variation 1904-D

Proofs Inspector’s marking Star/J on bolt and receiver (var. 1904-A and 1904-B) or Inspector’s marking Star/T on bolt and receiver (at least, var. 1904-D).

Misc. 1904 is the year, when FN introduced a new safety (type 2) and the magazine cut-off. Both improvements were FN inventions (not invented by John M. Browning). According to an early FN manual, all A5s above SN 14000 should have a magazine cut-off –but some don’t (see under 1906).


FN filed patents for the magazine cut-off filed in Belgian patent office on January 23, 1904



In the patent drawing is shown the early “short” type of the magazine cut-off with short spring, short lever with flat back. This type can be found at least on variations 1904-B and 1904-C, while on 1904-D variations (and later guns) the “long” variation (long lever with rib on back) is present. For better understanding, here’s a photo of the early lever with flat back:




FN filed a patent for the type 2 Safety type 2 in Belgian patent office on January 23, 1904



Note: Between 1904 and 1923 no exports of FN made Browning Auto 5 to the US (according to SV).

1905

Overview No known changes. The very few observed are identical to the 1904-D variation. Maybe the design change of the operating handle was made already in 1905.

Serial number range 15301 - 19920

1906

Overview Two design changes: operating handle and cartridge stop.

Serial number range 19921 - 22320

Receiver features Cartridge stop now rounded on lower edge. Operating handle fin shaped.



Magazine cut-off none or long type

Magazine Tube/Screw Cap Tube with coarse thread at front end – cap with two rings and corresponding coarse thread

Misc. While most should have a magazine cut-off, there is known at least one, which does not have a magazine cut-off. This one is Jeff Mull’s “Droopy” SN 22629, shown/discussed here:

viewtopic.php?t=134453&view=next

1907

Overview No known design changes. Only the receiver address changed slightly at some point. Also, “Acier Special” and “Special Steel”, respectively, instead of “Cockerill Steel”.

Serial number range 22321 – 26970

Receiver legend

FABRIQUE - NATIONALE - HERSTAL - LIEGE. BELGIUM – BROWNING’S – PATENTS.
OCT. 9. 1900 – DEC. 17. 1901 – SEPT. 30. 1902 – JUNE. 16. 1903

Or

FABRIQUE - NATIONALE - HERSTAL - LIEGE. BELGIUM – BROWNING’S – PATENTS. DÉPOSÉ
OCT. 9. 1900 – DEC. 17. 1901 – SEPT. 30. 1902 – JUNE. 16. 1903

Barrel steel indication ACIER SPECIAL or SPECIAL STEEL

Stock/Forearm features Mostly straight English stock checkering. Some already with round pistol grip.

Misc. While SN 24924 still has the old receiver legend (without “Déposé”), SN 26376 already has the legend plus “Déposé”. Said A5 is shown here:

http://talks.guns.ru/forummessage/60/081427-53.html

1908

Overview No known design changes.

Serial number range 26971 - 30446

Misc. According to a 1908 dated German gun catalog, shown/discussed here:

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=200676&p=1655717

availability of lock screws and a carrier latch button with larger diameter for some extra $$ is mentioned. None 1908 made A5 has been observed yet having already lock screws and a large button.

1909

Overview A lot of design changes. Beginning of series production of the Auto 5 in 16 gauge in an own SN block.

Serial number range 12 gauge 30447 – 33431

Serial number range 16 gauge 1 - 3200

Receiver legend

FABRIQUE - NATIONALE - HERSTAL - LIEGE. BELGIUM – BROWNING’S – PATENTS. DÉPOSÉ
OCT. 9. 1900 – DEC. 17. 1901 – SEPT. 30. 1902 – JUNE. 16. 1903

Or

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE

Barrel steel indication ACIER SPECIAL

Receiver features Lower horizontal edge interrupted by a reinforcing “bump”. Lock screws. Carrier latch button with concentric circles and having large diameter. Punch port on left side with small diameter. Rearward end of slide handle groove rounded.



Safety Front trigger guard safety with locking latch (Safety Type 3)

Stock/Forearm features Straight English stock or Stock with pistol grip. Forearm with finger groove running through all way to the front.

Buttplate

A/Thick hard rubber with distinctive mold pattern on the back like 1903 – 1908 A5s (SN 33024 still has this buttplate)

B/ Horn buttplate with FN logo only:




Misc. In 1909, the type 3 safety was introduced. Another FN invention, patented at least in France. Said patent was filed in French Patent Office on April 28, 1908



The 16 gauge A5 (with short 2 9/16” = 65 mm chamber only) has a slightly different appearance due to a shorter receiver.

1910 to 1914

Overview No known design changes.

Serial number range 12 gauge

1910: 33432 - 35630
1911: 35631 - 35925
1912: 35926 - 38988
1913: 38989 - 44250
1914: 44251 - 47298

Serial number range 16 gauge

There is only vague info about 16 ga SNs in SV (page 74) for the time 1910 to 1914. SNs 3201 – 15000 were invoiced between 1st Jan. 1910 and 30th June 1913. Last shipped before the outbreak of WWI was SN 19642.

1915 to 1918

Overview No production due to German occupation of Belgium during WWI.

1919 to 1922

Overview No known design changes.


Serial number range 12 gauge

1919: 47719 - 47950
1920: 47299 - 47718
1921: 48951 - 53500
1922: 53501 - 58150

Serial number range 16 gauge

1919: 19671- 20500
1920: 20501 - 22237
1921: 22238 - 24050
1922: 24051 – 26000

1923

Overview Some minor design changes.

Serial number range 12 gauge 58151 - 62600

Serial number range 16 gauge 26001 - 28400

Barrel Address (US market) BROWNING ARMS COMPANY OGDEN UTAH
BROWNING’S PATENT

Barrel Ring no more ramp; ring forged in one with with the barrel

Barrel Rib none or solid rib (hollow matted raised rib) (SV page 98)

Recoil spring Round coils. This change may have occurred a little later (1924 or 1925). See discussion about square/round recoil spring here:

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=187139

Trigger Curved



Buttplate Horn buttplate type 3 – now again with “Browning” and “Automatic” around the FN logo. Smooth on back. The change in the buttplate may have occurred a little later (1924 or 1925), as there are some 1924 and 1925 made A5s still having the type 2 buttplate with the FN logo only.



Misc. Note: the a. m. changes may have occurred also a little later (buttplate, recoil spring) or a little earlier (trigger).

1924 to 1928

Overview No known design changes.

Serial number range 12 gauge

1924: 62601 - 69300
1925: 69301 - 79150
1926: 79151 - 88000
1927: 88001 - 106250
1928: 106251 - 127650

Serial number range 16 gauge (see SV, page 75)

1924: 28401 - 35650
1925: 35651 – 40010 (app.)
1926: 40011 (app.) - 51600
1927: 51601 - 57900
1928: 57901 - 65100


Misc. Belgian Proof Law changed in 1924. Since 1924, the gauge marking changed from e. g. “12 C inside a diamond” to e.g. 12-70 in a open oval. The first two digits are the gauge (12, 16, and so on) while the last two digits are the chamber length in millimetres (70 = 2 ¾”, 65 = 2 9/16”). More interesting: the Belgians introduced (already in 1922) a year code. If you know the year code, you can determine when a specific gun was proofed – and probably made. An overview on Belgian Proof markings and Date codes is here:

http://damascus-barrels.com/Belgian_All_Proofmarks.html

The date codes are a good source for checking a manufacturing date, while the data given in SV is sometimes vague (what’s not SV’s fault ! There seem to be huge gaps in FN’s records). E.g., I’m aware of a 16 gauge SN 92416. According to SV’s SN data, the gun should have been made in 1931 – but the gun has a proof date code “h” indicating proof in 1929. So don’t rely too much on the above SN data – especially, when it comes to 16 gauge A5s.

1929

Overview No known design changes, except for newly available ventilated barrel rib (as an option) and barrel address change.

Serial number range 12 gauge 127651 - 154500

Serial number range 16 gauge 65101 - 82750

Barrel Address (US market) BROWNING ARMS COMPANY OGDEN UTAH AND ST LOUIS MO

Barrel Rib none or ventilated rib with X posts (SV page 98)

1930

Overview No known design changes, except for barrel address change.

Serial number range 12 gauge 154501 - 177100

Serial number range 16 gauge 82751 - 90500

Barrel Address (US market) BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO

1931

Overview No known design changes.

Serial number range 12 gauge 177101 - 182300

Serial number range 16 gauge 90501 - 94000

1932

Overview Introduction of the three shot Auto 3 with shorter magazine tube and shorter forearm marked “Browning 3 Shot” (SV, page 119)

Serial number range 12 gauge 182301 - 182788

Serial number range 16 gauge 94001 - 96072

1933

Overview No known design changes.

Serial number range 12 gauge 182789 - 183152

Serial number range 16 gauge 96073 - 96143

1934

Overview No known design changes except for change in receiver legend.

Serial number range 12 gauge 183153 - 185560

Serial number range 16 gauge 96144 - 99500

Receiver legend Now with BROWNING and John M. Browning’s bust between “TRADE” and “MARK”

1935

Overview Introduction of the Magazine Adaptor plugs. These plugs were an invention of Browning’s employees John E. Russel, Douglas B. Ellis and Robert E. Gardiner. They filed a US patent No. 2,026,252 on 9th February 1935 and assigned their invention to Browning:




Serial number range 12 gauge 185561 - 191604

Serial number range 16 gauge 99501 - 103500