There's not any difference in price that I've seen in assembled in Portugal guns. (can't say for sure if the A-5's ever were for sure) The big difference in A-5's is whether they were made by Miroku or not, and even then it's not a quality problem or functionality, just desirability. www.browning.com/faq/detail.asp?ID=90AUTO-5 MAGNUM - 12 or 20 ga., 3 in. chamber, 26, 28, 30, or 32 in. barrels, various chokes, VR, similar to Standard, 8½ - 9 lbs. Mfg. 1958-76 by FN, 1976-Feb. 1998 by Miroku. Grading 100% 98% 95% 90% 80% 70% 60% FN model. $725 $650 $550 $450 $400 $375 $350 FN-vent. rib. $925 $795 $695 $645 $575 $465 $415 Add 10% for NIB condition. Add 15% for 20 ga. with VR if NIB. Between 1976-1985 approx. 2,000 Belgian 12 ga. A-5 Mags. were imported into the U.S. These late models can be differentiated by serialization - also, slight premiums may be asked. The 20 ga. Mag. was not introduced until 1967. As far as the recoil pad, I believe they were offered with them, especially if it has the Browning name on it, otherwise it would not hurt the value if it were not offered even among the most disciminating collectors since it would be a matter of two screws to correct. At the price you are getting it for, I wouldn't kick if it were an after market on in dayglow orange 
