An interesting/unusual FN Browning A5 "Humpback"

[IvW]

So I am looking at buying another Combination or Drilling and start going through my safe to check what may be availible to sell to generate some funds.....(may not may just add....)

Out comes the FN Browning "Humpback" A5 I have. Bought this many years ago for self defence and have used it for bird shooting, although at some bird shoots here people look at you strange when you take it out so now I only use it for that when it is only me or my kids that go bird shooting.

When I bought it I found it strange that it has a full 8 shot magazine(which gives you the option of 9 shots, 1 in the chamber and 8 in the mag). The other interesting thing is that the barrel was lengthened at some point. Both these modifications seem to be factory done. The barrel is 28 inches.

I found a version, with the extended magazine, of which 1000 was ordered by the SA police service and of which some where sent cross border to the then Rhodesia and these where used by the man walking point during patrols. These however had short barrels and the fore end was also extended(which mine is not). These fore end extensions where typically done using oak wood, mine apears to be walnut.

I have tried to trace the serial number to records but the closest I get is made in (if I am using the right number, numbering is a bit confusing on the gun)
1908

Overview No known design changes.

Serial number range 26971 - 30446

Now I would really appreciate some experts giving me some in puts and info if they know anything more about this shot gun, many thanks.


The Receiver

The fore end

The mag extension

The gun

The butt

The bottom of receiver showing nr.

More nr.

 

[GuttormG]

The magazine extension is some aftermarket part.

I like auto-5s, shot my first ducks with one (12 gauge lightweight version).

 

[IvW]

This one shoots straight but I am hesitent to use buckshot or slugs through the extended barrel

 

[Ridgewalker]

Quite unusual! I’ve never heard of extending a barrel!

 

[wesheltonj]

From what little I know, it looks like 1970. Does the grip have a rounded bottom knob or flat. If flat that would confirm. The flat knob was introduced in 1967. Browning also made a slug barrel for those guns. Those are lead only guns. You need a barrel from Miroku 1976 to 1998 to shoot steel.

 

[IvW]

Rounded at the bottom of pistol grip....

 

[wesheltonj]

Rounded at the bottom of pistol grip....

Thanks. from a quick internet search your butt plate is from the Miroku period.

Browning A-5 Shotgun, Butt Plate, Belgian-FN Era

Check out the deal on Browning A-5 Shotgun, Butt Plate, Belgian-FN Era at MGW

www.midwestgunworks.com

Browning A-5 Shotgun, Butt Plate, Japanese Era

Check out the deal on Browning A-5 Shotgun, Butt Plate, Japanese Era at MGW

www.midwestgunworks.com

 

[wesheltonj]

1951 to 1976 Cross bolt safety behind the trigger.

Maybe a "custom" made with various parts.

 

[IvW]

All numbers match(receiver and barrel)...

 

[wesheltonj]

The only person, that I know for sure that can tell you have you have is Art Isaacson at Art's Gun and Sport Shop. This guy knows everything Browning.

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But my guess is still 1970, but the butt stock was replaced with pre 1967 wood and Post 1976 Butt plate. 1970 had salt wood.

 

[Red Leg]

1951 to 1976 Cross bolt safety behind the trigger.

Maybe a "custom" made with various parts.

I think this was likely originally a police import. The dates match. I would agree with what @wesheltonj surmises. At some point an "innovative" gunsmith tried to turn it into a hunting gun by lengthening the barrel and adding other wood. I am glad it has served you safely. Personally, I would not fire that barrel in front of my face with any load.

 

[IvW]

Eish so I guess it has to go....

 

[flatwater bill]

Is it possible to take bbl extension off? Maybe have to take magazine tube ext off. Then, shoot it with anything...they are one of the toughest shotguns ever made. Or, buy a different bbl, say on gunbroker. I have many of these guns and use them to hunt waterfowl. I have also taken them to Argentina. Not worth much with the waterpipe stuck on the front, so you don't have much to lose by removing it...............good luck..............FWB

 

[IvW]

May look at another waiting for details.....the other one comes with standard ag and 2 barrels(no idea what yet). Can then swop the mag ext and chop the barrel and keep this one for self defence......

 

[IvW]

And so it goes....you want to sell a gun start google and then enquire about buying another.....

 

[LivingTheDream]

No way I would give up the magazine extension. You should be able to get a different barrel though the numbers won't match.

Many of my "firsts" were taken with an A5 and I still hunt upland game with one.

 

[IvW]

Yip strong reliable gun may end ip with two and 3 barrels....never had an issue with this barrel yet...

 

[enysse]

I personally love that gun for bird hunting. I own two of them, they work flawlessly.

 

[Wheels]

The only person, that I know for sure that can tell you have you have is Art Isaacson at Art's Gun and Sport Shop. This guy knows everything Browning.

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But my guess is still 1970, but the butt stock was replaced with pre 1967 wood and Post 1976 Butt plate. 1970 had salt wood.

I never considered that salt wood affected shotguns as well as rifles, but it certainly makes sense.

Thanks for the education on the A5.



I have fond memories of the A5 as a kid since the narrow forearm was easier to hold.

 

[IvW]

So I have found out The G is for the lighter more desireable one in 12ga. The 70 is the year of manufacture and this one was made in Belgium....

Still try to get info on the barrel