I just picked up a 1929 12 ga. A5 shotgun. I've downloaded a manual but it's for a later model as a lot of stuff in it is not on my gun. I also downloaded a field service manual but it has the same problem. There are 1950's manuals on eBay. I asked whether this would cover the older models with the safety on the front of the trigger guard and the seller indicated it covered covered one with the rear safety. Does anyone know where I can get the proper manual? Thanks. Jim B
Good luck with that. You want a manual for a pre-1951 Auto-5. Most of the ads on Gunbroker don't specify the year, and most want over $40 for info that can be downloaded for free. I found one ad for $18 for a manual that might, but probably won't, fill the bill. It doesn't mention the 20 gauge, so it's pre-1958. Speed Load was introduced in 1953. http://www.gunbroker.com/item/616814670
According to S/V, up until the mid 1930's the "Owners Manual" consisted of a hang tag with instructions on assembly, loading, and adjusting the friction pieces. It was about the size of a file card -- obviously not written by lawyers.
There is a fella on gunbroker.com who sells every kind of manual you can ask for. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk