So confused... I recently bought a Browning 16 gauge with a Simmons rib and serial number of A6800. Barrel does not show Belgium marking. It is also parkerized on the top of the hump as well as the trigger guard in a silver gray. Could this be a 1957 - 1958 Sweet Sixteen? Also has a Champion Cutt from 15 - 40. I read that 1957 - 1958 models with an A were Sweet Sixteen and a T were standard. Anyone? Some recently told me it was assembled in USA. Guess this is what confuses me: 1957 – 1958Second series of "A" prefix A Serial Number 01 November 14, 1957 and T Serial Number T229 November 24, 1957 1957-1958 A or T #01 – 10900 A Indicated Sweet Sixteen and T indicated standard 16 Another site stipulated that A=16 gauge, B=12 gauge, C=20 gauge. Trying to learn year and value.
Both the NRA Museum and Proof House have firearm Serial # dating sites: http://www.nramuseum.org/gun-info-research/serialization-date-of-manufacture-from-the-blue-book.aspx http://www.proofhouse.com/browning/index.html The other questions I will defer to the A5 Guru(s) here: Hey...Rudolph31 !!
OK, although Browning did have two runs of A-prefixed serial numbers on the 16 gauge in the '50's, that's not what you've got. During WWII, Remington supplied Browning with shotguns because FN in Belgium was occupied by the Nazis. These guns are actually the Model 11 with a cutoff and Browning markings and engraving. The serial number appears on the side of the receiver rather than on the bottom, and the prefix indicates gauge, A=16 etc. Other than springs, few if any parts will interchange with a Belgian Browning. If something breaks, buy Remington parts. Here's a close-up of a Belgian to compare:
The "American Brownings" value are as shooters. Asking prices are typically in the $400-$500 range on Gunbroker, usually with no bidders. My personal opinion is $250-$400. As for year of production, 1940-46. Yours seems to have a low number, so I'd guess 1941 or 42. Maybe you can check the Remington date code on the barrel (if it's there) to find out. Interestingly, if you wanted a 20 gauge Auto-5 you had to wait until 1958 for a Belgian but Remington made them for Browning in the '40's.
