Help with A5 Proofs and date

Discussion in 'Browning Auto A-5' started by a1parrothead, May 20, 2023.

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  1. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Hello all,
    I have never owned an A5 before and need some information. I can easily date this to 1909 with the serial number. But need help decoding this barrel. I have attached some pictures of the proofs and numbers.

    Is this barrel safe to shoot? I would not shoot any steel in it, and it looks to be in great shape other then finish loss. As is often said on here. any help would be appreciated 20230520_145156.jpg ! Also, is that barrel from 1970?
    20230520_145127.jpg
    a1parrothead
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #1
  2. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Also, is the barrel from 1970?
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #2
  3. Ranger6

    Ranger6 Administrator Staff Member Administrator Global Moderator Forum Moderator

    Why would it not be safe to shoot? The 12-70 in the oval is 12 ga 2 3/4. I can't make out the rest. The barrel code should be above the PV. Are you sure about 1909?
    Ranger6, May 20, 2023
    #3
  4. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Screenshot 2023-05-20 at 17-46-34 Learn how to date your Browning Auto 5 12 ga. - YouTube.png Ranger6,
    Well, its a five digit serial number, Starting with 325... I found this video on YouTube with this chart and according to it its 1909. But......then I found this other chart which says 1924! I don't know!!! Screenshot 2023-05-20 at 17-46-34 Learn how to date your Browning Auto 5 12 ga. - YouTube.png know!!!
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #4
  5. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Screenshot 2023-05-20 at 17-50-15 Browning A5 12 ga. Shotgun Serial Number Tables with Photos.png
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #5
  6. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    So what do I believe? Mine is a 12 gauge. Maybe the second table is only for 16 gauge? I have no clue!
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #6
  7. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Sorry about the double post of the first chart!
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #7
  8. Ranger6

    Ranger6 Administrator Staff Member Administrator Global Moderator Forum Moderator

    I have posted a thread on serial numbers straight from the NRA website which is the best place to date an auto 5. If yours is 5 digit starting with 325.. then 1909 it is. That old the barrel should also have the same number if orginal.
    Ranger6, May 20, 2023
    #8
  9. Ranger6

    Ranger6 Administrator Staff Member Administrator Global Moderator Forum Moderator

    If you want good info we need good pictures of the gun, the serial number should match in several places.
    Ranger6, May 20, 2023
    #9
  10. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    There is the number B27185 stamped on the barrel as you can see above. What is that number? I can find no other serial type number. Any ideas on where it would be stamped on the barrel?
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #10
  11. Ranger6

    Ranger6 Administrator Staff Member Administrator Global Moderator Forum Moderator

    On the barrel ring is where it will be
    Ranger6, May 20, 2023
    #11
  12. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Barrel ring has nonsensical markings as shown her. That is the only markings on the barrel ring. P1100126.JPG
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #12
  13. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    And then on the very bottom of the barrel are these: P1100127.JPG
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #13
  14. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    P1100128.JPG
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #14
  15. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    P1100129.JPG
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #15
  16. Ranger6

    Ranger6 Administrator Staff Member Administrator Global Moderator Forum Moderator

    Ranger6, May 20, 2023
    #16
    KyBoB likes this.
  17. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    Thank you for helping. I will dig into it!
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #17
  18. Ranger6

    Ranger6 Administrator Staff Member Administrator Global Moderator Forum Moderator

    Remember some of those marks may be inspectors numbers. The serial number should be on the stock also, but will have to remove to see it. The serial number may be 3 digits ( last 3 of the whole serial number) on some things.
    Ranger6, May 20, 2023
    #18
  19. a1parrothead

    a1parrothead .22LR

    I will look. Thank you.
    a1parrothead, May 20, 2023
    #19
  20. Rudolph31

    Rudolph31 .30-06

    The barrel appears to have an m as a date code, making it 1934. The 12-70 mark ruled out 1924 and earlier, as the chamber markings were different then.
    Rudolph31, May 21, 2023
    #20
    KyBoB likes this.
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