Browning Auto 5 info needed please...

[wksimple]

I have had my Browning Auto 5 since 1966. It is literally like new, having spent its life in my safe. What is its approximate value?

Details: 12 GA, 2 3/4", standard weight
27.5" barrel, modified fixed choke, vent rib
"Browning Arms Co St. Louis Mo & Montreal PQ"
"Made in Belgium"
Mfg. 1966.

Thinking of selling, so looking for a fair price for both seller and buyer.
Thanks.

[etwinam]

Check gun broker and source the closest in condition to yours. Average the prices and start the listing high ready to bargain a little. Good luck.

PS* if you have a BLR in the back of that safe you're willing to part with pm me

[wksimple]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry. No BLR.

[shovelon]

Well mine is exactly the same as yours except a couple of years older. 1964.

About 5 years ago I valued it at $700.

[Ducky's Dad]

1966 was the beginning of the salt wood era for Browning guns. Browning bought the process from Morton salt in 1965 and started using it immediately. Some believe that salt wood affects only Superposeds, but there have been reports of salt wood on A5s, .22 rifles, and bolt action center fire rifles. Bruce Buck wrote a short article about it, here is an excerpt:

According to Schwing’s interviews with Browning’s Harm Williams and Val Browning, all the salt curing was done in the US and affected at least 90% of all Browning stocks from made from 1967 to 1969. The problem continued to show up until 1972, but in smaller numbers. It was then that the entire supply of walnut blanks was burned and replaced with traditional kiln dried wood.

To detect salt wood on 1966 to 1972 guns, first check for outward appearance of dark or discolored spots. Check every place that wood meets metal, as on the rear of the forend and at the head of the stock. Rust on the metal will be apparent if there is a problem. According to Schwing, the definitive test is to remove the butt pad/plate, scrape away a little wood from the exposed butt and apply a 1% solution of silver nitrate to the fresh wood. If the silver nitrate remains light purple, there is no salt. If the silver nitrate turns white, you have a salt gun.

Salt wood has a significant affect on the value of any Browning that is blessed with it. Aside from that, stock configuration will have an impact, as well. Least desirable would be short tang/square knob. Most desirable would be long tang/round knob (better looking and not as common). Butt plate is worth more than butt pad to most. I bought a near mint Belgian Light 12, 28" Mod, VR, short tang/square knob, factory pad, no salt for $600 about three years ago. Prices seem to have softened since then.

[wksimple]

No indication of salt;
Has the long tang, round knob.

And Gunbroker prices are all over the board!

[JagerDog]

Taking a rough guestimate with old data, but I don't think you'd have an issue getting $750 for it. They still have some rather cult following. 28" modified with vent rib, round knob and long tang is desirable.

On gunbroker, gotta look at the sold auctions and which ones most represent your item.

[wksimple]

Thanks. Good info.