Used Auto 5, should I?

[Ergo the Qualmed]

Hello,

I am in need of a shotgun, for informal trap/skeet usage, and I also enjoy shooting slugs (sometimes).

I haven't horribly much money, and was opting for either a Benelli Nova pump or a Rem 870.

But I saw a used Browning Auto-5 today, for $495, and well...it's beautiful

HOWEVER, I am 80% shotgun illiterate. I really have no idea what a fair price is for these things, or what to look for when examining the specimen. All I know is that I could rack the bolt relatively easily, and it seemed to be solid? If a little dirty...

SO, my questions to you scattergun sages, are what I ought to look for when going over the firearm, whether or not there is anything I ought to keep in mind (IE "2 3/4 shells at current pressures will blow your face up, etc), and if that price seems fair.

I did search for this on the google, but I must confess, those internet folks aren't very helpful. "They go for $295 or more" means what, exactly?!

[mjsweims]

The A5 is a great gun, but it would have to be special to go for 495. Where was it made? Belgian guns are worth more than Japanese. What gauge? 20 and 16 are worth more than 12.

[stockranger]

Check out the standard/walmart 3901 beretta for about 575. Its hands down the best deal going on semi auto shotguns. You can read about it on shotgunworld.com. The 390 and 391 are the most popular semi auto's at the range. It is the choice of high volume shooters for a reason. They are a great all around shotgun and very reliable. The gas action will be softer shooting then any of the guns you are looking at. You can also adjust the stock with the included shims so it will fit you better. The reciever is made in the USA.3 choke tubes come with it. Endless amount of aftermarket parts and stocks etc to customize it later. Shoots all loads with no adjustments unlike the A5. Only downfall is this no frills base model only comes in synthetic and has a hard plastic butt plate instead of recoil pad. Adding a good pad starts at 35 bucks for a pre fit and it will allow you to dial in the length and pitch when you do that. You can always find a used wood stock down the road. The gun is a real workhorse. Check out budsgunshop.com they carry them. I found mine local for 579.

The price on the A-5 is about normal if its in good condition. They can be quite expensive for the more collectable models. Check out gunbroker and see what they go for. The a-5 is an excellent high quality shotgun. I shoot a franchi 48, basicaly the same design as the a5 but super light weight. If your set on an A-5 get one with choke tubes or add a choke tube barrel. It'll be more versatile then a fixed choke. I personaly would not spend that kind of money on an A-5. Hold out and find a cheaper one or consider a more modern gun.

[Marlin Hunter]

Hello,

I am in need of a shotgun, for informal trap/skeet usage, and I also enjoy shooting slugs (sometimes).

I haven't horribly much money, and was opting for either a Benelli Nova pump or a Rem 870.

But I saw a used Browning Auto-5 today, for $495, and well...it's beautiful

Buy it if you want one of the best, if not the best, bird/clay guns ever made. With the recoiling barrel, recoil is almost nonexistent. It will not make a very good home defense or tactical shotgun. The only thing negative about the Auto-5 is the friction bearing needs to be installed correctly after you take it apart for cleaning.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=5385

[Sicarius]

I wouldn't say that the recoil is nonexistant... It still has some snap to it. Any gas system would put it to shame as far as kick. Also look into weatherby for a cheap semi auto. As for the A5, I have two and love them.
Kevin

[para-frame]

Buy it if you want one of the best, if not the best, bird/clay guns ever made. With the recoiling barrel, recoil is almost nonexistent. It will not make a very good home defense or tactical shotgun. The only thing negative about the Auto-5 is the friction bearing needs to be installed correctly after you take it apart for cleaning.

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/...spx?catid=5385

I beg to differ. (OK so it is a M11 not an A5 but still...)

[SVRider]

Check out the standard/walmart 3901 beretta for about 575. Its hands down the best deal going on semi auto shotguns.

Sorry, OT...

I hadn't noticed that Beretta started making a low-end version of their 390's (aside from their "fake" nice wood).

Been looking for a gift for a friend that wants to occasionally shoot clays with us when we go, but also wanted something for HD.

Any idea if Beretta makes a short barrel and if mag tube extensions can be had for the 3901?

TIA!

[stockranger]

Sorry, OT...

I hadn't noticed that Beretta started making a low-end version of their 390's (aside from their "fake" nice wood).

Been looking for a gift for a friend that wants to occasionally shoot clays with us when we go, but also wanted something for HD.

Any idea if Beretta makes a short barrel and if mag tube extensions can be had for the 3901?

TIA!

You might be able to find a 24" turkey barrel. Better yet just buy an old beat up barrel and get out the hack saw for HD. Not sure on a mag extension.

[Sicarius]

[QUOTE=Marlin Hunter;6098800]Buy it if you want one of the best, if not the best, bird/clay guns ever made. With the recoiling barrel, recoil is almost nonexistent. It will not make a very good home defense or tactical shotgun. QUOTE]

The auto 5 makes an excelent HD shotgun. It is still the fastest shotgun to load from full empty to date.
Kevin