A few more photos... What do you guys think? I am considering purchasing this A5, I only have a picture of the serial number and I have tried to look up the date of manufacture but I can't figure out the correct era. I emailed Browning and have not heard back from them yet. The shotgun is like new in browning case, any information would be appreciated. Hoping the experts here can help me out.
Here’s a great reference: http://www.nramuseum.org/media/940941/serialization-date of manufacture.pdf
Yeah, that looks to be in REAL good condition, possibly unfired(?). I would grab that thing up in a New York minute.
This will be a long negotiation I am afraid. I will hopefully make an offer middle of Feb. It is hard to make an offer on this one, I have no real idea on the value. It is probably not fired, in a factory case with most paperwork. I would guess at least 90% condition. Anyone have a good starting point?
This one, in just about perfect condition, went for a little over $1000. https://www.gunbroker.com/item/852450894 The checkering on the pictured gun looks worn to me. And although I like Cutts Compensators, they lessen the collector value considerably. On the other hand, the Cutts comes with that cool boxed set of chokes, worth maybe $200. And the case is probably worth $250. So, $1000 for the works seems fair to me. Just my opinion.
I have a question about the Cutts compensator. I think I have read that none were factory installed like on the Remingtons were the mount was made part of the barrel. Is it true that a FN Browning was sent to Browning USA and that if ordered with a Cutts it was installed in The USA and shipped for delivery. If so this would be as "factory installed" as possible. This one looks like it could be installed at Browning USA. the work is excellent and in comparison to the commercial mounts that I have seen installed the back shoulder is straight not beveled to meet the barrel. What do you guys know or think?
The bible is a little vague about that. It does state A5s were sold "by Browning" with a Cutts installed. It mentions contacting Browning and having them determine if a particular unit had it installed by them. (For a fee apparently.) It does not state specific years, and says skeet models often had them. Poly Choke had authorized dealers that installed their devices, unsure exactly what Cutts did. I did read somewhere about having a different setting in regards to the spring/bronze friction ring/steel ring when running a Cutts. I don't remember where I saw that, but it was different from the customary light or heavy load setting. If you think about it, installing a device that reduces recoil will have a direct affect on an A5 cycling.
There’s a Remington instruction sheet from I don’t know what year and using I don’t know what friction pieces — they don’t look like Browning’s — that puts the Bronze piece behind the recoil spring. Browning specifically says never to do this. On any Auto-5 or Model 11, you want the most friction the gun will operate with. Running the gun with too little friction is the best way I know of to destroy it. The tiny amount of weight added by a Cutts Compensator isn’t going to make a difference. It’s funny that sheet doesn’t mention operation with the similar Poly Choke. I have two Auto-5’s with Cutts and two with Polys. All four operate identically to those with plain barrels. I wish that Remington sheet would disappear.
Well we finally agreed on a price! Very favorable amount to me. I am not sure what to do with it now, shoot it ; showcase it? I can prove that it is not fired so I'm leaning to just using it. Thanks for the help and information.