Browning A 5 Belgium Barrel Swap Scam

[eddytexas]

I may have fallen for this. I just bought a Light Twelve, 28", mod choke, vent rib, serial # 71G62402 in excellent condition for $550. It seemed really cheap, but the guy had some story about an old neighbor of his winning it in a poker game 30 yrs ago and now needing money. How do I find out if it is a true Belgium or made in Japan? Also, How can someone buy a Japan gun and a Belgium barrel and sell it for $550 and make a profit?

[tbotts]

Your receiver was made in 1971, in Belgium. Your barrel, if origional, should have the following:
left side- BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q.
MADE IN BELGIUM

right side- BROWNING AUTO 5
(choke code) SPECIAL STEEL(gauge)SHELLS(size) (barrel length)
BROWNING PATENTS


If the barrel was made in Belgium, it will say so somewhere on the barrel.

[Jeff Mulliken]

"tbotts" is right but I will add that if the barrel was made in Japan it will also say made in Japan on the barrel.

BTW, that is a good price but not "really cheap".

If it is a Japanese barrel and has invector chokes then it's a good deal even with the mismatch. The invectors are steel shot safe and that makes it attractive as a waterfowl gun. (the Belgian barrels are not steel shot safe)

Jeff

[eddytexas]

Thanks guys for the info. I will come down off the ledge. Did you look up the receiver by serial #, and if so, where did you do it? The left side of the barrel says Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo & Montreal P.Q. Made in Belgium. The right side says ** Special Steel-12 Gauge- Shells 2 3/4". Also the butt wood, that can't be what it's really called, is a little darker than the forearm wood. It is in almost perfect condition and it's exactly what I was lookinf for, so I think I'll just keep it forever.

[Jeff Mulliken]

A mis match in wood color is not uncommon. There are several sources for dating Browning A5's by serial number. The Browning website has some info but it is horrid and inaccurate on all but the latest guns made. There is a book on the Belgian made A5's by Shirley and Vanderlinden that is the best resource on the market.

Jeff

[eddytexas]

Thanks again. You're the man!