[Amateur]

I have recently inherited a 1946 Browning A-5 from my father-in-law. I took it out to fire it, loaded 3 #8's and started to shoot. I "thought" it was semi-auto, but after the first shot, nothing else happened. The spent shell stayed in the chamber. After each shot, I would have to manually eject the used shell and then press the bolt release button to allow the receiver mechanics to insert the next shell. It's like having a single-shot with a magazine, but not as fast because every time I pull back on the bolt to eject a used shell, I have to press the little button on the outside of the receiver so that it will chamber the next shell. Other than the safety, the only other operator control I can find is the little lever that allows you to eject the chambered shell without loading another shell. My father-in-law didn't have a manual, so I'm searching for reasons. Anybody have any ideas on what's wrong or what I'm doing wrong?