Need more info on Belgium Browning 16 gauge

billmcc56 · November 9, 2009, 01:57 PM

I have a 16 gauge Browning and need more info on it. On the barrel it has Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo Special Steel 16 Gauge Shells 2 9/16".
Serial # 117309 on the reciever, a *P -> with a lion, bird or griffon symbol underlined with P.V on the side.

Bill

Al Norris · November 9, 2009, 02:36 PM

Moving to the Shotgun forum .........

Scorch · November 9, 2009, 05:24 PM

Sounds like a Belgian-made pre-WW2 Browning Auto-5 shotgun, although you did not specify the model of shotgun. If so, it was produced in 1931. Does it have a sliding safety that goes front-back through the trigger guard or a cross-bolt safety?

As the barrel inscription says, it is designed to fire the 2-9/16" 16 ga shotgun shells popular until WW2, not the now-standard 2-3/4" shells. Do not try to fire it with 2-3/4" shells, it will overpressure and it will jam when the hull becomes stuck in the ejection port.

It can be modified by a good gunsmith to fire the longer shells, but the job will cost as much as buying another shotgun of similar type.

impalacustom · November 10, 2009, 03:30 AM

PV stands for smokeless powder. Some of the other markings are probably fitters, builders and proof markings.

oneounceload · November 10, 2009, 09:14 AM

You can get properly sized ammo from RST or Polywad - both will carry shells designed for older guns at acceptable pressure levels

billmcc56 · November 10, 2009, 12:05 PM

It has a sliding safety on the trigger guard, also a Lyman compensator on the barrel. I have shot 2 3/4" shells in it many times with no problems

hogdogs · November 10, 2009, 12:19 PM

Quote:

I have shot 2 3/4" shells in it many times with no problems

Sheer luck... pure and simple, you got lucky.

I never had a mishap over applying fertilizer until I was taught how easy it was to fry the grass or shrubs then WHAM... had my first burn...

I learned right then that sometimes there seems to be safety with ignorance.

Brent

oneounceload · November 10, 2009, 03:36 PM

Quote:

I have shot 2 3/4" shells in it many times with no problems

That will create a pressure spike that will lead not only to increased recoil effects, but could also lead to severe damage to the gun, or to yourself. At the very least, you'll accelerate the wear and degradation of the gun at a much faster rate, at the most, you'll have a kaboom

November 9, 2009, 01:57 PM	#1
billmcc56 Junior Member Join Date: November 9, 2009 Posts: 5	Need more info on Belgium Browning 16 gauge I have a 16 gauge Browning and need more info on it. On the barrel it has Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo Special Steel 16 Gauge Shells 2 9/16". Serial # 117309 on the reciever, a *P -> with a lion, bird or griffon symbol underlined with P.V on the side. Bill

November 9, 2009, 05:24 PM	#3
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Sounds like a Belgian-made pre-WW2 Browning Auto-5 shotgun, although you did not specify the model of shotgun. If so, it was produced in 1931. Does it have a sliding safety that goes front-back through the trigger guard or a cross-bolt safety? As the barrel inscription says, it is designed to fire the 2-9/16" 16 ga shotgun shells popular until WW2, not the now-standard 2-3/4" shells. Do not try to fire it with 2-3/4" shells, it will overpressure and it will jam when the hull becomes stuck in the ejection port. It can be modified by a good gunsmith to fire the longer shells, but the job will cost as much as buying another shotgun of similar type. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 10, 2009, 12:05 PM	#6
billmcc56 Junior Member Join Date: November 9, 2009 Posts: 5	Re:Need more info on 16 gauge Browning It has a sliding safety on the trigger guard, also a Lyman compensator on the barrel. I have shot 2 3/4" shells in it many times with no problems

November 9, 2009, 02:36 PM	#2
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	Moving to the Shotgun forum .........

November 10, 2009, 03:30 AM	#4
impalacustom Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 492	PV stands for smokeless powder. Some of the other markings are probably fitters, builders and proof markings.

November 10, 2009, 09:14 AM	#5
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	You can get properly sized ammo from RST or Polywad - both will carry shells designed for older guns at acceptable pressure levels