Browning auto 5 serial numbers. New to this forum, and a new Auto 5 owner.

Browning auto 5 serial numbers I have an FN Browning that I am trying to get some info on. According to the first chart (which I found on a forum), it would be 1951. They quit that in 1953, by the way, five years before the first Magnum. Code. Last edited: Jun 24, 2016. The safety on Browning A5 were changed to the type three (behind the trigger) after Forums > Shotguns > Browning Auto A-5 > I am looking for help determining the date of my A5. Example: 8M1000 = A 1958 Auto-5 standard weight shotgun with serial number 1000" maybe I'm misunderstanding but I would expect a M or G in the serial or am I misunderstanding? Thanks I have what I believe to be a Remington manufactured Browning A5 16 gauge chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells. Overview Beginning of series production of the Auto 5 in 12 gauge (only) by FN. , and C for 20 ga. Any help in determining the date of manufacture would be greatly appreciated. To commemorate this historic event for the Auto-5, Browning released the “Final Tribute” version in 1999. After running a serial number lookup, we believe this shotgun was manufactured in 1955. The receiver is very plain with just ‘Browning’ engraved on the side. SEMI-AUTO RIFLES; BAR; SA-22; PISTOLS; Buck Mark; 1911-22; 1911-380; JMB CUSTOM COLLECTION; SHOTGUNS; OVER & UNDER SHOTGUNS; The serial number for your firearm is found usually on the receiver. In addition to the Belgian Browning serialization listed in the back of this text, the following codes will determine the year and origin of those guns made from 1975 to date. 76 "The "X" serial number prefix series began with serial number X1001 that was accepted in the warehouse on January 15, 1947. 1961 "T" prefix = LR, "A" prefix = short Mid. I was told it was a 67 but I'm not sure about the other numbers. Your gun was made in 1904 when serial numbers 4,122 through 13,300 were produced. Manufactured from 1902-1999, you can determine your date of manufacture / production using our handy and easy to use serialization & Identification The date of manufacture of a Browning A-5--sometimes known as the "Auto-5"--can be determined by means of the serial number of the unit. Browning A5, Auto 5, Light 12, 12ga, 28" with vent rib and fixed MOD choke. serial # is 194204 I really like the semi-auto action - the gun fires nicely. But those unmarked barrels still have a number that is often mistaken for a serial number. I've never see this on an A5, personally. Browning, production ceased in 1971. Date: Historic Information: Serial Number Info: 1974-1975: 1968 started using two digits for the date of manufacture which was followed by a one digit code that identified the type of B-2000. Browning Semi-Automatic Five Shotgun (A-5) F. Safety is a later design than prewar. Automatic Five (A-5) Year . The 12 month average price is $1,916. ” The serial number is 1M 47XXX. A for 16 ga. S. Accurate serial number counts were not available until 1959. The easiest way to identify them is the serial number appears on the side. Following this “FN”appears in the serial indicating European Release The “C” prefix appears somewhere between the 500 and 900 mark This would be an Auto-5 Magnum 12 ga. As you probably know, it is difficult to determine the date of manufacture of these guns from the serial number. Origins (Late 19th Century - 1902): John Browning, renowned for his firearm designs, including the Winchester Model 1887 lever-action shotgun, conceived the Auto-5 in the late 19th century. SV = Shirley/Vanderlinden “Browning Auto-5 Shotguns – The Belgian FN Production”, first edition, 2003, Wet Dog Publications, Greensboro, NC; ISBN:0-9707997-1-3 February 1935 and assigned their invention to Browning: Serial number range 12 gauge 185561 - 191604 Serial number range 16 gauge 99501 - 103500 . Lately, I received from mon ami Anatidae a Browning auto-5 Final Tribute publicity pamphlet. The new value of a BROWNING A5 AUTO 5 shotgun has risen $98. Browning Auto-5 Pre-WWII Guns Serial Number Table - FN began production in Belgium in 1902. The serial number found on your gun can tell you when your gun was manufactured. Serial number 206 was the first gun shipped to a foreign country. Possibly even more interesting is that this gun has serial numbers everywhere. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > Biz 20g. Key details include production beginning in 1902, changes to serial numbering in 1954, 1976, and for a 1999 'Final Tribute' model. 5V is a 1965 12 ga Magnum. Post 1958 manufacture dates. If for some reason you have an Auto 5 that you can't find on the chart, then don't hesitate to ask. By the way the Browning automatic shotgun was patented in In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998. This shotgun features a 14 1/4" length of pull, 2 3/4" chamber, and a fixed full choke. , Choked Mod, LOP 15 1/8″, DAH 2 3/8″, DAC 1 9/16″ Serial Number: 69X26784 Needing But on Browning's site I found this: 1950 285001-315000 1951 315001-346000 1952 346001-387000 (F. May be you can line up your auto-5 and take a pic for Browning’s friends. According to this source, my "1930" Auto-5's barrel was produced I have a Browning Auto 5 16 ga, but I'm confused about the value. The serial number typically contains two letters, which are used to date the shotgun accurately. Looking at SN 1, I realized that something seems A Browning A5 with a serial number ending in "5Z" indicates that the gun was manufactured in 1995; the "Z" in the serial number corresponds to the year "5" according to Browning's standardized serial number system where each letter represents a year digit, with "Z" being "1" and "Y" being "2" and so on. Early Belgian Browning Auto-5 Semi-Automatic Shotgun2 3/4" chamber, choke measured full, and 14 5/8" LOP. covers belgium and japan production. The Auto-5 will be discontinued for 2000. Don’t have one with the “ X” serial number yet. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code • Z=1 • Y=2 • X=3 • W=4 • V=5 • T=6 • R=7 • P=8 • N=9 • M=0 3. 22 S, L, or LR cal. I figured I would look up the date of production while it is in my hands. One is serial number 2,000,000 and the other 2,000,000-X. Browning Owners. It only takes a few minutes to locate the Open an auction at GB or AA and in two weeks you'll know exactly. This is a Model 11 with a magazine cut off similar to the Browning A5. My steel gun C12XXX was made in 1955 according to King's numbers. Date of Manufacture 3. To find the year of proof of your (Post 1975) Browning or Miroku shotgun you’ll need to find the Serial Number. 1-181,000: 1959 181001-206439: 1960 206350-230999: 1961 231000-250999: 1962 251000-278999: 1963 279000-286099: 1964 286100-303499: 1965 303500-329999 The 16ga number 1 began in 1909. The Browning Auto-5, Belgian Browning A-5's were imported until 1976, when Browning shifted A-5 production to the Miroku Gun Co (Japan). Unless I am very mistaken the 2 is for 1962 and the Z is for 20 gauge and the 62310 is the serial number. the type of Auto-5: C=Hi-Power This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 1000. in 1902, with the first gun, serial number 1, shipped to the U. The prewar guns have the last 2 or 3 digits of the serial numbers on some of the receiver screws and I don’t see that here. According to the book Browning Auto-5 shotguns, between June and December of 1946, serial numbers 228729 thru 239360 and serial numbers 239381 and 240984 were shipped to Browning from FN. 8G=light weight for 1958. I recently inherited my Grandfather's Browning Auto-5 Magnum. Q. It has the auto load feature, which I believe was started in 1958. This serial number does not seem to match any of the examples. D=20 gauge C=12 gauge: 1976-1980: In 1976 Browning re-standardized its serial Browning Age Lookup. Example: 69G1000 = A 1969 Auto-5 Lightweight 12 ga. in 1905. Browning also sold 2,500 Light Weight 12 Remington produced Auto-5's are actually Model 11's with a magazine cutoff and Browningesque engraving. However, refer to your owner's manual if you have difficulty finding it. I would like to pull the plug out though. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the My source is the book, "BROWNING AUTO-5 SHOTGNUS, The Belgian FN Production", by Shirley & Vanderlinden. And, on this one, the date code will be among the proof marks. 53 used . The wood shows a number of scra Click for more info. 13. A better online source for Browning serial number reference is the NRA Museum Serialization chart. The serial number is located just forward of the loading port and is 'A427', exactly as written (i. See the serial numbering system changes and examples from 1903 to 1999. . However, Browning didn't import them until 1954. Model/configuration – MODEL 552 BDL DELUXE SPEEDMASTER semi-automatic rifle, . 06 dollars over the past 12 Serial Number Info: 1954-1958: The "Baby" Browning was first produced at F. Serial Number – A1970738. Ammunition The A-500 has a 3-inch chamber and is designed to shoot and function with all 12 gauge factory loads: The seller says its a transitional serial number but can't Log in or Sign up. I am having trying to get the gun's dates of manufacture off of the Browning USA site. From my reading I think this particular serial number sounds like one of the FN high grade series. The barrel should have a matching serial number stamped at the base of the barrel ring. I looked on the browning site and can't make out how to identify. , pg. As far as the rest of the serial number, it's just in consequential order of manufacture. , with 21 inch bbl. Your gun has considerable collector value. This production began in 1958 and the smaller two numbers before the serial number is the last two digits of the production year for your firearm. 8K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by jrb714 Jan 20, 2005. This is most likely one of the SAC High Grade series. also covers light 20 and magnum. "American Brownings" have the serial number on the side of the receiver, while a Belgian will always have it All serial numbers match (259999) on the barrel, receiver and ejector. I have two auto 5 Mag humps one has 5v over the serial number so I think the serial number reference on the Browning website is screwy, especially for early guns. I would like to know date of manufacture and value of a The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twelve is $550 to $900, with a premium for early models in excellent condition. I compiled this quick reference serial number guide for dating 16ga Browning A5s and the Auto 5-3 Shot, by serial number. 8M=standard weight for 1958. It details the years of production, manufacturers, and changes to the serial numbering system over Browning A5 Serial Number Lookup Decoding Your Shotguns History The Browning Auto 5 a legendary semi automatic shotgun boasts a rich history spanning over a Date & Know your Browning Auto-5. A common mistake I have seen in many, many, gun shops and online sites is to assign the 12ga serial number date to a 16ga. Save Share Reply Quote Like. The codes on the barrels are Q98786 for Serial # A69040 and R47646 for Browning Semi-Automatic Five Shotgun (A-5) F. Manufactured from 1902-1999, you can determine your date of manufacture / production using our handy and easy to use serialization & Identification chart. So, if you've got an Auto-5 with an A prefix to its serial number, you know you've got a 16 chambered for 2 3/4" shells. They have Remington barrel codes, and these correspond roughly to the date the gun was made, although the barrels could be from an earlier date. My brother in law has taken me trap shooting and let me borrow his Remington 1100 trap gun,(which is a fine shotgun for the task) but now all The charts listed are correct and the 16 ga serial numbers will also be added in the coming days. The document provides information about the production history and serial numbering of the Browning Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun. Serial Number at the start of each year. What are some common models of old Browning shotguns? Common models of old Browning shotguns include the Browning Auto-5, Browning BPS, Browning Superposed, and Browning Citori. Values of these guns vary all over the place based on condition, embellishment, rib style, and what the buyer and seller is The document provides information about the production history and serial numbering of the Browning Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun. . The 2 letters in the middle of the serial number are the code designations for year of manufacture. The serial number on the bottom of the receiver just forward of the loading port reads OV 302XX. 16 new and $915. shotgun with a serial number of 1000. Our Browning and Miroku Age Lookup tool can help you discover the manufacturing date of your shotgun in no time. Louis Mo. Discussion Auto-5 serial number Auto 5 Experts Serial Number Number Question . When marked, the serial number is on the barrel ring. *special steel-12-Ga-shells 2 3/4 The Browning Auto-5 semiautomatic shotgun began production in 1902, and they were made until 1999 when the "Final Tribute" was produced. jrb714 Discussion starter. A for 16 gauge, B for 12, and C for 20. The other Twelvette and the Twentyweight only have an "A" at the start of their serial numbers with no number or numbers before the "A" (A11532 and A22101 respectively). The serial # falls outside of the date range for that year. The publicity shows side by side à Final Tribute and serial number 1. Description: Invented by Val Browning, son of John M. THE AUTOMATIC FIVE (A-5) Production of the A-5 began at F. To locate where your serial number is located, you will need to refer to your owner's manual. took over production of the Auto-5. By my research, I believe this Auto 5 was manufactured 1957ish. Covers standard, Light Twelve, and magnums. You can either PM me or ask in the Auto 5 1) I cannot match/date the serial number on this shotgun. It details the years of production, manufacturers, and changes to the serial numbering system over time. This is because Browning guns made from 1903 through 1939 were simply numbered in numeric order rather than given a serial number to denote the year in which they were made. If the number appears on the side of the receiver, it's a Serial number-L52064. Twelve gauge guns only were usually offered in the U. The barrel has the same serial # A BROWNING A5 AUTO 5 shotgun is currently worth an average price of $1,916. We have also developed a section called, "Date Your Gun" in the Services section to help you read the serial number for your gun. T258001-261000 C=Hi-Power 1976-1997 In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it followed until 1998. The Browning Automatic 5, most often Auto-5 or simply A-5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. Browning One Browning Place Morgan, UT 84050 800-333-3288 The true Browning (FN) gun will have the serial number under the receiver just forward of the loading area. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > TexasRich Copper BB. Your Browning Auto 5 shotgun could not have been made in 1903. N. However, the serial numbers on the shotgun do not seem to match Browning 's serial number chart listed Browning Serial Numbers. Thanks for your help. The obvious one is in front of the loading port on the receiver, but the serial number is also stamped in the fore end, stamped in the end of the wood buttstock, and etched in the inside of the black FN butt pad. Auto-5 Type ; Where is the serial Date & Know your Browning Auto-5. I compiled this quick The production of the B-2000 Automatic Shotgun began in late 1973. Browning A-5 serial numbers. Brian Hayward, Jun 23, 2016 #1 This one is the Magnum model featuring 28-inch barrel, Invector interchangeable choke, and low rib. A serial number 35xxx A-5 16 gauge was made in the last half of 1924. The Browning Auto-5 shotgun accepted 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 18-gauge, and 20-gauge shotgun shells. The more I began to study the Browning Auto 5 history; I became interested in all Hard to say. , 2003, Wet Dog Pub. For Auto-5’s made after 1953, it The 16ga number 1 began in 1909. When serial numbers were marked on barrels they were on the barrel ring. 1961 "A" changed to "E" prefix 5 Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun light 12, and 20 gauge Auto-5 semi-automatic shotgun light 12, and 20 gauge list part number, part name, caliber, model and serial number. See all The Browning website says that FN did not take over manufacturing the Auto-5 until the 50's, but the serial number on this gun matches the range shown for 1946, and the gun is difinetly a Belgium, not a Remington. Accurate production notes I would like any information available on my Browning A-5. ? So "7V" would simply indicate an Auto-5 Magnum manufactured in 1967. Jump to Latest 2. Bore Condition: The bore is slightly dark with some pitting, streaking, and dents towards the muzzle. Manufacturer/Trademark – Remington. Barrels are another matter, there are no serial number-year made tables for them. ) 1953 387000-438000 My serial number is X53___, so it does not match the Browning serials. The serial number is 35,xxx. They represent the following: RV - 1975, RT - 1976, RR - 1977, RP - 1978, RN - 1979, PM - 1980, PZ - 1981, PY - Trying to figure out when my Browning Auto 5 Twenty was made and also approximate value. 22 AUTO RIFLE (Grades I, II, and III) 1956-Mid. 63 Year, 60676 Serial Number. The barrel has the "BROWNING AUTOMATIC ARMS CO. During WWII, production moved to Remington in the United States until FN could resume production in 1952. I'm sure some expert will be along if I am wrong!! I wouldn't even guess In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture which was followed by a four digit code that identified the type of Auto-5: M=standard weight G=light weight This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 1000. iron sights, checkered gloss finished walnut Monte Carlo stock and forearm, 5 3/4 lbs. As noted, the "6M" serial number prefix indicates a 12 gauge Standardweight made in 1966. Here's the rub: All the reliable tables I see, (some on here), have The serial number of your Automatic-5 shotgun is found on the underside of the receiver, just forward of the loading port. This video goes into learning how to read the serial number to date your Browning Auto 5 16ga. However, it is not widely known that Remington also made the Browning A5, will all Browning logo from 1940 to 1946. Browning auto 5, serial number 1. First 500 approximately had a two part trigger housing and the With special serial numbers, the only way I know to date your guns is to check the code on the barrels. I have my grandfather's Light Twelve Auto-5 apart for cleaning before it gets passed along to another relative. Barrel and receiver numbers match. @Biz based on this "1958-67 - From 1958 serial numbers were preceded by the date of manufacture. 2. Reads Browning 3 Shot on the bottom of the fore stock and therein starts my confusion. Any assistance would be appreciated. On the barrel it says “MADE IN BELGIUM,” on top of barrel it also has, “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS MO and MONTREAL P. Explore the history and legacy of the Browning Auto-5, a groundbreaking semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. Thanks. Can I identify the choke of a Browning shotgun by its markings? Yes, certain markings on the shotgun’s barrel can indicate the choke constriction of the I have a Browning Light 12 Auto 5 that I'm having problems dating. They had numbers, but not serial numbers. The first Browning Skeet Model Auto-5 was introduced in 1935 in both 12 gauge and 16 gauge. Date of I need some serial number help too. Low early numbers generally have personal ties to the Browning Family. You can also use your serial number to help you determine the grade and type of A-5 you have as well as additional production information. Also covers Belgium and Japan models, I'm fairly sure I've got a 1953 Belgium auto 5 , would like to learn more about it , the serial number is just above the loading gate it is ; FN in a oval circle, then under that the letter H and under that a four digit number ; 2 xxx , Left side of the barrel ; Browning Arms Company St. I can't find the serial number on the Browning website. We have most owner's manuals online. Discussion in 'Browning Auto A-5' started by Biz, Aug 28, 2023. Its a Belgian, with the number is "0Z" on the first line, then 39XXX on the second on the underside of the receiver. I am under the impression that during that time Remington made the Auto 5's and they were not made in Belgium. The 16 gauge guns had an "A" prefix, the 12 a "B" and the 20 a "C". 410 bore 2. until 1925, but production of the 16 gauge began in 1909. Good luck with finding a first year 16 gauge. Additional Information – carbon steel barrel with polished blue finish, 15 shot mag. It was the first . The market-value of a Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twenty is $700 to $1,800, depending on condition and features. On most over and under shotguns this should be situated under the top lever and on Semi-Autos somewhere on the receiver In the Serial number there are two letters together – This is your date code. Browning Auto-5 20 gauge serial: 7Z9680, Belgium made, purchased 7-7-79 by original owner as shown in original booklet printed in 1966. , B for 12 ga. The gun has some minor scratches and dings but in very good shape overall. Hi-Power Type 2W5=40 S&W 245=9mm 2. Has Browning on the butt plate, Browning Patents on the left side with the 5 digit "A" serial number. According to the Browning chart, this was made in 1948. The serial number-year made tables for that year show serial numbers 1 through 4121 were made. Example: 69C1000 = A 1969 Hi-Power pistol with a serial number of 1000. Forums > Shotguns > Browning Auto A-5 > Sweet Sixteen - serial number A85 - Questions. Discussion in 'Browning Auto A-5' started by TexasRich, Mar 27, 2020. Any help would be greatly appreciated. But the above reference Browning states that FN did not take over production of the Auto 5 until 1952 and serial numbers that year started at 346001. Learn how to date your Auto-5 shotgun by its serial number and find the year of manufacture. If you go to the Browning web site you can find the full history of the A5 and a listing of ALL the serial numbers. Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twenty ‍20 gauge version capable of firing 3-inch magnum shells. I don't think any Superlights were made in Japan. CAUTION: Browning parts are made exclusively for Browning Serial number 153693 was made in 1929. I have an Auto-5 and the serial number doesn’t seem to match the formats I’ve seen, either from Browning’s website or the NRA. American Brownings made by Remington would have a letter code before the serial number. Based on Browning's Serial number charts the Light Twelve serial numbers ended in 1955 with L 83000 and in 1956 started with a G prefix with a different SN range. Prior to 1924, few serial records remain. This page will help you read the serial number. To find where your serial number is located, you will need to refer to your owner's manual. September 17, 1903. but could not positively identify my model from the serial numbers. ,manufactured in 1976 with the serial number 01001. For guns made after World War The very earliest examples have only the serial number on the underside no prefix. Another way to date a barrel is with the date code. , and blue finish. The serial number on the bottom of the receiver is 6492793 and the 64 is a little smaller than the rest of the numbers. , adj. So there is a discrepancy here. The man that I bought this gun from said he got it in the early 1960's and he was the second owner. The Serial number is L 83816. Remington was licensed by John Browning to make a version of his Auto-5 shotgun, which they did in the Model 11. FN stopped matching the barrel's serial numbers to the receiver's in 1953, and I believe later barrels had no serial number. New to this forum, and a new Auto 5 owner. 16 new and $992. Serial # is 10474 (on bottom of receiver, ahead of loading port). Discussion in 'Browning Auto A-5' started by Brian Hayward, Jun 23 I don't see any reference to a serial number with 5 digits. By SN it's definitely a 1936 Grade 1 Browning Auto-5 (A-5) - but due to the early TG safety & FN-logo BP, looks like the buttstock & trigger group The American Browning's serial number is on the left side of the receiver instead of on the bottom, and it has a prefix. FN stopped applying the serial number to barrels in 1953. The serial number is 7V then 3867. J. I am still dreaming of finding a first year 12 gauge with the marking on the bottom of the receiver. 3 posts · Joined 2005 Add to quote; Only show this user #1 · Jan 18, 2005. Remington also made the "American Browning" from 1940 and finally sold out in 1949. I have the Browning serial reference number chart as well but can't find the DOM for X22612, A5 16 Gauge. Notes. Serial Number: Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun. Starting in 1968 the numbers went to 2 digits (68V) because they had used 8v already for the first year of production in 1958. Covers Belgium and Japan models. Post-2014 Browning A5 12. 20 Gauge, 7lbs. One Twelvette has a serial number of 3A45399 and I assume was made in 1963. These numbers are outside of the standard FN/Browning system. The Browning Auto-5 remained in production at Miroku until 1998. I must confess I am now completely biased towards Browning Auto-5 shotguns. 2,026,252 on 9th The 16ga number 1 began in 1909. I looked on the Browning website and cannot figure out when this shotgun was made. Browning's ingenious invention This video goes into great detail of how to date your 12 Ga, A5. The A prefix on the serial number may also suggest a post war gun However, my shotgun, a Belgian Browning A5 16 gauge, does not "fit" on those tables, and I am quite certain that it is a "genuine" Belgian Browning 16 gauge. VL11*** is not the serial number. BROWNING SERIALIZATION 1975 TO CURRENT: In 1975 Browning began using the two (2) letter code system (located in the middle of the serial number) for determining the year of manufacture. I compiled this quick I'm trying to date my dad's old (but very reliable) auto 5 20 ga. In the following picture you can see the letter 'h' in script. Manufacturer: Browning Model: Auto 5 Serial Number: 70G44979 Bore: 12 GA Condition: USED Metal Condition: GOOD Wood Condition: PRETTY GOOD Bore Condition: clean Action: semi auto Manufacture Date: Circa 1970 . Cowboy, according to the chart, your DA was made in 1955-1956 depending on the last three numbers of your serial number. 70 used. What's more, it's engraved, which was an expensive option. The two stars indicate a modified choke. the 'A' is not above the rest of the numbers). If you own a Browning or Miroku shotgun made after 1975, determining its age is as easy as decoding its serial number. Serial #A155xx. An estimated 2,700,000 Browning Auto-5 shotguns have been produced, while The only serial number I found was on the barrel: K 9 1 0 8 3. Reactions: Bernice W. Date: Historic Information: Serial Number Info: 1955-57: The Double Automatic Shotgun began production in 1955. Question: I have an older Browning Auto-5 12-gauge shotgun, and I’ve had it for around 47 years. This article provides detailed serial number tables, production dates, and features of this Learn here how to find the date your Browning firearm was manufactured by using the serial number found on your gun. I have the Browning Auto 5 book by Shirley & Vanderlinden. The two sets of numbers are different. Is the number in the forearm supposed to match also? There I have 95686 stamped on it. e. Superposed Type: 213=12 gauge • 233=20 gauge • 173=28 gauge • 183=. production began at serial number 1 in 1902. 1954: H: Standard Weight : L: Light Weight : 1956: M: SV = Shirley/Vanderlinden "Browning Auto-5 Shotguns - The Belgian FN Production", first edition, 2003, Wet Dog Publications, Greensboro, NC; ISBN:0-9707997-1-3 They filed a US patent No. This does not match anything I can find on the Browning gun history chart. 1. spxh xlju vsqb pven vrxlyh qdvp idlsb prfa uabtb ejqxty