Browning A5 20Ga
 

I just received a A5 20ga shotgun by inheritance. I have determined it is a 1959 manufacture date, but the serial number is preceeded by 9Z. The Browning website states that the 9 signifies the year of manufacture but I can't find any reference to the Z. Anyone who could explain what the Z stands for would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

You may want to check the manufacture date again because according to the Browning website the letter Z=1 and they didn't start using the letter codes until 1976 through 1997

http://www.browning.com/customerserv...tail.asp?id=13

[QUOTE=Topgun 3006;4031463]You may want to check the manufacture date again because according to the Browning website the letter Z=1 and they didn't start using the letter codes until 1976 through 1997

Hey Topgun thanks forthe reply. That link you provided is where I was looking for information. The serial number on the reciver is formated like this:

9Z
21xxx

The sequence number falls within the range Browning provides for that style of numbers. The barrel does have the Belgian makers mark down by the breech and does also have the 20-70 stamp on it.

I also inherited a 1954 Browning 12 ga with it. I know my uncle purchsed both around the same time in the early 60's so that is why I beleive the 20 ga is a '59 model. They are both in identical condition. I was very excited to get them and would like to know what that 20 ga is worth.

I appreciate your comments.

Congratulations on getting a great pair of shotguns. Post up some pictures if you can. I can tell you for sure, the 20 will fetch more money than the 12. In my neck of the woods, a well maintained 20 will go between seven and nine hundred bucks.....if you could find one that is. I took my 1953 Auto 5 out today on a duck hunt and it never missed a beat.

By the way, the "Z" stands for light and an "X" would be magnum on the twenty.
Does it say ...TWENTY. on the receiver.
You have a 1959 Light 20.

Yes, it does say "Twenty" on the side opposite the eject. Thanks for your help. I think I attached a couple photos, we'll see, I am new to this site.

Photo worked. Very nice. Thanks for showing us. Twenty gauges are getting real hard to find. If I'm not mistaken, Browning dropped the "X and Z" suffix in the late 60's or early 70's an started stamping Light Twenty and Magnum Twenty on the receivers. Do you plan on shooting them?
Ray

Glad you were able to give him good information, as the Browning link that I posted doesn't mention the letters (z=1, etc.) being in use until 1976. I know one thing and it's that I wouldn't part with those two beauties if they were mine unless I was REALLY strapped for money!

Lol. You and me both. Especially that twenty. Very hard to find down here in Florida.

I am considering selling them, hopefully as a pair. My problem is I have more guns than I want. I will never use these, and I have no heirs who would appreciate them.

There is one last gun I want to add to my inventory. I haven’t decided yet on the 300 Mag or a 380. I have always wanted to master long range target acquisition. A setup for that is expensive so if I do sell these it is to put the money at that.

Who knows? Thanks guys for the advice.