I inherited a Browning A5 three shot 16 gauge. It is not a Belgian Browning but an "American Browning" made in the early 1940's for Browning by Remington. The Belgian FN factory was under new management at the time and Remington who had the licensed Model 11 got to make Browning labeled shotguns until the kerfuffle in Europe ended. It is labeled Browning, says St Louis on the barrel and has some rudimentary scroll work on the side, and has a magazine cut off. It also has Model 11 features, like pins in the handguard, flat wire recoil spring, no cut out to get the bolt pins out etc. It is labeled on the hand guard "3-Shot". It does not have the "speed load" magazine carrier and you need to put a shell in the chamber first. The magazine tube is ~13" long and looks like it could easily hold four rounds. However, it only holds two rounds. There is no plug. My guess is that there is some type of constriction in the tube that stops the follower. If that is the case it is very hard to see, but there is no way to put more than two shells in the magazine. If anyone has more information I am eager to hear how it was done.
I always had an thing for the odd ducks so it is a nice fit. I just put a new recoil spring and action spring, and friction rings in it and cleaned up the stock with a Tru-Oil finish. It appears to be improved cylinder (**-) with a 26" barrel and is chambered for 2.75" shells. It amazes me the work and craftsmanship it took to build these guns. That all the parts worked in a very complicated arrangement is a testament to JMB and his vision.
Thanks,
Dave
