Gentlemen,
This timeline thread was originally created for an other forum (Shotgunworld; SGW) – I hope, you will find it interesting to read here also.
1/ basis of the following are guns discussed on this forum, on SGW, my own guns, info I gathered from the internet and of course the book “Browning Auto-5 Shotguns – The Belgian FN Production” by H. M. Shirley Jr. and Anthony Vanderlinden (in the following: SV). There are “white spots” though, especially when it comes to pre-1909 A5s. I tried to fill the gaps as best as I can. But not all info given for guns in the 1903 to 1909 timeframe are exact – the info reflects my current knowledge. And I am still learning.
2/ I’m not a native English speaker and there will be mistakes in language. If you find something what can be corrected in language (especially grammar), please send me a PM and I’ll gladly correct it.
3/ My main interested are the pre 1940 A5s. I’m simply lost with the post 1940 A5s. I’d be happy to see a fellow willing to continue the timeline for guns made after 1940. If this fellow like to have drawings like the ones shown hereinafter: advise, and I’ll make them.
4/ The drawings shown hereinafter were made by myself, based on observed features. There may be mistakes in it – advise by PM, and I will correct them.
5/ I’m referring to technical details only when a change was made, e.g. I’m referring to locking screws only in 1909, when they were introduced. If there is no reference to a specific feature in later years, that means, no changes were made.
6/ abbreviations:
SN = serial number
SV = Shirley/Vanderlinden “Browning Auto-5 Shotguns – The Belgian FN Production”, first edition, 2003, Wet Dog Publications, Greensboro, NC; ISBN:0-9707997-1-3
7/ Hopefully, the following isn’t too boring for you! If you find anything what should be corrected or amended, please advise via PM.
Enjoy!
Regards
Martin