doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com 2nd Year FN A-5 Re-worked

I picked up an FN A-5 last summer. It needed help. Trigger guard was crushed, obvious butt stock extension was probably necessary for its owner to shoot properly, however, I was really ugly. I gave it to Monte to caress & do his magic last September. We learned it was originally a European grip gun that had a Remington 11 stock installed. The “gunsmith” guilty of that assault, drilled a hole thru the engraved dog on the lower tail. Task: locate a proper period stock set & fix the metal issues. A straight grip stock was located, but it had a pad. After talking it over with Monte, we felt that a period pad wouldn't be overly objectionable. So the project went forward. I received the message last week that it was ready. I've added a few "before & after” pics below:

It's been a very rewarding adventure to give this early example a proper resurrection.
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After:



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After:

Wow

Great job on the trigger guard. Is this a catalogued grade of A-5? What a gun.

Great restoration work!

The gun is from 1904 (2nd year) and too early for what Browning/FN finally established as a standard engraving patterns (1909). It is at the top end of engraving coverage level offered (gold inlay was the top). Right after I purchased it, I saw a couple early, engraved A-5's that had been completely "re-finished", ie: restocked, buffed & reblued that sold for around $10,000. on GB. I must admit, it was tempting to have that done for the monetary increase. But I took a different tact... I'm very happy with the results. I know some shudder at seeing the pad, but it's the right period and was expertly done. There is a well known shotgun wood guy in Washington state that can extend the stock and "paint" beautiful grain and I may at some point send it to him, but for now I'm content. I purchased the A5 last summer for $300... after buying the necessary parts & labor expense, I'm close to $3000. invested.... some may feel it's too much to spend on what will be a "safe queen", but to me, it just had to be done.

For those of you that know Monte Manderino, here's a pic of him with the shotgun. Over the last 15 years we have become good friends. I always enjoy visiting his shop and usually end up coming home with something wonderful... this time was no different.

Very nice. But, that screw looks like pan hammered s hit.

The buggered screws will be replaced... this is an ongoing project...

I consigned the A5 to Poulin's Fall Premier Auction along with the restored Griffin & Howe 1903 in .220 Swift. The thrill was "resurrecting" them... I'm hopeful I recoup the money spent to give them a second life.