[Rickandpat]

I have a friend who recently got her father's browning shotgun. She doesnt know alot about the gun. It says it's made in Belgium has alot of engraving on it. On the side of the barrel it says 16 special steel. Doesn't give a gage size or a shell sizes. On the receiver it has stamped F.N inside a circle with a star below it. Has the number 98981 stamped below the star. Any ideas on how she can find out the gage the size of shell and the age?

 

[jwsmith1959]

Detailed pictures please. The FN does designate Belgium manufactured. Take the fore-end off to see if there is anything else on the barrel. Guessing you have an A-5.

Good luck.

 

[Rickandpat]

Detailed pictures please. The FN does designate Belgium manufactured. Take the fore-end off to see if there is anything else on the barrel. Guessing you have an A-5.

Good luck.

 

[oneounceload]

If the 98981 is the serial number, it was made in 1930, according to Proofhouse.com. "16" most likely means 16 gauge; somewhere should be marks indicating chamber length in mm as in 65, 70, etc. 65=2.5", 70=2.75" 76=3", etc. Those markings must be on the barrel, although they might be underneath the forearm

https://www.hunting.be/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Belgian-Proof-Marks.pdf shows the various types of Belgian proof marks and what they mean

 

[rigger]

How about a picture of the whole gun?

 

[Rickandpat]

How about a picture of the whole gun?

I dont have one but will ask for one