Browning A-500R 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, 28 inch Special Steel Vent-Rib Barrel, Invector, Blued/Gloss Walnut, 1989
This 1989 Browning A-500R is the short-recoil variant of Browning's hump-back semi-auto line, built around a 4-lug rotary bolt with an internal breechblock spring. It features a 28 inch Special Steel barrel with a vent rib and Invector choke system compatibility, chambers for both 2 3/4 inch and 3 inch shells, and factory light scroll engraving on the receiver flanks. The blued finish, gloss walnut stock, gold-colored trigger, and Browning buckmark on the trigger guard complete a classic Browning presentation.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are various cosmetic imperfections, including scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss.
What’s Included
- Browning A-500R 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
The A-500R operates on a short-recoil system with a 4-lug rotary bolt and internal breechblock spring, providing a distinct mechanical setup within Browning's semi-auto lineage. It ejects to the right and carries the signature hump-back receiver profile for a familiar sighting plane.
The 28 inch Special Steel barrel is marked "SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 2 3/4 inch AND 3 inch INVECTOR" and "PATENTS PENDING." It has a vent rib with a single front bead and is compatible with Browning Invector choke tubes (notch ID system). Per Browning guidance, it is suitable for factory steel-shot loads.
Controls include a cross-bolt safety and a receiver-side magazine cut-off marked "MC/R," adding flexibility for unloading or changing loads. The charging handle is on the right side. Capacity is 4+1.
Stocking is gloss walnut with a pistol-grip, checkering, and a ventilated recoil pad. The receiver shows light factory scroll engraving on both flanks. Additional touches include a gold-colored trigger and the Browning buckmark on the trigger guard. Length of pull measures 14.5 inches.
This example dates to 1989 and brings together Browning's classic styling with the A-500R's distinctive recoil-driven action, 3 inch chamber capability, and Invector system compatibility for versatile field use.