Going Rate for an A5

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TenDriver

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Looking at a 5 digit s/n A5 Light Twelve in rough shape. It has some light surface rust, dings on the stock but no cracks. It needs some TLC but likely nothing I can't handle, cosmetically anyway. Asking price is $500.

I've already gotten off to a rough start on this deal when the store owner told me he could give me around $100 credit on a SKS, and that I'd be better off selling it for around $200 elsewhere. Further stating another LGS sells them for $180-$200. No doubt in my mind I could find an A5 in good shape for $800 or so but I like restoring things.
 
I wouldn't give more than $350 for a fixer-upper. Just looked at several A5s at the gun show in Tulsa. Saw them from $300 for rough and up to $700-$800 for very nice ones. Saw one NIB for $1000.
 
WAY to high for that condition in Iowa money. I just spent Saturday afternoon at a gun show here and saw them priced at $575 or less. Rough ones like what described are in the $250 to $350 range around here. I'd walk away from that deal in a hurry.
 
The A5 market is pretty soft right now. Belgian Light 12's in good shape are only bringing around $500 unless they are in exceptional condition, or have desirable features. Keep an eye on the auction sites for a nice one, or a cheaper project gun.
 
Bought a Belgian Light 12 a year or so ago, $500 at a local store. Condition OK, worn bluing, a few scratches. Recently traded same gun to same store for a different shotgun, he gave me $350 for the A5.

Keep in mind, though, that an A5 (if you like them, and I do) is a very well-made shotgun that if mechanically sound will give you a lot of shooting. I'm not a dealer -- personally when I buy a used gun it is to get something I want, not to make money down the road, and I don't worry if I spend an extra few $$ over what someone says I should, if I'm getting what I want. I'm going to put my own scratches on the thing in the field.
 
I gave $281 plus shipping and transfer for this 1954 model on GB.
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It appears internally and externally not to have been shot much at all, metal is in very good condition, wood is good with few very minor indentions, no nicks, scrapes or cracks. I think I got a bargain, but I've seen others go for under 500 in similar condition. A Poly Choke or Cutts Compensator will reduce the value and is probably why I got the above gun at such a deal. A solid rib (like mine) or vent rib barrel will increase the value. They are AMAZINGLY WELL BUILT guns, and I'd say they would cost in the multiple thousands of dollars if still built with the same type of craftsmanship today. I bought mine for a HD gun. I'd shot an A5 quite a bit but never cared for the the full-length feel much for hunting or target shooting. However, with the barrel shortened and the thick recoil pad removed (resulting in quicker/smoother shouldering and a little shorter LOP) the gun was transformed and I absolutely love it for feel and maneuverability. It's pretty much become my favorite shotgun for just about any purpose (you can, to a great extent, "load around" the fact that it's now cylinder bore if you know what you're doing with shot selection, shot charge, and wad selection). It now gives my favorite O/U and Side-by-Side a fight for favorite all-purpose shotgun.

Barrel shortened to 18.25", recoil pad replaced.
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