I Have This Old Gun: Remington Autoloading Shotgun

by
posted on August 3, 2022
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Known commonly by the name "Auto 5," even though that name is attributed to a FN copy, the Autoloading Shotgun was John Moses Browning's first semi-automatic shotgun design, which entered production at Remington starting in 1905. Browning regarded the Autoloading Shotgun design as one of his personal favorites. It also marked a point where the famed firearm designer made a shift from his usual course of business.

I Have This Old Gun: Remington Autoloading Shotgun

Browning approached Winchester with the design first for production, but the firm turned him down after the inventor requested to receive royalties on each shotgun produced, rather than receiving a lump-sum up front. Afterwards, Browning then traveled to the Remington plant to meet with to company's then president, Marcellus Hartley, to discuss a possible contract. However, in an unfortunate turn of events, Mr. Hartley died while Browning was waiting to meet with him.

I Have This Old Gun: Remington Autoloading Shotgun

As a result, Remington also passed on the design, so Browning took his autoloading design to FN Herstal in Belgium, where it was produced as the Browning Automatic 5 (Auto 5). Yet Remington was not out of the picture for long, as the next company president was also interested in the shotgun design. It entered the market as the Remington Autoloading Shotgun in 1905, the first U.S. made semi-automatic shotgun available on the commercial market. Offered in 12, 16 and 20 ga., the design proved to be popular and a commercial success for Remington, with hundreds of thousands of examples sold at the time. 

I Have This Old Gun: Remington Autoloading Shotgun

The nomenclature for the design was changed by the company to Model 11 in 1911, with examples produced beforehand bearing no official model designation.  Both the Model 11 and Auto 5 would prove to be one of the most popular semi-automatic designs throughout the first half of the 20th century. While no longer produced, the Remington Model 11 can still be found and retains popularity with enthusiasts and collectors today.

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

Chiappa Big Badger 01
Chiappa Big Badger 01

New For 2025: Chiappa Big Badger

Chiappa's Little Badger has long been a popular, affordable, break-action survival rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. Now, the design has been upsized into the Big Badger, available in several centerfire chamberings.

Preview: Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit

The U.S.G.I. canteen and cup are classic pieces of kit due to their efficient design and durable construction, and they are practically updated in the Self Reliance Outfitters Pathfinder Canteen Trail Kit.

Gun Of The Week: Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR

On this episode, we’re taking a closer look at the latest version of one of the most popular bolt-action rifle platforms out there. This is the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 29, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Bullpup Your AR-15: The A3 Industries Triad Modular Bullpup Chassis

This chassis kit provides a handy way for AR fans to try a bullpup carbine on for size.

Hillsdale College & The Shooting Sports

Hillsdale College has invested in the Second Amendment and the shooting sports in a way that few schools have. At its John A. Halter Shooting Sports Education Center, collegiate shotgun and action pistol teams compete and build their firearm-handling skills.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.