<P> The Browning Auto - 5 was the first mass - produced semi-automatic shotgun . Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900 , it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998 . It features a distinctive high rear end , earning it the nickname `` Humpback '' . The top of the action goes straight back on a level with the barrel before cutting down sharply towards the buttstock . This distinctive feature makes it easy to identify A-5s from a distance . A-5s were produced in a variety of gauges , with 12 and 20 predominating ; 16 gauge ( not produced between 1976 and 1987 ) models were also available . The gun saw military service worldwide between World War I and the Vietnam War . A Remington Model 11 was used in the suicide of Kurt Cobain . </P>
<P> The Browning Auto - 5 was the first mass - produced semi-automatic shotgun . Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900 , it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998 . It features a distinctive high rear end , earning it the nickname `` Humpback '' . The top of the action goes straight back on a level with the barrel before cutting down sharply towards the buttstock . This distinctive feature makes it easy to identify A-5s from a distance . A-5s were produced in a variety of gauges , with 12 and 20 predominating ; 16 gauge ( not produced between 1976 and 1987 ) models were also available . The gun saw military service worldwide between World War I and the Vietnam War . A Remington Model 11 was used in the suicide of Kurt Cobain . </P>
when was the first semi automatic shotgun made
when was the first semi automatic shotgun made
Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900
Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900