Now a days, the jap guns are generally worth more then a Belgian gun. Mainly cause they are considered safe by browning to shoot steal shot. You can get a late model Jap auto 5 in 3" with an investor plus barrel that will shoot any modern day steel choke. It will rival any of the new duck guns on the market today. Most gun smiths will also say the Japanese steel was also a little better then the original Belgian guns.
The Belgian guns are a lot lighter and have a little better swing and feel to me. I'm a avid duck hunter in south la and own several auto-5 and they are all I hunt with.
As to the pricing. They generally seem to hold more value down here in the south. Even here though the price can vary all over. That said, just cause there are plenty ones listed for $1300 and up, doesn't mean there selling.
