Make: Miroku in Japan, for Browning

Model: 12 & 42 High Grade (Grade V) Limited Edition

Serial Number: 02420NM972, 02420PN932, 02420NZ982

Year of Manufacture: 1988-1991

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4", 28 Gauge 2 3/4", .410 2 1/2 & 3” Shells

Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Shotguns

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: 20 & 28 Gauge- Modified, .410- Full, all fixed

Sights / Optics: These shotguns are each mounted with a steel bead fixed to the front of their ventilated ribs. The ribs meet at extensions slotted onto the receivers; the tops are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are each two piece checkered, gloss finished select walnut sets with capped pistol grips, straight combs and textured black plastic Browning buttplates. Each stock set has no notable wear or damage only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Each LOP measures 14" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplates. The plates similarly show only light handling marks. Overall, the stocks are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with Gold Accents

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in any of the bores. In this writer's opinion.

Overall Condition: Each shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The guns show minor operational wear consistent with infrequent assembly/disassembly. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, these shotguns are in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The actions function correctly. These shotguns take down in seconds for easy storage and maintenance. We have not fired these shotguns. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Each shotgun comes with a two-piece black cardboard Browning box with serial matching labels, styrofoam inserts, and plastic sleeves for the two main assemblies including wax paper. The 28 gauge Model 12 and the Model 42 boxes have manuals, the 20 gauge Model 12 box does not.

Our Assessment: What a set! When Browning had these shotguns produced by Miroku, Winchester had discontinued both the Model 12 and 42, making this a first opportunity for some and a last opportunity for many to get their hands on new production guns. Some of this production run was given over to standard Grade I guns, but there were also a limited number of Grade V guns produced. The production runs for the 20 and 28 gauge Model 12s were separate while there was some overlap of production of the Model 42. Browning dealers could request matching serial numbers from each production run, but would then either need to hold guns for as much as three years before they could sell the set or have a customer commit, and follow-through, with the same wait. Consequently, there weren’t all that many three-gun sets sold together as some didn’t want to wait. Since then, some sets have surely been broken up, making these even harder to find. This Grade V set is in Excellent condition with all three of the original boxes and these guns are beauties! From the select walnut stocks to the beautiful engraving and gold accents, these shotguns will take a prized place in any collection. If you’re a collector of Winchester or Browning shotguns, don’t let this set pass you by. Please see our photos and good luck!