Make: FN, Belgium, for Browning Arms Co.

Model: Auto 5 Light Weight

Serial Number: 68Z 31808

Year of Manufacture: 1968 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2.75" Chambers

Action Type: Recoil operated semi-automatic, fed by tubular magazine

Barrel Length: 24" Buck Special slug barrel, 28" Vent-Rib barrel

Choke: Cylinder bore in the Buck Special slug barrel, Fixed Full in the Vent-Rib barrel

Sights/Optics: The Buck Special slug barrel front sight has a white beaded blade dovetailed into a raised serrated base. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch screwed into a base. The Ventilated Rib barrel has a metal bead atop the X-post style rib.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece wood stock set, with a checkered semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, black synthetic FN Browning buttplate, and a checkered forend with finger grooves. The LOP measures 14" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear with crazing, pressure dings, and surface scratches. There is a minor crack on the left side of the forend near the receiver. There is also a small chip taken from the upper right side of the forend close to where it meets the receiver. Overall, the furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Finish on the receiver and vent-rib barrel are Original to the parts, the Buck Special slug barrel is refinished. Neither barrel is original to the receiver.

Bore Condition: The bores are bright with minimal streaking. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 10/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish shows edge wear, rub marks, and light surface scratches. The screw heads are mostly unmarred with a few showing moderate tooling, but retain turnable slots. The markings/engravings are mostly clear and complete, with the exception being the markings on the Buck Special slug barrel. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition as not parts-original.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The gun and both barrels come in a Browning luggage case.

Our Assessment: This FN Browning Auto-5 Light Weight, serial number 68Z 31808, was manufactured in 1968 and represents the refined maturity of John Moses Browning's legendary long-recoil shotgun design. Produced by FN Herstal for Browning, the Light Weight Auto-5 became especially popular for its balance and reduced carry weight while retaining the durability and reliability that made the Auto-5 one of the most successful sporting shotguns of the 20th century. By the late 1960s, the model was firmly established as a premium semi-automatic field gun.

This example is chambered in 20 gauge and is accompanied by two 2.75" chambered barrels, offering notable versatility. One is a Buck Special slug barrel with a fixed cylinder bore, while the second is a vent-rib barrel with a fixed full choke, allowing the shotgun to transition easily between slug use and traditional upland or small game shooting. The 20 gauge chambering has long been favored for its balance of effective performance and manageable recoil. The bores rate a perfect 10 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, reflecting careful use and strong mechanical condition.

Approximately 92% of the mostly original blue finish remains. The Buck Special slug barrel has been refinished, while the remainder of the set is original to the parts. Neither barrel is original to the receiver. The set is accompanied by a Browning case, adding period-correct presentation and convenience. As a Belgian-made Browning Auto-5 Light Weight with dual barrels and strong bore condition, this shotgun stands as a well-rounded example of a classic sporting arm that defined semi-automatic shotgun performance for generations.