Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: Auto 5 Light Twelve
Serial Number: 297131 (matching serialized parts)
Year of Manufacture: 1950 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2.75" chamber
Action Type: Semi-auto, tube fed, long recoil
Barrel Length: 30"
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a white bead atop the ventilated rib. The top of the receiver and rib are matted to reduce glare. There is a mid bead part way down the rib.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood furniture consists of a straight comb, checkered semi pistol grip, checkered forend, and a synthetic Browning FN buttplate. The buttplate shows faint handling wear. The only notable blemish in the wood is a pressure ding just left of the upper tang. The LOP measures 14.5" from the face of the trigger to the rear of the butt. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Fine Plus to Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with no visible streaking. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This firearm retains about 95% of its original finish. The finish shows light edge wear and scratches, with some freckling on the right side of the receiver. The screw heads show faint tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this firearm rates in Fine Plus condition.
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: None
Our Assessment: This FN Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve was manufactured in 1950 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Designed by John M. Browning and produced by Fabrique Nationale Herstal, the Auto-5 was the world's first commercially successful semi-automatic shotgun and remains one of the most influential sporting firearms ever made. Following the interruption of production during World War II, Belgian manufacture resumed, and early post-war examples such as this represent the return of FN's renowned craftsmanship. The Light Twelve variant became especially popular for combining the handling qualities of a lighter field gun with the versatility of the 12 Gauge.
Chambered for 12 Gauge 2.75 inch shells with a 30 inch barrel choked Full, this shotgun is well suited for waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, and trap shooting. The Auto-5's legendary long-recoil operating system provides dependable cycling and distinctive shooting characteristics that have made it a favorite of generations of sportsmen. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10, indicating exceptional internal condition. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Fine Plus to Excellent condition with only minor handling wear. This shotgun retains approximately 95% of its original finish, exhibiting minimal edge wear while maintaining an outstanding overall appearance. Overall, this firearm rates in Fine condition and represents an excellent early post-war Belgian FN Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve, offering the classic styling, craftsmanship, and reliability that have made the Auto-5 an enduring icon among sporting shotguns. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
