Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms
Model: Auto 5 Light Twelve
Serial Number: 7G90498
Year of Manufacture: 1967
Gauge: 12 gauge, 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Barrel Length: Two barrels are included, one 27 1/2", one Miroku production 26"-threaded for Invector Plus chokes, both with vent rib.
Choke: Fixed Modified, the Miroku barrel has an Extra-Full Turkey choke installed.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver-colored bead at the front of the rib on the FN barrel, the Miroku barrel has a green fiber optic blade. The top of the ribs and receiver have checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a flat-bottom pistol grip, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. There is infrequent minor crazing in the stocks' finish. The stocks otherwise show minor handling wear with a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has minor wear, mostly at the heel. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original to the parts, the Miroku barrel is not original to the gun.
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, primarily on the receiver. The receiver has handling wear on the bottom in front of the trigger guard. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun comes in a Browning luggage case fitted for the two barrel sets and receiver assembly, with a Browning Lube Shot bottle and keys for the case.
Our Assessment: The Browning Automatic 5, most often Auto-5 or simply A-5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. 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”. Browning presented his design to Winchester, where he had sold his rifle designs, but they refused his terms. He then went to Remington, but the president of the company died while he was waiting to offer them the gun. Browning then took the gun to FN in Europe and was so confident of his design that his first order was for 10,000 shotguns. The design was later licensed to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755.
This Auto-5 is a Light Twelve model which was built by FN in 1967 with simple but nice engraving. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4" shells and has a 27 1/2" vent-rib barrel choked Modified. A later Miroku production barrel is included threaded for Invector Plus chokes with Extra Full installed, making for a versatile set. The gun appears to have seen gentle use, more carry than firing, in Very Good-plus condition. This should still make for a great classic hunting gun for the lucky winner, but would also be a neat addition to a Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
