Browning Auto-5 Standard 16 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun, 26″ Vent-Rib Barrel, Belgian Made 1948
This 1948 Browning Auto-5 Standard 16 Gauge combines John Browning’s famed long-recoil action with scarce period features such as a factory ventilated rib barrel and factory scroll engraving. Belgian proof marks, original round-knob walnut furniture, and the retained magazine cut-off lever make this full-size shotgun attractive to shooters and collectors seeking an authentic post-war example.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal and wood surfaces display minor scratching, light scuffing, and small blemishes consistent with careful field use.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Standard 16 Gauge shotgun
- Aftermarket Sears ventilated recoil pad (installed)
Manufactured in 1948, this gun falls within the early post-war serial block and predates the later Speed-Load II system. The receiver carries factory floral scroll engraving over a deep blued finish, backed by Belgian crown-over-PV and lion-over-* proof marks that confirm original Liège production.
The 26-inch Special Steel barrel is factory-fitted with a ventilated rib—an uncommon upgrade for this era—and is fixed Full choke. The 2¾-inch chamber allows use of standard 16-gauge loads while the 4+1 tubular magazine, assisted by the magazine cut-off lever, supports quick unloading or single-shot operation.
Furniture is standard-grade walnut with hand-cut checkering, a round-knob pistol-grip, and a 13.5-inch length of pull ending in a Sears ventilated recoil pad. Forged-steel construction throughout the receiver and long-recoil action deliver the reliability that made the Auto-5 a benchmark for semi-automatic shotguns.