1956 Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight 12 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, Belgian Made, Factory Engraved, Poly-Choke
Built in 1956 at FN Herstal in Belgium, this Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight combines early postwar craftsmanship with functional custom upgrades. The receiver carries factory scroll engraving filled in gold, while the 26-inch ordnance steel barrel wears a Poly-Choke that adjusts from Improved Cylinder to slug settings. A round-knob walnut stock with hand-cut checkering and an aftermarket ventilated recoil pad round out a shotgun that is both collectible and field-ready.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Some scattered scuffs, light edge wear, and mild pitting are present on the blued surfaces, consistent with normal field use.
What's Included
- Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight 12 Gauge shotgun with 26" barrel
- Installed Poly-Choke adjustable choke
- Aftermarket ventilated rubber recoil pad with white spacer
The Auto-5 is John M. Browning's first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun, distinguished by its hump-back receiver and long-recoil action. This Standard Weight variant retains the external magazine cut-off lever, a practical feature for quickly loading different shells without cycling the action.
Early Belgian examples like this one, serial number prefix M116xx, were produced before manufacturing moved to Japan in the 1970s. Belgian proof marks—PV, Perron, and the Lion over PV—are clearly stamped on the receiver and barrel, verifying its origin.
The Poly-Choke offers on-the-fly pattern control, covering IC, Modified, Full, Extra Full, and slug settings. Coupled with a 2 ¾" chamber and 5-round capacity, the gun adapts easily from upland birds to deer stands without barrel changes.
Factory gold-filled scroll engraving contrasts with the deep blued finish, while the gloss walnut furniture features a classic round-knob pistol grip, finger-groove fore-end, and crisp checkering. The 14.0" length of pull and aftermarket pad provide a comfortable shoulder fit for most shooters.