Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight Grade I 12 Gauge, Belgian FN 1957, 27.5 in Special Steel Plain Barrel, 2 3/4 in Chamber
This Belgian-made 1957 Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight Grade I is a classic long-recoil 12 gauge with factory light scroll engraving and period-correct Liège proofs. It features a 27.5 inch plain Special Steel barrel chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells, a blued steel receiver with a magazine cut-off, and attractive walnut furniture. Markings include MADE IN BELGIUM, the ** choke code, and a 12-70 chamber cartouche, underscoring its factory configuration and provenance.
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: This firearm is in solid functional shape. There are scratches and blemishes present, with infrequent spots of finish loss. The bore is clean and shiny. There is no front bead present.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight Grade I 12 Gauge shotgun
- Installed magazine plug (2+1 capacity)
Built by FN in Belgium in 1957, this Auto-5 carries the M-prefix serial that denotes a standard-weight 12 gauge and is factory-marked MADE IN BELGIUM. The receiver shows light factory scroll engraving and Belgian Liège proof marks, aligning with its Grade I designation and era of production.
The 27.5 inch plain, non-ribbed Special Steel barrel is chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells and is marked with the ** choke code. Additional markings include the 12-70 chamber cartouche and a weight-at-proof of 1 kg 006, consistent with Belgian proof standards of the period.
The long-recoil semi-automatic action includes a receiver-mounted magazine cut-off. It is currently configured for 2+1 capacity with a plug installed, providing a setup that matches traditional field use parameters.
Walnut furniture includes a round-knob pistol-grip stock with checkering and a ventilated recoil pad, paired with a walnut forend featuring a finger groove. The polished blue finish and blued steel receiver present a classic, period-correct appearance. Length of pull measures 15.25 inches.