Browning Auto-5 "American Browning" 12 Gauge Semi-Auto, Remington-Made WWII Era, 30 in Barrel, Fixed Modified (M Choke), 2 3/4 in Chamber
This Browning Auto-5 is an American Browning variant produced in the United States by Remington during the WWII era (1940–1946). It features the classic hump-back receiver and long-recoil autoloader design, paired with a 30 inch plain matted barrel, a fixed Modified (M Choke), and 2 3/4" chambering. As a U.S.-made contract gun with Browning St. Louis barrel address and distinctive wartime features, it stands out to both shooters and collectors.
Built as part of the American Browning run, these guns used B-prefix serials and carry a barrel address marked "Browning Arms Company St Louis MO" with "SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GAUGE – SHELLS 2 3/4." This example retains the early front-of-trigger-guard safety and the left-side magazine cutoff lever, both characteristic of early Auto-5 configuration.
The long-recoil action with friction-ring load tuning provides the hallmark Auto-5 cycling behavior. The 30 inch steel barrel has a plain matted top and a single front bead for a clean sight picture. The fixed Modified choke (M Choke) is a versatile constriction well-suited to many field uses.
Construction is all-steel with a blued finish, complemented by hand-checkered walnut furniture. The stock features the round-knob pistol grip and a Browning steel buttplate, while the long checkered forend with finger groove rounds out the classic handling profile. Capacity is 4+1, and length of pull measures 14.0 inches.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: The gun shows noticeable wear and handling, with scattered scratches and blemishes. There is visible finish loss on both metal and wood surfaces.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 American Browning 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
This Remington-made Auto-5 reflects the U.S. production period for Browning during the 1940–1946 timeframe. Collectors often refer to these as American Browning models, and they are identifiable by their barrel address and contract-era configuration.
Key functional features include the long-recoil operated autoloader system with friction-ring tuning and a magazine cutoff lever on the left side of the receiver. The early safety positioned at the front of the trigger guard is correct for this configuration and period.
The 30 inch steel barrel is marked SPECIAL STEEL and is chambered for 2 3/4" shells. It has a plain matted top with a single front bead and a fixed Modified choke (M Choke). These details align with factory configuration for this era of American Browning production.
Walnut furniture includes a round-knob pistol grip, hand-checkered grip panels, a long checkered forend with finger groove, and a Browning steel buttplate. The steel receiver and frame wear a blued finish consistent with period production.