FN Auto-5 12 Gauge, Belgian-Made (1948), Browning St. Louis Marked, Factory-Engraved, 21.25-Inch Plain Barrel
This Belgian-made FN Auto-5 is a 1948 production 12 gauge with Browning Arms Company St. Louis markings and factory scroll engraving. It features a 21.25-inch plain steel barrel chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells and the classic long-recoil action. The receiver carries Belgian Liège proofs, "MADE IN BELGIUM" and "SPECIAL STEEL" markings, and the bolt’s last three digits match the receiver serial. Traditional round-knob walnut furniture is present, with a ventilated recoil pad installed.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: Rust and pitting are present. The wood furniture shows no remaining varnish. The bore is clean on visual inspection. The shotgun is functional. The barrel has been cut to approximately 21.25 inches; the muzzle edge appears rough and may require deburring for safe operation.
What's Included
- FN Auto-5 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
Made by FN in Belgium in 1948, this Auto-5 shows the Browning Arms Company St. Louis "MADE IN BELGIUM" lineage, with "SPECIAL STEEL" noted on the barrel. The receiver carries the full Belgian Liège proof suite, including the crowned ELG oval, Perron, and PV smokeless proofs, plus the FN oval cartouche on the underside.
Factory scroll engraving adorns the receiver sides, accompanied by the "BROWNING TRADE MARK" cartouche. The finish is blued throughout. The bolt’s last three digits match the receiver serial, a useful detail for buyers who value consistent factory pairing of major components.
The shotgun is configured with a 21.25-inch plain steel barrel, chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells. The barrel is plain with no rib, and no front bead was observed. It operates on the long-recoil system with a tubular magazine and a knurled magazine cap, and the stated capacity is 2+1.
Furniture includes a round-knob pistol-grip walnut stock and a long finger-groove walnut forend, both with bordered checkering. A ventilated recoil pad has been installed, yielding a 14.5-inch length of pull.