Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge, 28 Inch Special Steel Barrel, Made in Belgium (1955) – Scroll-Engraved Receiver
This Belgian-made 1955 Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve stands out with its factory scroll-engraved steel receiver, 28 inch Special Steel barrel with a solid, matted rib, and classic round-knob walnut stock. It features FN Herstal production with Belgian Liège proofmarks, a Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo. barrel address, and the Light Twelve L-prefix designation. The long-recoil action, left-side magazine cut-off, and gold-colored trigger add to its period-correct configuration and collector appeal.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. There are some scratches and blemishes present. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge shotgun
Made in Belgium by FN Herstal in 1955, this Auto-5 Light Twelve carries clear Belgian Liège proofmarks, including PV nitro proof, Perron tower, star-over-letter inspector marks, and a 12–70 chamber designation. The barrel is marked Special Steel and bears the Browning Arms Company St. Louis Mo. address, identifying U.S. market import from the era.
The 28 inch steel barrel has a solid, matted rib and a single-bead front sight for a clean sight picture. Right-side ejection and a rounded charging handle are consistent with mid-century Auto-5 configuration. Chambering is 2 3/4 inches, with a 4+1 capacity.
The Light Twelve series is denoted by the L prefix and pairs here with a factory scroll-engraved steel receiver and a gold-colored trigger. A left-side magazine cut-off is present, and the long-recoil action uses the friction ring system correct to the design.
Furniture is classic Browning: a walnut round-knob pistol grip stock with checkering and a hard rubber buttplate, matched to a checkered walnut forearm with an elongated finger groove. Length of pull measures 14.5 inches, offering a traditional fit.