1971 Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twelve 12 Gauge, Belgian-Made, 30-inch Plain Barrel, Factory Scroll Engraved
This Belgian FN-produced Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twelve is a 1971 example identified by the 71V serial code, notable as the first Auto-5 variant chambered for 3-inch shells. It features a 30-inch Special Steel plain barrel with a fixed choke, a forged steel receiver with factory Browning scroll engraving, and classic walnut furniture. Belgian proof and inspection stamps confirm its 12–76 chambering and 18.4 mm bore, underscoring its period-correct configuration and provenance.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: There are large dents on the grip. The firearm shows minor blemishing and handling wear. The front sight bead is damaged but remains functional.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Magnum Twelve 12 Gauge shotgun
Built on Browning's long-recoil action with an adjustable friction-ring system, this Magnum Twelve is configured for heavy 12-gauge loads and retains the left-side magazine cut-off lever. The bolt is polished in the white, and the receiver is forged steel with a blued finish and factory-applied Browning scroll engraving.
The barrel is a 30-inch Special Steel, plain (no rib) tube with a fixed choke denoted by Browning star marking. It carries a front bead sight, and the chamber is cut for 3-inch shells as marked by the Belgian proof suite.
Stocks are walnut, including a flat-knob pistol-grip buttstock with cut checkering and a ventilated recoil pad with a white-line spacer, paired with a matching walnut forearm. The overall configuration reflects period-correct Browning styling from the early 1970s.
Proofs and rollmarks include Belgian inspection stamps, 12–76 chamber and 18.4 mm bore designations, plus "Browning Arms Company Morgan, Utah & Montreal P.Q." and "Made in Belgium." The tubular magazine holds 4+1 rounds.