Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight 12 Gauge, Belgian FN 1958, 29.5" Plain Barrel, Fixed Modified Choke, 2 3/4" Chamber, Factory Scroll Engraving
This Belgian-made Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight 12 gauge was manufactured in 1958 by FN and imported by Browning Arms Co. St. Louis. It features factory simple scroll engraving on the steel receiver, a plain 29.5-inch barrel with a fixed Modified choke, and a 2 3/4" chamber. Classic Auto-5 traits are all here, including the humpback receiver, long-recoil operation with friction-ring regulation, and a magazine cutoff.
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: There are significant markings, finish loss, and patches of surface rust from previous handling and use. The stock is slightly loose.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Standard Weight 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
Belgian manufacture by FN and Browning Arms Co. import markings (St. Louis) establish desirable provenance for collectors. This 1958 example is the Standard Weight 12-gauge variant, identified within the Auto-5 line by the "M" serial prefix convention.
The receiver shows the Auto-5's distinctive humpback profile with right-side ejection and an external bolt handle. A magazine cutoff lever on the left side of the receiver supports unloading the chamber without cycling rounds from the magazine.
The barrel is a plain 29.5-inch tube with a fixed Modified choke and a 2 3/4" chamber, paired with a front bead sight. The configuration delivers the specified Mod choke and 2 3/4" chambering exactly as noted.
Operation is the Auto-5's long-recoil system with friction-ring regulation. Furniture includes a walnut round-knob pistol-grip stock with cut checkering, a walnut forend with a long finger-groove, and a ventilated recoil pad marked Browning. Capacity is 2+1, and length of pull measures 14.25 inches.
Factory-applied simple scroll engraving decorates the steel receiver, adding a classic touch consistent with Belgian Auto-5 production of the period.