1936 Browning Auto-5 12 Gauge, Belgian FN Manufacture, 27 inch Plain Barrel, Fixed Modified Choke, Blued/Walnut
This 1936 Browning Auto-5 is a pre-WWII, FN Herstal-made 12 gauge with classic humpback receiver lines and Belgian proofmarks. It features a 27 inch ribless plain barrel marked "12 SPECIAL STEEL" with a fixed Modified (M) choke and a brass front bead. Period-correct details include the left-side magazine cut-off, a 5-round capacity, and walnut furniture with a round-knob pistol grip and steel buttplate.
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 is pitting throughout the metal surfaces. There are scratches and scuffs throughout. The forend has cracks.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
Manufactured in Belgium by FN Herstal for Browning in 1936, this Auto-5 carries the "BROWNING TRADE MARK" receiver marking and multiple Belgian proofmarks, including the crowned PV smokeless proof, Perron tower, and star-over-letter inspector stamps. It represents the classic pre-war configuration associated with early Browning self-loading shotguns.
The 27 inch steel barrel is ribless and plainly marked "12 SPECIAL STEEL." It uses a fixed Modified (M) choke and is set up with a brass front bead for a straightforward sight picture. This plain-barrel, fixed-choke setup reflects period factory configuration.
The long-recoil operated action is the hallmark of the Auto-5 design, paired here with the signature humpback receiver profile. Controls include a left-side magazine cut-off and an external charging handle with a round bolt knob. Capacity is 5 rounds.
Furniture consists of a walnut stock with a round-knob pistol grip and checkering, matched by a checkered walnut forend. A steel FN buttplate with "Automatic" motif completes the period look. Length of pull measures 14.0 inches, and the metal surfaces wear a blued finish.
Additional details include a bead front sight, steel receiver and barrel construction, and Belgian FN manufacture for Browning. The overall package captures the defining features of a pre-WWII Auto-5 with the noted factory-style markings and features.