Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge, 1951 Belgian, 27.5 in Vent-Rib Barrel, Fixed Full (F) Choke, Factory Scroll Engraving
This 1951 Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve stands out as a Belgian-made example with factory scroll engraving and classic round-knob walnut furniture. It features a 27.5 in Belgian Special Steel vent-rib barrel with a fixed Full (F) choke, a left-side magazine cutoff, and the Auto-5 long-recoil system with adjustable friction rings. Chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells and set up with a 14.5 in length of pull, it pairs period-correct details with practical field configuration.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal shows light pitting and scattered scratches. The walnut stocks display handling wear and dings. The forend has a crack that appears repairable.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
Made in Belgium and marked accordingly, this Light Twelve bears the Liège proof cluster on the barrel, a Browning Arms Company St Louis Mo import mark, and a pre-finish barrel weight stamp. The receiver and receiver ring carry factory scroll engraving with the Browning name, adding a period-correct aesthetic to a well-regarded configuration.
The 27.5 in vent-rib barrel is Belgian Special Steel with a matted rib and a single front bead. It is chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells and fitted with a fixed Full choke, clearly noted as fixed F. Capacity is five rounds, and the knurled magazine cap is present.
The action is the classic Auto-5 long-recoil system with adjustable friction rings, complemented by a left-side magazine cutoff. These features reflect the configuration Browning offered for adaptable field use while retaining the gun’s distinctive cycling characteristics.
The stock set is checkered walnut with the desirable round-knob pistol grip and a long forearm with a finger groove. An aftermarket ventilated recoil pad with spacer is installed, yielding a 14.5 in length of pull. Additional details include a gold-tone trigger and steel receiver construction.