Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge, 28 inch Vent Rib, 2 3/4 inch Chamber, Standard Invector Threads, 1985 Japan, Factory Scroll-Engraved
This 1985 Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve is a Japanese (Miroku) production long-recoil 12 gauge with a 28 inch ventilated rib barrel threaded for the Standard Invector choke system. It features factory Browning scroll engraving with the J.M. Browning bust medallion, a gold-tone trigger, and a receiver marked "Light Twelve." Chambered for 2 3/4 inch shells with a 4+1 capacity and a clean, bright bore, it combines hallmark Auto-5 design with late-era production details and markings.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, bright smoothbore with minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Not applicable - Smoothbore shotgun barrel.
Specific Condition Notes: The blued surfaces show widespread scratches, blemishes, and multiple areas of rust and pitting. The walnut fore-end is cracked. The bore is clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve 12 Gauge semi-automatic shotgun
The receiver is marked "Light Twelve" with the J.M. Browning bust medallion, and the barrel is marked "Invector Special Steel" for use with the Standard Invector choke system. Production and rollmarks include "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q., MADE IN JAPAN," identifying it as Miroku manufacture.
The 28 inch steel barrel has a ventilated rib and a single front bead sight, with a 2 3/4 inch chamber. It is factory threaded for Standard Invector choke tubes. The tubular magazine provides a nominal 4+1 capacity with 2 3/4 inch shells.
Controls and features include the classic long-recoil semi-automatic action, a magazine cut-off lever on the left side of the receiver, and a gold-tone trigger. The length of pull measures 14.0 inches.
The shotgun wears a blued finish with factory scroll engraving and the J.M. Browning bust medallion. Furniture consists of a checkered walnut pistol-grip stock with a hard buttplate and a matching walnut fore-end.
This example dates to 1985, with the serial format using the "PV" date code and the "211" type code that corresponds to the Light 12 configuration.