Browning Auto-5 Grade I 12 Gauge, Belgian Made (1948), 28 in Plain Barrel, Blued, 2 3/4 in Chamber
This post-WWII Browning Auto-5 Grade I is a Belgian-made 12-gauge from 1948 with light factory scroll engraving and the classic "BROWNING" banner on the receiver. It features a 28-inch Special Steel plain barrel that was proofed Full at the factory, a Lyman adjustable choke/compensator with a front bead, and a 2 3/4 in chamber. It retains hallmark Auto-5 elements including the left-side magazine cut-off, the user-tunable long-recoil friction ring system, and a 4+1 capacity, with a matching bolt suffix to the receiver.
Made in Belgium with ELG and Perron proofs and a Browning Arms Company St. Louis, MO import address, this Grade I/Standard shows classic period features paired with tasteful upgrades. The checkered walnut pistol-grip stock and long finger-groove forend complement the blued steel receiver and barrel for a clean, traditional presentation. LymanChoke installed.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. It has various cosmetic imperfections, scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. The bore remains clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Browning Auto-5 Grade I/Standard 12 Gauge shotgun (Belgian-made) with 28 in plain barrel
- Installed Lyman adjustable choke/compensator
- Installed Pachmayr White Line recoil pad
The 28 in Special Steel plain barrel carries the factory proof code "*" indicating Full at time of proof, and it is paired with a Lyman adjustable choke/compensator that includes a front bead. The chamber is marked "12-70," corresponding to 2 3/4 in shells. This combination offers period-correct configuration with a practical, tunable muzzle device.
Operation is the classic Auto-5 long-recoil system with user-tunable friction rings. The left-side magazine cut-off and a 4+1 capacity are present, and the bolt suffix matches the receiver. These details reflect correct configuration and continuity of major components on this example.
Metalwork is blued steel throughout the receiver and barrel, with light factory scroll engraving and the "BROWNING" banner (Grade I). Markings include Belgian ELG oval and Perron proofs, "MADE IN BELGIUM" on the barrel, and the Browning Arms Company St. Louis, MO import address, underscoring its Belgian origin.
The walnut furniture includes a checkered pistol-grip stock and a long finger-groove forend. A Pachmayr White Line recoil pad is installed for added shooting comfort. Overall, this 1948 Grade I/Standard retains the classic Auto-5 look and feel, made in Belgium, with thoughtful period-appropriate upgrades.