Browning FN Auto-5 Two Millionth Commemorative Semi-Automatic Shotgun C&R

SOLD FOR: $1960

LSB#: 220522MH006

Make: Fabrique Nationale for Browning Arms

Model: Auto 5 Light Twelve, Two Millionth Commemorative

Serial Number: 2,000,000 – 2257

Year of Manufacture: 1970

Gauge: 12, chambered for 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Long-Recoil, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, and with a series of Belgian proof marks including “i”date code. The right of the barrel is marked “** SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GAUGE – SHELLS 2 3/4″”. The left side of the receiver is marked “Light Twelve” with a gold bust portrait of John M. Browning and his signature in gold. The right of the receiver is marked “BROWNING / 2,000,000 – 2,257”. The receiver has scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 27 1/2″ with Vented Barrel Rib

Choke: Modified, Fixed

Sights/Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered and the top of the receiver is serrated to reduce glare.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, black hard rubber FN Browning Automatic buttplate, and finger grooves running the length of the forend. The forend has a couple of light nicks toward the rear and there is some odd discoloration in the finish on the left-front of the wrist. There are a few other scattered minor handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a magazine cutoff on the left front of the receiver, a safety at the rear of the trigger guard and a bolt release on the right side of the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Browning Automatic 5, most often Auto-5 or simply A-5, is a recoil-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed by John Browning. The Browning Auto-5 was the first mass-produced semi-automatic shotgun. Designed by John Browning in 1898 and patented in 1900, it was produced continually for almost 100 years by several makers with production ending in 1998. It features a distinctive high rear end, earning it the nickname “Humpback”. Browning presented his design to Winchester, where he had sold his rifle designs, but they refused his terms. He then went to Remington, but the president of the company died while he was waiting to offer them the gun. Browning then took the gun to FN in Europe and was so confident of his design that his first order was for 10,000 shotguns. The design was later licensed to Remington for their Model 11 and to Savage Arms for their Models 720 and 755. This Auto-5 is a lightweight model which was built by FN in 1970 to commemorate production of two million Auto-5 Shotguns. It is chambered for 12 GA. 2 3/4” shells and has a 27 1/2″ barrel choked Modified. The gun has a few light marks in the stocks and nearly none in the metal. It will be a great addition for Browning or FN collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!

Browning FN Auto-5 Two Millionth Commemorative Semi-Automatic Shotgun C&R
Browning FN Auto-5 Two Millionth Commemorative Semi-Automatic Shotgun C&R