Browning Light Twelve A5 Auto-5 12 GA 2 ¾” Semi-Auto 29.5″ Shotgun 1964 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB260406DH025
Make: Browning Arms Company / Belgian Made
Model: Auto 5, A5
Serial Number: 4G52973
Year of Manufacture: 1964 C&R
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ Shells
Action Type: Recoil Operated, Semi-Automatic, Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q.” / “MADE IN BELGIUM”, and various proof marks. The bottom of the barrel has proof marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “* SPECIAL STEEL-12GAUGE-SHELLS 2 3/4”. The left side of the receiver is marked with “Light Twelve” / “BROWNING”, and a ‘portrait’ of John Moses Browning. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. All sides of the receiver have a tasteful Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 29.5″, Vent-Rib
Choke: Fixed, FULL
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a metallic bead fixed atop the rib. The mid-sight is a small white bead. The top of the receiver is wavy serrated and the top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut set with a rounded pistol grip, finger grooves running the length of the forend and a ventilated White Line rubber butt pad. There are scattered handling scratches and compression dents throughout. There is crazing in the finish. The checkering is sharp and defined. The LOP measures 14 3/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt pad. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is minor fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are scattered light scratches and marks throughout the receiver and barrel. There is thinning of the finish at the muzzle. The barrel has begun to show a light patina. There are areas of corrosion freckling and staining. The left side of the cross-bolt safety has been hand-painted pink. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Paperwork and Factory Box.
Our Assessment: The Browning Auto-5 is one of John Moses Browning’s most influential shotgun designs and is widely recognized as the first commercially successful semi-automatic shotgun. Produced for decades by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium, the Auto-5 used Browning’s long-recoil operating system and became a favorite among hunters and sporting shooters for its reliability, distinctive humpback receiver profile, and high-quality Belgian manufacture. The Light Twelve variant was built as a handier 12 gauge configuration, offering the same proven Auto-5 action in a lighter field gun. This example was manufactured in 1964 and is C&R eligible.
This Belgian-made Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 is a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun chambered for 2 3/4″ shells, fitted with a 29 1/2″ vent-rib barrel and fixed Full choke. The shotgun retains about 97% of its original blue finish, with scattered light scratches and marks, muzzle thinning, light patina beginning on the barrel, and some corrosion freckling and staining. The checkered walnut stocks rate in about Fine condition, showing scattered handling scratches, compression dents, and finish crazing, while retaining sharp, defined checkering, no chips or cracks, and a 14 3/8″ length of pull to the ventilated White Line rubber buttpad. The bore is bright with minor fouling, no erosion, and rates 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, though this shotgun has not been test fired. Included are paperwork and the factory box, adding appeal for collectors and Browning enthusiasts. Overall, this is a Fine condition 1964 Belgian Browning Light Twelve Auto-5 with classic FN manufacture, strong remaining finish, a bright bore, and desirable field configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY