Browning Miroku Model 12 Grade V Engraved 20 Ga. 26″ Pump Shotgun, 1989
SOLD FOR: $1,336
WOA#: WY240210TM007
Make: Browning, Made in Japan by Miroku
Model: 12 High Grade (Grade V)
Serial Number: 02089PN932
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (PN Date Code)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Pump Action, Tubular Magazine Fed Takedown Shotgun
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 12 20GA – 2 ¾ SHELLS ONLY MOD.”. The top of the chamber to the left of the rib is marked “NP” and so is the top of the receiver to the left of the rib extension at the front. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number and the bottom of the base of the barrel is marked “02089” and has the takedown arrow. The right of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The shotgun is engraved with pattern 12-5. The right side of the receiver is marked with scroll engraving surrounding a game scene featuring four waterfowl in gold flying over a lake with mountains in the background. The left of the receiver is marked with scroll engraving surrounding a game scene featuring two bird dogs and a flying pheasant in gold with trees in the background.
Barrel Length: 26? Vent Rib
Choke: Fixed Modified
Sights/Optics: There is a bright bead at the front of the rib. The rib and receiver rib extension are serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb and black hard rubber Browning buttplate. There is a pair of dings on the bottom of the pump at about the midsection. There are a few light marks from storage. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a few light marks at the heel and toe and the lettering is strong. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Gold Inlay
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains approximately 99% of its metal finish. This shotgun appears to have been bought new and then stored away. There is no operation wear or any signs of handling. This shotgun is mint. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Like New 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: Included is a serial matching black Browning box and paperwork including a manual.
Our Assessment: What a gun! When Browning had these shotguns produced by Miroku, Winchester had discontinued the Model 12, making this a first opportunity for some and a last opportunity for many to get their hands on new production guns. Some of this production run was given over to standard Grade I guns, but there were also a limited number of Grade V guns produced. The production runs for the 20 and 28 gauge Model 12s were separate while there was some overlap of production of the Model 42, which meant that there weren’t all that many three-gun sets sold together as some didn’t want to wait to get their guns. This Grade V Model 12 is in Excellent condition with its original box and this gun is a beauty! From the select walnut stocks to the beautiful engraving and gold accents, this shotgun will take a prized place in any collection. If you’re a collector of Winchester or Browning shotguns, don’t let this gun pass you by. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.