Browning / Miroku Model 12 Pump Action 20 Gauge 26″ Grade V /Grade 5 w/ Box

SOLD FOR: $1,602.00

LSB#: LSB250718LT143

Make: Browning / Miroku

Model: Model 12 (M-12) G-5 Grade (Browning)

Serial Number: 00496 PN 932

Year of Manufacture: Made in Japan (Miroku production; late-20th-century production run — 1990s)

Caliber: 20 Gauge

Barrel Length: 26″ (Modified choke)

Action Type: Pump Action, tubular magazine-fed

Markings: The receiver is stamped “00496 PN 932,” matching the factory carton, which reads “M-12 PUMP SHOTGUN … SERIAL No. 00496 PN 932.” The carton label also notes Gauge: 20; Chamber: 2-3/4″; Barrel: 26″; Choke: MOD; Grade: G-5. The left side of the receiver features rich, flowing scrollwork surrounding a gold-inlaid retriever on point; the right side carries fine scroll engraving surrounding four gold-inlaid ducks in flight. Barrel flats are factory stamped with choke and chamber information consistent with the carton. All markings are crisp and factory correct for a Miroku-made Browning Grade 5 Model 12.

Barrel / Choke: 26″ round barrel finished in factory blue with a factory-marked Modified choke. Barrel and choke are present in the original factory configuration and match the carton specifications.

Sights / Optics: Bead front sight on a ventilated rib. No optics or aftermarket sights are fitted.

Stock Configuration & Condition: Highly figured, high-gloss walnut stock and matching checkered forend consistent with G-5 furniture. Checkering is sharp and well executed. Finish presents with deep gloss and factory fit; no dents, cracks, or repairs observed. Factory buttplate and forend cap present. Overall, furniture displays as new-in-box with only minor storage/packaging residue within protective materials.

Type of Finish / Finish Originality: Deep factory blue on receiver and barrel with full scroll engraving and crisp gold inlay depicting game scenes (retriever, flying ducks). Finish appears original Miroku/Browning work with no evidence of rebluing or heavy refinishing; minor handling/packaging marks are visible in the protective plastic and styrofoam only.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore, but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: Example presents as new-in-box (NIB) with original styrofoam insert, factory plastic wrapping, and owner’s manual. Metal engraving and gold inlay are intact, crisp, and free of wear. Stock and forend are highly figured and glossy with no visible handling wear; factory fit is excellent. Only minor storage/packaging residue noted in foam cavities and on interior plastic — otherwise the shotgun appears unused with original factory presentation and paperwork.

Mechanics: Pump action cycles smoothly by hand; slide, action bars, magazine tube components, and internal operating parts appear factory original and in correct working order on visual inspection. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. 

Accessories: Original Browning M-12 factory box with inner styrofoam, owner’s manual, and factory paperwork. No additional choke tubes or aftermarket accessories included.

Our Assessment: This boxed Browning Model 12 Grade 5 in 20 gauge represents a premium, collector-oriented presentation with strong appeal. The G-5 engraving with crisp gold inlay and Miroku execution elevates the Model 12 beyond standard production examples; paired with the highly figured, glossy walnut and original carton, this example is immediately marketable to collectors who prize factory presentation and matching paperwork.

For shooters seeking a high-quality field piece, the 26″ modified-choke 20 gauge offers versatile performance in a classic, easy-to-maintain pump platform. Mechanically, it appears correct and serviceable, and the bright 10/10 bore supports the expectation of excellent accuracy after a proper clean and armorer check. For collectors, the boxed, apparently unused condition and sharp provenance make this an uncomplicated catalog highlight — a ready-to-shelf example that will photograph and present extremely well.

Buyer guidance: bid confidently for presentation and originality — this M-12 Grade 5 will reward both display-minded collectors and those seeking a premium working pump shotgun. So bid high and bid firm on this exquisite and beautifully preserved Browning. I encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.