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Belgium Browning Auto-5 Semi Automatic Shotgun

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,250.00 USD
Belgium Browning Auto-5 Semi Automatic Shotgun
Exceedingly rare World War II production Browning Auto-5 12 gauge shotgun. The Auto-5 is considered one of Jonathan Browning’s finest designs. This shotgun has been in almost continuous production beginning in 1903. These reliable guns were produced in Belgium and much later in Japan. Because of World War II and the takeover of the FN plant in Belgium by the Germans, from 1940 – 1946 the manufacture of the Auto-5 shotgun was turned over to Remington. Serial numbers were given a letter prefix- A for 16 gauge, B for 12 gauge, and C for 20 gauge. With the war’s end, by 1946 serial numbers were well into the 230,000 range. This fine example with very early serial number B17403 was probably made in 1940-1941. The receiver is scroll engraved on the lower side panels with the serial number on the left side. The receiver is also stamped “BROWNING TRADE MARK.” The left rear of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS, MO” over “SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GAUGE – SHELLS 2 ¾”.” Because this rare Pre-War Browning Auto-5 was one of the first to be made by Remington, it lacks the common “MADE IN BELGIUM” stamping. The 30” barrel retains most of the factory blue, is choked full and has a roll-stamped matte finish top with factory bead front sight. The bore is bright and excellent. The receiver also retains a lovely factory blue finish. The action is tight and the walnut stock and forend show the rich color and grain structure of Pre-War Browning production. Few shotguns come to the shoulder as quickly and align as perfectly as does the Browning Auto-5. This example has the classic rounded pistol grip bottom that is missing from later production in which the bottom of the pistol grip was cut flat. One of the easiest shotguns to identify, the Browning Auto-5 will always be considered one of the absolute best, if not THE best, semi-auto shotgun ever produced anywhere in the world. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.