BROWNING LIGHT TWELVE

Overview

The Browning Auto-5 "Light Twelve" made in Belgium is a highly regarded, classic long-recoil semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun renowned for its craftsmanship and "humpback" design. It was produced by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Liege, Belgium, for several decades, with production shifting to Japan in 1975. **THIS IS A PRE-1975 AS IT IS OUT OF BELGIUM**Key Features and CraftsmanshipThe Belgian-made Browning Auto-5 Light Twelve is cherished by collectors and shooters alike for its quality construction, which often featured milled steel components as opposed to the stamped parts or aluminum alloys found in some later models. Action: It uses John Browning's original long-recoil operated action, which cycles with a distinctive mechanical feel.Chambering: The Light Twelve is chambered for 12 gauge, 2 3/4" shells (standard for the model, though magnum versions exist).Materials: These shotguns typically feature blued steel finishes, elegant scroll engraving on the receiver, and a two-piece walnut stock with traditional diamond checkering and a round-bottom semi-pistol grip.Trigger: A distinguishing feature on many models is a gold-plated trigger.Weight: Despite the "Light Twelve" designation, the shotgun's all-steel construction means its weight can be considered on the heavier side compared to modern polymer and aluminum alloy shotguns, but it is lighter than the standard weight Auto-5 of its era.Reliability: When properly maintained and set up with the correct friction ring setting for the load, these shotguns are highly reliable. Production HistoryProduction of the Auto-5 in Belgium by FN began in 1902. The "Light Twelve" variant started production after World War II. Pre-WWII: Production ran from 1903 to 1939. Very few serial number records remain for this period.WWII Era: Production paused in Belgium and moved to Remington in the U.S. from 1940 to 1946.Post-WWII Belgian Production: FN resumed production in 1947 and continued until approximately 1975, when production shifted to Miroku in Japan.