Browning Model 12 Grade V Blue & Gold 26″ 28 Gauge Ventilated Rib Pump Action Shotgun & Box, MFD 1990

SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: 180706JM05

Make: Miroku in Japan, for Browning

Model: 12 High Grade (Grade V) Limited Edition

Serial Number: 07286NM972

Year of Manufacture: 1990

Gauge: 28 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells

Action Type: Pump / Slide Action, Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Shotguns

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING MODEL 12 28 GA – 2 3/4″ SHELLS ONLY MOD.”, with a “NP” proof, found again on top of the receiver to the left of the rib extension. The right side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL, P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The underside of the barrel extension is marked “07286”, the underside of the magazine tube and extension have indexing arrows. The bottom of the receiver is marked “07286 / NM972″. The butt plate is marked “BROWNING”. The left side of the receiver has a scroll engraving surrounded dog and pheasant scene, the right a similarly surrounded waterfowl scene with the animals in both gold-plated.

Barrel Length: 26”

Choke: Modified, Fixed

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead fixed to the front of its ventilated rib. The rib meets at an extension slotted onto the receiver; the top is serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered, gloss finished select walnut set. The forend has checkering on each side with three diamonds on the bottom, the front and rear are checkered, the middle diamond is smooth. The butt stock has checkering on the pistol grip with a fluted comb, blued steel grip cap and textured black plastic buttplate. The stocks have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate; the plate has no notable wear or damage, rating in Excellent condition. The stocks rate in Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with Gold Accents

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is faint operational wear on the slide handle and bolt and no other notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun takes down in seconds for easy storage and maintenance. 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: This shotgun comes with a two-piece black cardboard Browning boxe with serial matching label, styrofoam inserts, plastic sleeves for the two main assemblies including wax paper, and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. The exterior of the box has light wear at edges and corners with light scuffs in the face. The styrofoam inserts have light wear from the rear of the barrel assembly. Overall, the box is in about Very Good-plus condition.

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 beatiful 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!

CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This shotgun can be transferred in California.