Recently received a Browning Auto 5 Light Twelve, serial # 2829XX indicates 1949 production, Belgian, 26" solid rib barrel, muzzle mic's at 0.694" correct for full choke. Condition is excellent, wood and metal. One small issue: the manual safety (forward bow of trigger guard) is very difficult to engage or release, requiring a lot of force. Works as it is supposed to but not what I would prefer for use. I'm thinking either it needs a full detail stripping, good cleaning and lube, or perhaps a parts problem of some type. Any advice would be appreciated.
I don’t think any parts are broken, the Trigger Plate needs to come out for cleaning and lubrication. You can do that with minimal disassembly but it’s a good idea to do the whole gun every 70 years or so. You’ll need a set of thin Browning screwdrivers. Brownell’s has a nice, inexpensive set. The also have a series of videos showing how to take the gun apart and put it back together. https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...rowning-auto-5-screwdriver-set-prod25476.aspx And here is an excellent pdf on the subject: https://www.shotgunworld.com/images/BROWNINGA5DISASSEMBLY.pdf
