Browning Double Automatic
Browning Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1955
Also known as: Double Auto, Twelvette, Twentyweight, Steelweight
Overview
The Browning Double Automatic was a 12-gauge short-recoil semi-automatic shotgun designed by Val A. Browning, son of John M. Browning, and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium from 1955 to 1971. Its defining feature was a deliberate two-shell capacity - one chambered and one in a side loading port - eliminating the traditional tubular magazine to give the balance and handling of a fine double gun. The lightweight Twelvette and Twentyweight models used anodized aluminum-alloy receivers that were advanced for the mid-1950s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3118 g (110.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Short Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Single Shell Loading Port
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Two Shot Capacity, Aluminum Receiver, Side Loading Port, Speed Load Feature, Short Recoil Operation
Variants
- Browning Twelvette — Lightweight
- Browning Twentyweight — Lightweight
Production
Estimated total produced: 67,000 · Production years: 1955-1971
Approximately 67,000 total; the Twelvette accounted for roughly 65,000
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Val A. Browning
Discontinued: 1971
Notes
The barrel travels about half an inch during the short-recoil cycle. The Standard/Steelweight had a steel receiver; the Twelvette and Twentyweight used aluminum alloy. Roughly 67,000 were produced in total, most of them Twelvettes.
Background
Designed by Val A. Browning, son of the legendary John M. Browning, the Double Automatic held just two shells and eliminated the tubular magazine for the handling of a fine double gun; its anodized aluminum-alloy receiver was advanced for its day, and it was marketed as 'Tomorrow's Gun Today.'