Help with vintage Browning Auto 5

[LoboGunLeather]

Howdy. Recently acquired a nice Belgian Browning Auto 5 "Light Twelve", serial number indicates 1949 production, 26" solid rib barrel, all original and about 90% condition, choke dimension is 0.694" (correct for full choke).

One little problem is that the safety (front of trigger guard) is very hard to engage or release. I am not familiar with this model so I would appreciate some advice on how best to diagnosis and treat this ailment. Since there are no overt signs of damage or modification, and the safety does work correctly (other than requiring a great deal of force), I suspect either an assembly problem or simply a need for good cleaning and lubrication.

Any member with experience to share will be appreciated.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Disassemble, clean and lube would be my first step. These videos may help.

 

[Armored farmer]

I bet some lube will bring it around.
Congrats, that's a fine shotgun.

 

[LaneP]

As mentioned, first step is a mechanical evaluation of the action (and a cleaning while you're at it).

I have a 1907 manufactured Remington Autoloading Shotgun which I believe shares identical, or mostly identical innards as your Browning. The safety on mine requires firm but not unreasonable effort to engage and the fact yours is working would seem to indicate there shouldn't be a major issue at play.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Thanks! Good information.

 

[Monac]

I know it is irrelevant to your question, but my father had a Auto 5 Light 12 and his only complaint was about the safety, which he thought was awkwardly located. He bought it used at Hudson's Sporting Goods in New York City in the early 1950's. He had taken the train to NYC so he had no car and he was too economical to splurge on a taxi. So he took the shotgun (in a canvas case) back to his hotel on the subway. Different times! It served him well for about 50 years.