Auto-5 Light 12 question

Question
Jim,
My grandfather gave me an Auto-5 light twelve and I'm trying to determine what I should do with it. The SN is 1G 45047 and using the "date your gun" page at Browning.com I think it is a '57 which fits Grandpa's story that he bought it new in 56-58.  It has a vented rib barrel and a **- (improved cylinder?) choke designation.  The exterior is marginal at best.  Grandpa used furniture wax on the wood but it is now all flaking off and the bluing is quite worn on the receiver and on the barrel by the forarm.  I've had the gun to a gunsmith to be cleaned and was told that the gun looks brand new inside.

I plan on keeping the gun and hope to one day pass it on to an adult grandchild as Grandpa did for me.  I don't want to do anything that will hurt the value of the gun but would like it to look as nice as possible.  What should I do? Refinish the stock? re-blue?  Any tips as to getting this gun back into tip top shape would be appreciated.

Thanks Randall

Answer
Randall,

As far as the serial number.... It is a 1961 Lightweight 12 gauge. There are several people who can do restoration. It can become fairly expensive if the work is done correctly. The good news is that you will have made it look as nice as possible for the condition it is in. It will never look 100% from the factory new, but its still something any grandchild would like to have. The important thing to remember is that it has been handed down from generation to generation. Sometimes the condition is not nearly as important as the stories behind it. Give me a call at 417-830-5588 and I will try to recommend a couple reputable folks for you.