Browning Superposed Magnum Over/Under 12 Ga., 1966
SOLD FOR: $2,250.00
LSB#: 190126DC46
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed, Grade I Long Tang Magnum
Serial Number: 50759 S6
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUS Mo & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right of the upper barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA – CHAMBERED FOR 3″ MAGNUM / PATENTS NO 2.203.378-2.233.861”. The left side of the top barrel at the rear is marked “*” and the bottom with “**”, under the forearm each is marked with “12-70” in oval and Belgian proofs. The right side of each barrel toward the rear under the forearm is marked with Belgian proofs. The underside of the bottom barrel between the two locking lugs and the cocking lifter lug is marked with several inspection marks. The left side of the bottom barrel under the ejector arm is marked with two inspector marks and the serial number. The underside of the cocking lifter and the left side of the forend latch are marked with the serial number. The receiver has Grade I scroll engraving, the underside is marked “BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John Browning. The upper tang has the serial number.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Full over Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead front sight fixed to the top of the vent-rib at the muzzle. The vent rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 15.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb and ventilated brown rubber Browning recoil pad. The stocks have only a few scattered light compressions and drag lines. The checkering has very light handling wear, nearly sharp. There are no chips or cracks in the stocks. Drop at comb is 1 7/16”, drop at heel is 2 1/4”. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad is still fairly supple with little wear. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there appears to be light erosion immediately in front of the chamber on the top barel, but this will likely prove to be melted wad after a thorough cleaning.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The edges of the rib have lightly thinning finish, there are a few scattered light marks and very light operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw-heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in zero movement between the barrels and frame. 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: None.
Our Assessment: After the death of John Browning, his son Val would complete an over under shotgun with a single selective trigger and ejectors; the Superposed was introduced in 1931, it was an instant success; the factory did not produce any of these shotguns during WWII but just after the war ended, the factory came roaring back to life, creating some of their best product to date. This is a post-war FN produced 12 Gauge Magnum from 1966, in about Fine-Excellent condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, the action is still spot on and the trigger is crisp. This shotgun was produced right at the start of the “saltwood” period, however we see no evidence of saltwood at the wood-metal borders. Val’s SST is still known as one of the most reliable and ingenious of its kind, even though the patent is nearing 100 years in practice. This shotgun is in high enough condition to consider collectible, you won’t have any trouble hitting clays and game with the well balanced and reliable action, just make sure to care for it as well as its previous owners. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This C&R eligible shotgun can be transferred in California. All cartridge firing firearms including C&R and Antiques must be DROS’d at an FFL. This does not apply to out of state residents.
