Browning FN Superposed Magnum 12 GA Over/Under O/U Double Barrel Shotgun, MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,688.13
LSB#: 190911GK04
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning
Model: Superposed, Grade I Magnum
Serial Number: 87973
Year of Manufacture: 1961 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
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 LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA – CHAMBERED FOR 3? MAGNUM”. The right of the upper barrel is marked “PATENTS No 2.203.378-2.233.861 / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the top barrel at the rear is marked “*” and the bottom with “**”, under the forearm each is marked with “12-76” in oval and Belgian proofs. The underside of the bottom barrel between the two locking lugs and the cocking lifter lug have inspection marks. The left side of the bottom barrel under the ejector arm is marked with 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?, Vent-Rib
Choke: The “*” markings indicate Full over Modified but our gauge reads both as 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: 8 lb., 8.8 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 light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined, nearly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2”, drop at heel 2 1/4”. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13 1/4″ to the back of the wood. The pad is still fairly supple with little wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion in the bores. There is some stubborn plastic wad fouling in front of the chambers which should come out with a patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable at the bottom of the receiver which shows handling wear. The barrels have some scattered minor nicks and scratches with light wear on the bottom barrel caused by the forend during disassebmly/reassembly. The top tang has operational wear from the safety/selector. The controls have handling wear. There are some infrequent tiny spots of very minor surface oxidation. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good 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. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when engaged manually. 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 1961, in about Very Good-plus condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, the action is still spot on and the trigger is crisp. 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!