FN Browning Model Superposed Lightning 12 GA 28″ Over Under Shotgun 1973

SOLD FOR: $1297

LSB#: 210610PK19

Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.

Model: Superposed Lightning

Serial Number: 8732S3

Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells

Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.

Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA. – SHELLS 2 ¾””, the right is marked “PATENTS No 2,203,378 – 2,233,86 / MADE IN BELGIUM”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with crowned “E / LG / *” in oval and “12-70” in oval. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “8732 S3 / FN” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “732S” and “F6 / B9”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “8732S”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “8732 S3”. The top tang is marked “8732 S3”, the bottom of the receiver is marked “Lightning / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John Browning and the water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The receiver has Grade I engraving.

Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib

Choke: Full over Modified, Fixed

Sights / Optics: There is a metal bead at the front of the rib. The rib and the is finely checkered for glare reduction.

Weight: 7 lb., 13 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and black ghard rubber Browning buttplate. There are scattered draglines and compressions throughout, some of the most noticeable are on the bottom of the forend and on the bottom of the buttstock. There are a few little scratches, mostly on the buttstock. There are a few scattered scuffs and marks through the finish, most noticeable on the comb at the rear. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light wear and little marks, mostly at the heel and toe. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion. The top bore has a bulge.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly on the rib, bottom of the frame, and muzzle. There are a few scattered light marks and light scuffs that have faintly thinned the finish. There are some spots of frost on the frame, rear of the forend iron, and on the bottom tang. The top tang has wear from the safety/selector and lever. There is some finish loss where the rib and rib extension meet on the chamber. The markings are clear. The screwheads aresharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. There is a bulge in the top barrel. The shotgun features a single selective trigger which is inertially set. There is zero movement between the barrels and frame. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. 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: Included is a Browning luggage case. The interior has light storage wear. The exterior fabric has some scattered sots of discoloration. The metal fittings have some patina, oxidation, finish loss, and scratches, most noticeable on the hinges. The case rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.

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 in 1973, in about Fine condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, retaining about 96% of its metal finish, 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. With 28″ barrels choked Full and Modified, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. The Lightning is a slightly lighter weight variant of the Superposed and this shotgun shows evidence use and has a bulge in the top barrel but should still be a good shooter for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!

FN Browning Model Superposed Lightning 12 GA 28" Over Under Shotgun 1973
FN Browning Model Superposed Lightning 12 GA 28″ Over Under Shotgun 1973