FN Browning Superposed Lightning 12 GA 26.5″ Over Under Shotgun 1959 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3525
LSB#: 220118RW001
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 70658
Year of Manufacture: 1959 (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 Inertial 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 3/4″”, the right is marked “PATENTS No 2203378 – 223386 / MADE IN BELGIUM ”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with “12-70” in oval and has proofs. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “70658” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “70658 F7”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “70658”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “70658”. The top tang is marked “70658”, 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: 26 1/2”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Modified, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead fixed to the rib at the muzzle. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 2 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and Browning buttplate. There is what appears to be a tiny hairline crack on the top of the wrist a the tang, but it is likely just the wood grain. There are some compressions, the most noticeable are on the comb and left side of the buttstock. There are a few light marks on the belly at the toe. There are a few little light marks through the finish that have darkened with age, some of the most noticeable are on the forend toward the rear and left cheek of the buttstock. The checkering is mostly 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. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are no major defects, just light handling wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. 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 Naugahyde luggage case and keys.
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 Lightning from 1959, in about Excellent condition, retaining about 98% of its metal finish. There is some light wear but 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 26 1/2″ barrels choked Full over Modified, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun but in its condition will make an excellent addition to just about any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!