FN Browning Model Superposed Lightning 12 GA 30″ FULL O/U Shotgun 1969 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1227

LSB#: 220328JI007

Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.

Model: Superposed Lightning

Serial Number: 6910S69

Year of Manufacture: 1969 (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. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 2 3/4”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “*”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “6910S9” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “6910S69” and the cocking lever lifter is marked “6910S69”. The top tang is marked “6910S69”, 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: 30”, Vent-Rib

Choke: Both Fixed Full

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead in a base at the front of the Broadway rib and there is a smaller white midbead. The rib is serrated for glare reduction.

Weight: 8 lb., 9 oz.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a flat bottom pistol grip, straight comb, finger groove forend, and Browning buttpad. There are some scattered little nicks, dings, scrapes, and compressions. Some of the most noticeable wear is on the belly of the buttstock and the edge of the pistol grip. There are some scattered draglines. There is some crazing on the cheeks of the stock. There are some scattered light handling marks. There is wear on the rear edge of the buttstock on the right side. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate and 13 1/4″. The pad has some scattered wear and little marks, mostly on the edges. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 1 5/8″. The cast is slightly off. 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.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There are some scattered little nicks on the receiver, mostly on the bottom. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few little patches of faint surface oxidation in the serrations of the rib. There are a few little nicks through the finish on the barrels, most noticeable on the right side of the upper barrel. There are a few scuffs and draglines. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine 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: 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 Lightning from 1969, in about Fine condition, retaining about 90% of its metal finish. There is some wear to the metal and wood 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 barrels choked Modified over Improved Cylinder, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. Please see our photos and good luck!