Late Browning FN Superposed 28″ Invector 12 GA O/U Over Under Shotgun, 1986
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 220426DG005
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 252PT13134
Year of Manufacture: 1986 (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 (inertial).
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM BY FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL”, the right is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS_2 3/4””. At the breech on the left is “INVECTOR” below the ejector arm and “28”” below, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “252PT / 13134”, the bottom-right has “0294”. The left of each barrel has Belgian proofs under the forend. The left of the forend latch is marked “294”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “0294”. The top tang is marked “252PT13134”. Each side of the receiver is marked “BROWNING”. The trigger guard has a Buckmark logo. The receiver has border engraving.
Barrel Length: 28″, Wide Vent-Rib
Choke: The barrels are threaded for Invector chokes with Modified over Improved Cylinder installed.
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base mounted at the front of the rib. The top of the rib has checkering on each side with a strip of in-line serrations down the middle for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 5.0 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with schnabel forend, pistol grip, straight comb and textured black plastic Browning buttplate. There is a short crack in the right-rear of the forend at the corner where the wood meets the forend iron. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear at the heel. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 2 1/8″. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition and would easily rate Excellent but for the crack in the forend.
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. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective trigger which is inertially set. 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 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 from 1986. This is quite late for a Superposed and the gun has an interesting configuration. It has 28″ barrels threaded for Invector chokes and is fairly light at just over seven pounds. The gun doesn’t appear to have seen much use, retaining great bores and strong mechanics. This will make for a great field gun for the lucky winner but would also be a nice addition to a Browning collection as one of the last of the Superposed models. Please see our photos and good luck!