Browning FN Superposed Lightning 12 GA 26.5″ SKEET O/U Shotgun, 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1132.78
LSB#: 220522MH001
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 89534S8
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertial Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA – SHELLS 2 3/4” above patent numbers. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “**$”, the bottom “**$”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “89534S8” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “89534S”, the latch spring-loaded release is marked “89534S”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “89534S8”. The top tang is marked “89534S8”, 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: Both Fixed Skeet
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the front of the rib. The rib is serrated for glare reduction. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 10 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and Browning buttplate. There is a crack on the left side of the forend at the rear at the top corner. There are some scattered draglines, nicks, and compressions. Some of the most noticeable marks are on the belly. There are some scattered light handling marks. 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 wear including little nicks and dings. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 1/2″. The cast is slightly off, almost 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.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There is finish loss and oxidation on the trigger. There are a few draglines and little marks through the finish. There are a few scuffs that have lightly thinned the finish on the barrels. There are a few little spots of surface frost. 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 1968, in about Fine condition, retaining about 92% 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 Skeet, this is going to make for a nice shotgun for the skeet fields. Please see our photos and good luck!