Browning FN Model Superposed Lightning 20 GA 26.5″ Over Under Shotgun C&R

SOLD FOR: $3200

LSB#: 221208BG008

Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.

Model: Superposed Lightning

Serial Number: 36199V5

Year of Manufacture: 1965, C&R

Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4? & 3″

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” 3″”, the right is marked with “SPECIAL STEEL – 20 GA. – SHELLS 2 3/4? AND 3″” above patent numbers. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “36199V5” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch marked is marked “36199V” and the cocking lever lifter is marked “36199V5”. The springloaded latch of the forend lever is marked “36199V”. The top tang is marked “36199V5”, 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: Fixed Full over Fixed Modified

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a metal bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is checkered for glare reduction.

Weight: 6 lb 5 oz

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and black hard rubber Browning buttplate. There are a few areas of crazing to the finish, most noticeable on the cheeks. There are some scattered compressions, draglines, and a few light marks through the finish. The most noticeable marks are on the belly and comb. There are a couple light thin scratches on the belly at the toe. The checkering is strong with light rub wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butplate. The plate has some scattered light handling marks. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2″. The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. The bottom bore has a couple of light scratches. In my opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some thinning and finish loss on the edges, most noticeable on the bottom of the receiver and muzzles. There are some areas of thinning and light patina on the bottom edges of the receiver. There is finish loss on the bottom tang. There is finish loss and discoloration from oxidation on the trigger. There are some scattered little marks through the finish on the barrels. There are a few little spots of finish loss on the left side of the bottom barrel. There are a few scattered light scuffs. There are a couple of infrequent small spots of oxidation on the barrels. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some spots of operational wear. 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: Included is a Naugahyde case, case key, and paperwork not including a manual. The small block that secures the barrel lug in the case has come loose from the case.

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 20 Gauge from 1965, 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 Fixed Full over Fixed Modified, this is going to make for a nice shotgun for the field or the range. Please see our photos and good luck!

Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red

Browning FN Model Superposed Lightning 20 GA 26.5" Over Under Shotgun C&R
Browning FN Model Superposed Lightning 20 GA 26.5″ Over Under Shotgun C&R