Browning FN Superposed Lightning 20 GA 28″ O/U Double Shotgun, MFD 1967
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 230802FS001
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 45003V7
Year of Manufacture: 1967 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4” & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertia 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 – 20GA – SHELLS 2 3/4” & 3” / PATENTS No 2.203.378 – 2.233.861”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “45003 V7” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The top of the forend latch is marked “45003V7”, the latch spring-loaded release is marked “45003V”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “45003V”. The top tang is marked “45003 V7”, 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: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Improved Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a steel bead at the front of the rib. The rib is checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb., 1.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and a black Browning buttplate. There are scattered little nicks and faint scratches throughout. There are a few draglines. The checkering is sharp. This stock was tested is not a salt wood stock. The LOP measures 14 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered light wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8?, drop at heel 2?. 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. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are a few faint marks infrequently scattered about the metal. There is faint thinning on most of the leading edges. There are a few scattered light handling marks. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine-Plus 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 20 Gauge Lightning from 1967, in about Fine-Plus condition, retaining about 97% of its metal finish. The action is 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 Full over Improved Modified, this is going to make for a nice shotgun for the skeet fields. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
