Belgian Browning Fabrique Nationale FN Superposed Lightning, Long Tang, Blue 28” Over / Under O/U Shotgun, MFD 1965 C&R
Sold For: $4,705.00
LSB#: 160912JO01
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed, Grade I Long Tang, Round Knob Lightning
Serial Number: 1187J5
Year of Manufacture: 1965 (Proofhouse.com)
Gauge: .410 Gauge, 2 1/2″ & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”, followed by a Liege proof and oval “410-75”, found again on the left side of the lower barrel. The left upper side of the lug is marked “*” (Full), the lower is marked “** “ (Modified), and then the serial number, which is found again on the forend release lever, lifter, upper tang and insides of the ejectors. The underside of the lug has a series of letters and numbers, the ejectors are marked “O/U” respectively. The right side of the upper barrel is marked “.410 GAUGE-SHELLS 3″-MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right of both barrels have provisional proof marks. The inside of the receiver is marked crown over “PV”, crown over “D”, “2” and the Perron. The receiver has Grade I scroll and border engraving, the underside is marked “BROWNING / ®” with a bust portrait of John Browning. The butt plate is marked “BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: 28”, with Ventilated Rib
Choke: The top barrel is choked full. The bottom barrel is choked modified.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead front sight; the top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut set. The forend has flank checkering, which shows a small amount of compression, the escutcheons sit just shy of flush to the wood. The wood shows a few scrape and compression marks, which mostly go unnoticed until close inspection. The butt stock has a flank checkered rounded pistol grip and is fit well for the ‘long tang’. There is a small un-repaired crack at the upper tang, which does not appear to be deep. There are shallow surface cracks in the gloss finish, along with a few scattered handling marks and scuffs, again, mostly going unnoticed until close inspection. There is a darkened spot near the lower tang, some of the finish is chipping off. The stocks have nice fit to the metal components and have BEAUTIFUL grain, the butt stock has fiddle-back patterns, please see our pictures. Drop at comb is 1 1/2”, drop at heel is 2 1/2”. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the shotgun-style black plastic butt plate; the plate has a few light marks, rating in about Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows rub thinning on the tangs and receiver from handling, found again on the trigger, selector and top lever. The metal surfaces have a few tiny marks and some scuffs near the muzzles as photographed. The stocks do NOT appear to be salt wood and do not look to have eroded any of the metal. There is wear on the upper tang from the selector from normal use. The screw head slots are highly serviceable with light tooling. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in zero movement between the barrel and frame. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 14oz. 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: The Superposed was introduced in 1931 and 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 Superposed was made in 1965 and looks to have seen beloved use and has survived well for its age and intended use. Everyone in the shop that walked by automatically dropped jaw at the beautiful grain of the wood and about 85% of the metal finish remains. The action still functions correctly and the action closes with a satisfying “CLUNK”, giving piece of mind to many more years, yet to come, of faithful service. This shotgun should serve well on hunts and will sit well in any collection. Please see our pictures and good luck.
