Browning (FN) Fabrique Nationale, Belgium Superposed Lightning Grade I Magnum, 12 Gauge Blue 28″ Over Under Shotgun, MFD 1969
SOLD FOR $2,140
LSB#: 171108AL04
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Grade I Magnum
Serial Number: 53880V9
Year of Manufacture: 1969
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under with Ejectors and Single Selective Trigger
Markings: The receiver and trigger guard are scroll engraved and the underside of the receiver is marked with “Lightning / BROWNING” over a portrait of J. Browning with the lightning marking in cursive. The water table section is marked “XI”. The right shoulder of the receiver has a Belgian proof mark. The top tang below the barrel latch is marked “53880V9”. With the safety in the rear position the mark “S” is exposed. With the safety to the right, “U” is exposed and when to the left “O” is exposed. With the safety disengaged there is a portion of a marking exposed, but not enough to distinguish the character. The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “* /** / OE / 53880V9”. The left side of the top barrel near the chamber is marked “15.8″. The left side of the bottom barrel near the chamber is marked “15.7 / B”. The bottom of the bottom barrel at the chamber in front of the lug is marked “K”. The flat area between the lugs is marked “C / 8 / T” with other undistinguishable stamps. The right side of the bottom barrel underneath the ejector is marked with an upside down “4”. The right side of the barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL- 20 GA – 2 3/4″ AND 3″ / PATENTS NO 2.203.378 – 2.233.861”. The extractors are marked “O” and “U” on their rear face, respectively.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: The upper barrel is choked Modified. The bottom barrel is choked Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a silver bead on a full length ventilated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Pachmayr “White Line” buttplate. The forend has very light compressions throughout, unnoticeable except on close inspection with good lighting. There are no cracks or chips in the forend. The buttstock has a small (>1/8″) crack on the top at the right shoulder of the receiver. There are light compressions throughout, again unnoticeable except on close inspection. There are no chips. The buttstock is slightly proud to the receiver throughout. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: We believe that this shotgun is in All Original condition
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is in normal use wear under the safety, thinning on corners, wear on the bottom of the receiver and the bottom of the metal portion of the forend as from being carried at this point, wear in front of the forend on the bottom barrel from disassesmbly, and a small mark on the bottom right side of the bottom barrel near the muzzle. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. The wood to metal finish is very good. The wood is a bit proud of the metal. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is one of the great Over/Under Belgian Browning shotguns. The last completed design from John M. Browning, the Superposed is the progenitor of all break-action over under shotguns and revolutionized sport shooting while also being very useful for hunting. The condition of this gun is Excellent and it appears to have been used by a sportsman who respected and cared for it. With a 28″ barrel and 3″ chambers this will allow for longer shots on targets or birds while still being able to use 2 3/4″ shells where this is not necessary. The Lightning is a lighter version of the standard Superposed with slightly thinner barrels and a slightly more trim forend making for a shotgun that will be more pleasant if carried for a long duration. While this gun was manufactured during the time that Browning used saltwood, the lack of any rust on the forend screw escutcheons and steel-to-wood seams indicates that this is not a saltwood gun. An excellent example of the last gift Browning gave to the shooting world, don’t let this one get away. Please see our photos and good luck!
