Belgium Browning Lightning Superposed 12GA 26.5” Shotgun C&R MFD 1961
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB250729TC040
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Lightning Field Grade
Serial Number: 91385, all serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1961 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not reset automatically.
Barrel Length: 26.5” Vented Rib.
Choke: Fixed Chokes, Full Over Modified
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead affixed to the front of the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. This replacement stock has a thin profile semi-pistol grip with flared and capped Horn pommel, a fluted straight comb, wood cheekpiece, and vented brown White Line rubber butt pad. The forend is a checkered thin profile, non removable, forend. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt pad. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.25”. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 3OZ. The wood shows scattered surface level lines and minor compressions scattered throughout. There is a notable compression in the top of the comb just forward of the heel. There are no visible chips or cracks. The butt pad shows some minor rub wear but is still pliable. The butt plate sits slightly proud around the wood. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good condition. On a personal note this shotgun with the replacement stock comes up wonderfully, feels great in the hand, and with your face against the cheek piece is as comfortable as lying on your childhood couch.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with minor lines from use and no erosion or pitting. The forcing cones show some very minor plastic fouling. I believe this fouling should be easy to remove with a proper cleaning. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The majority of the finish loss is from the receiver, lower tang and upper tang around the safety. The lower barrel has the signature superposed rub mark from the non removable forend. The barrels show some minor scattered surface lines and marks. The trigger’s finish is beginning to thin. The inside of the action shows minor rub wear from use. The markings are clear and the screw heads sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about Good+ to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective trigger. The forend is the Browning Non removable style forend. There is zero movement between the barrels and frame. 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: This shotgun includes two 12 gauge snap caps, gun socks, and a Browning Luggage style case.
Our Assessment: The Browning Lightning Superposed in 12 gauge from 1961 is a classic over-and-under shotgun that represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design from the mid-20th century. The Superposed line, designed by the legendary John Moses Browning and later refined by his son Val Browning, was the company’s flagship over-and-under shotgun, known for its impeccable build quality, elegant design, and reliable performance. Produced in Belgium by FN Herstal, these shotguns are highly regarded by collectors and shooters alike for their historic significance and enduring functionality. A 1961 model in 12 gauge with 26.5 inch barrels is particularly desirable due to its balance and versatility. The 12 gauge is a popular choice for upland bird hunting, skeet, and sporting clays because it offers more pellets per round than sub gauge and is generally cheaper and more widely available. The 26.5-inch barrels are a common length, contributing to quick handling and fast target acquisition, making this configuration ideal for fast-moving game and dynamic shooting sports. In terms of aesthetics, the Browning Lightning Superposed from 1961 features a distinctive rounded action with classic scroll engraving and the iconic lightning-style rounded forend that contributes to the gun’s graceful appearance and handling. This shotgun has had an aftermarket stock precision fitted to the action and I simply cannot state how comfortable this stock is to shoulder. The action is known for its strength and smooth operation, with a reliable trigger system that offers a crisp, consistent pull. The tang-mounted safety and barrel selector are intuitive and easy to operate, adding to the shotgun’s overall ease of use. Overall, this 1961 Browning Lightning Superposed is a unique and highly functional firearm. An elegant look into the past of shotgun design available in the modern era. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
