Belgium Browning Superposed 28” 20 Gauge 3” Over Under Shotgun 1961 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,459.00

LSB#: LSB250729TC071

Make: Browning

Model: Superposed

Serial Number: 21242 

Year of Manufacture: 1961 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4 and 3” Shells

Action Type:  Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not reset automatically.     

Barrel Length: 28” Vented Rib.  

Choke: Fixed Chokes, Full over Modified. Our choke gauge reads Full over Improved Mod.    

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. The stock is a checkered prince of Wales grip, fluted straight comb, with the Browning textured plastic butt plate.  The forend is a checkered thin profile, non removable, forend. The LOP measures 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The drop at comb is 1.5” the drop at heel is 2” and the shotgun weighs 6lbs 5OZ. The wood shows scattered minor handling with a small but notable section of compressions just in front of the toe of the butt on the belly of the stock. There are no visible chips or cracks. The butt plate shows rub wear, and some chips missing mainly around the screw holes and on the toe. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good condition but would rate higher if not for the butt plate.   

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original. 

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion. The bores show barely visible lines and plastic fouling from use. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10.   

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its finish. The receiver shows the majority of the finish loss, mainly the lower side and lower tang but also the upper tang around the safety. The bottom barrel has the signature Superposed rub mark from the forend. The exterior of the barrels show light scattered marks with none being notable. The top of the receiver has a notable scratch just to the right side of the lever. The trigger is missing some of its finish. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in 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: None. 

Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed in 20 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 20 gauge with 28-inch barrels is particularly desirable due to its balance and versatility. The 20 gauge is a popular choice for upland bird hunting, skeet, and sporting clays because it offers a lighter recoil compared to the 12 gauge, while still providing sufficient power and shot capacity for effective performance in the field. The 28-inch barrels are a common length, contributing to quick handling and faster target acquisition, making this configuration ideal for fast-moving game and dynamic shooting sports. In terms of aesthetics, the Browning Superposed from 1961 features a distinctive rounded action with classic scroll engraving, a beautifully finished prince of Wales walnut stock with fine checkering, and the iconic lightning-style rounded forend that contributes to the gun’s graceful appearance and handling. 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 Superposed in 20 gauge with 28-inch barrels 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.