Browning Superposed 12 GA O/U Shotgun & Purbaugh Multi-Gauge Tube Set C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,125.00
LSB#: LSB251109DC135
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 76314
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Gauge: 12 Gauge 2.75″. The tube set includes 20 GA 2.75″, 28GA 2.75″ and 410 3″.
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS, MO & MONTREAL PQ / SPECIAL STEEL-12GA-SHELLS 2 ¾””. The right side of the barrel is marked “PATENTS NO 2.203.378-2.233.85 / MADE IN BELGIUM”. On the take down level for the non removable forend “76314 / EO / P”. On the inside of the take down recess is stamped with a proof. The guide is marked “76314”. On the left side just in front of the chambers both barrels are marked “12-70” with proof marks. The left side of the Monoblock is marked “76314” and one star for the top barrel and 2 stars for the bottom barrel. The bottom of the receiver is marked “Lightning BROWNING” With a Circle R and the Engraved profile of John M. Browning, the inside of the receiver on the floor there are also several proofs, The top of the tang is marked “76314 “. The safety selector is marked “S U O”. The butt pad is marked “Pachmayr”.
Barrel Length: 28″ Vent Rib.
Choke: Fixed Full over Modified. The 20 and 28Ga tubes are choked Modified. The 410 tubes are choked Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pink fiber optic bead fixed to the rib. There is also a small silver mid bead. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a prince of Wales style with a round bottom semi pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and a Pachmayr vented rubber buttpad. The forend is the rounded traditional style Superposed non removable forend. The length of pull is 14.75″. The drop at comb is 1.5″ the drop at heel is 2.5″. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 6oz. The wood shows scattered compressions and scratches throughout with no visible chips or cracks. The finish shows some crazing and some blistering. The butt pad shows very little wear and is still pliable. Overall the furniture is in Good+-Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with minor plastic fouling and lines from use with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the 12 Gauge bores rate 9.25/10.
The 410 bores are mirror bright with minor plastic fouling and lines from use with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
The 28 Gauge bores are mirror bright with minor plastic fouling and lines from use with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
The 20 Gauge bores are mirror bright with barely visible plastic fouling from use with no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some scattered very small nicks in the finish of the barrels. There is some finish loss on the bottom barrel where the handguard rubs, also where the safety rubs on the tang. The block and receiver show rub wear on the friction surfaces from use. The trigger shows only minor finish loss. The lower tang shows the majority of the finish loss. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. The screws have been turned. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective inertial 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 an upper and lower tube for 20 Gauge, and upper and lower tube for 28 Gauge, an upper and lower tube for 410, a right and a left ejector extension, two short and two long allen key set screws, two slotted screws, two additional small screws, and extractor sets for all four gauges. The shotgun also includes a luggage style case.
Our Assessment: The Browning Superposed Lightning is one of the most iconic over-under shotguns ever produced, representing John M. Browning’s final design and the pinnacle of Belgian shotgun craftsmanship. This example was manufactured in 1959 and is chambered in 12 gauge with 28″ barrels and fixed Full over Modified chokes, a classic field and sporting configuration. The Lightning model is known for its lively handling, and the checkered walnut furniture with a Prince of Wales stock reinforces both elegance and control. A pink fiber-optic front sight paired with a mid bead provides a highly visible and practical sighting setup while remaining unobtrusive.
What truly sets this shotgun apart is the inclusion of a rare and highly desirable Purbaugh & Sons multi-gauge tube set. The set includes 20-gauge and 28-gauge tubes choked Modified, along with .410 tubes choked Improved Cylinder, dramatically expanding the versatility of the shotgun while preserving the feel of the Superposed action. The package is complete with all corresponding extractors and a luggage-style case, making it a true full-kit offering. In very good condition, this is an exceptional and uncommon Superposed setup that combines classic Belgian craftsmanship with multi-gauge capability, appealing strongly to both collectors and serious shooters. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.