Browning Superposed Lightning 28″ 20 GA 3″ Over Under Shotgun 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,860.00
LSB#: LSB260511JS036
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 62654 V70
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (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 automatically reset.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side upper barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL-20GA-SHELLS 2 3/4″ AND 3″” and patents. On the take down level for the non removable forend “62654V 8″” and “62654V”. The locking tab is marked “62654V”. The left side of the Monoblock is marked “62654V” and One star for the top barrel and two stars for the bottom barrel. There are also several more proofs on the left, right and underside of the block. 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 “62654 V70”. The safety selector is marked “S U O”. The butt plate is marked “BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: 28″ Vented Rib.
Choke: Originally the shotgun was Fixed Full over Modified. The barrels have been threaded for Briley thin wall chokes by Briley, invoice included. Currently installed Cylinder over Improved Cylinder. Also includes Light Skeet, Improved Skeet and Light Modified. 5 Chokes total.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead affixed to the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece high gloss checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, fluted straight comb, checkered traditional Lightning Style forend, and a Browning black plastic butt plate. The LOP measures 14″ from the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The drop at comb is 1.5″ and the drop at heel is 2″. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 5OZ. The wood shows surface level lines, light compressions, and scratches scattered throughout the finish. There is a notable series of marrs and chips in the high gloss finish on the belly of the stock near the toe. The forend shows a similar mark on the right side of the bottom. There is crazing throughout. There are no chips in the wood. There is one small crack that appears to be superficial forming at the rear of the upper tang. The butt plate shows minor wear mainly rub wear around the edges. Overall this furniture set is in about Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright showing only minimal lines and no erosion or pitting. There is very barely visible plastic fouling in the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. The rear edges of the receiver and the level on the forend show rust leading us to believe the original stock on this rifle was a salt wood stock. This stock appears to be a later replacement that has been expertly fit. The butt plate screws did turn easily which they would not do if this was still a salt wood stock. The lower barrel and the upper tang under the safety show the signature superposed rub marks. The edges of the muzzle, tang lever, the lower receiver, and trigger guard all show light finish thinning. The markings are clear and the screw heads sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. 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: Includes the 5 chokes mentioned above, choke case, choke wrench, canvas bag and Briley paperwork.
Our Assessment: This Browning Superposed Lightning was manufactured in Belgium in 1970 and is a beautiful example of John M. Browning’s final firearm design. Chambered in 20 gauge with desirable 3-inch chambers, this Lightning model combines the lively handling of the smaller gauge with the added versatility of the longer chamber, making it equally at home in the uplands or on the sporting clays course. The barrels have been professionally threaded for Briley Thin Wall choke tubes, a highly regarded upgrade that greatly expands the shotgun’s versatility while preserving the graceful lines of the original Belgian barrels. The Superposed earned its reputation through exceptional craftsmanship, strength, and balance, and remains one of the finest production over-under shotguns ever built.
This example appears to have originally been fitted with one of Browning’s infamous salt wood stocks, which were used on some Superposed shotguns during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Salt-cured walnut occasionally caused corrosion where the wood contacted the metal, leading many owners to replace the original stocks. Fortunately, this shotgun has had its stock replaced, eliminating the concerns associated with the original salt wood while preserving the shotgun’s excellent shootability and appearance. With its Belgian manufacture, desirable 20-gauge chambering, Briley Thin Wall choke system, and updated stock, this 1970 Superposed Lightning is a classic Browning that offers timeless craftsmanship with practical improvements. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.