FN Browning Model Superposed .410 GA 26.5″ SKEET Over Under O/U Shotgun C&R
SOLD FOR: $2276
LSB#: 220214AW004
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 3158J70
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: .410 Gauge, 2 1/2? Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY”, the right is marked “410 – GAUGE SHELLS 2 1/2” MADE IN BELGIUM”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the sides of each barrel is marked with proofs. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “**S”, the bottom “**S”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “3158J0” and “2 1/2”, there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The right of the forend latch is marked “3158J70” and “P3 / B2”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “3158”. The top tang is marked “3158J70”, the bottom of the receiver is marked “BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John Browning and the water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The receiver has Grade I engraving.
Barrel Length: 26 1/2”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Both Fixed Skeet
Sights / Optics: There is a white plastic bead at the front of the rib and a smaller white plastic midbead. The rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 1 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a flat bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and brown ventilated rubber Browning buttpad. These are saltwood stocks. There is a crack on the top of the wrist at the tang. There are some scattered light handling marks and a few light scuffs. There are some compressions, the most noticeable is on the bottom of the forend at the latch. There is filler on the edges of the wood of the buttstock where it meets the metal. The checkering is strong. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some scattered light wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 1 3/4″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion but there are a few areas of stubborn fouling that should swab out.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There are a few scattered areas of faint wear on the barrels. The receiver has some mottled finish loss that has been touched up, most visible on the sides at the rear. There are a few areas of erosion on the sides of the receiver at the rear. There is oxidation on the top tang at the rear. There are some scattered light handling marks and there is standard operational wear. There is some finish loss on the edges of the muzzles and edges of the rib. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. 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: Included is a serial matching box and paperwork including the manual.
Our Assessment: After the death of John Browning, his son Val would complete an over under shotgun with a single selective trigger and ejectors; the Superposed was introduced in 1931, it was an instant success; the factory did not produce any of these shotguns during WWII but just after the war ended, the factory came roaring back to life, creating some of their best product to date. This is a post-war FN produced .410 Gauge from 1970, in about Very Good-Fine condition, showing good metal and wood fit, retaining about 92% of its metal finish, the action is still spot on and the trigger is crisp. Val’s SST is still known as one of the most reliable and ingenious of its kind, even though the patent is nearing 100 years in practice. With 26 1/2″ barrels choked Skeet, this is going to make a fun gun to dust clays with…if you’re good enough. Please see our photos and good luck!