FN Browning Superposed Lightning 20 GA MOD/IC Shotgun 1970 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,575.00
LSB #: 240124DH014
Make: Browning, made by Fabrique Nationale (FN) (Belgium)
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 62555V70
Year of Manufacture: 1970 (Browning Superposed Date Codes)
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Over/Under Top Break Double Barrel Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertial Trigger
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 20GA. – SHELLS 2 3/4” AND 3″” above patent numbers. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “**”, the bottom “**-“, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “62555V0” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “62555V”, the spring loaded latch is marked “62555”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “62555V”. The top tang is marked “62555V70”, the bottom of the receiver is marked “Lightning / 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: Modified over Improved Cylinder, Both Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead fixed to the rib above the muzzles. The top of the rib is textured to help reduce glare.
Weight: 6 lbs, 7.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a semi-pistol grip, a fluted straight comb and a Kick-Eez black rubber buttpad. There are light nicks, dings, scratches and some minor handling marks. The checkering shares a few of the above imperfections but overall remains sharp. There are no chips or cracks present. The LOP measures 14 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 14” to the wood. The drop at comb measures 1 3/8”, the drop at heel measures 2 1/4”. The cast is neutral. The buttpad has no notable wear or damage. The wood-to-metal fit is tight. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Gold Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is some stubborn fouling but no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The balance of finish shows only a few light scuffs and handling marks. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action does function correctly. The safety does NOT set automatically when the action is opened but functions properly when manually set. The lockup has no play. This firearm has not been test-fired, these are used items. While we have performed a mechanical function check and noted any discrepancies we cannot guarantee the suitability of this firearm.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
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, and 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 20 Gauge Lightning from 1970, in Fine Plus condition, retaining about 98% of its metal finish. There is only faint wear to the metal, light marks on the wood but 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 barrels choked Modified over Improved Cylinder, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
