Belgium Browning Superposed Lightning 28” 12GA 2.75” O/U Shotgun C&R 1964
SOLD FOR: $1,356.99
LSB#: LSB250616TS001
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 21207 S4
Year of Manufacture: 1964 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
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 P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side upper barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL-12GA-SHELLS 2 3/4”” and patents. On the take down level for the non removable forend “F6 21207S T7”. The locking tab is marked “21207 S4”. The left side of the Monoblock is marked “21207 S4” 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 “21207 S4”. The safety selector is marked “S U O”. The butt plate is marked “BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: 28” Vented Rib.
Choke: Fixed Full over Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two-piece high gloss checkered walnut with a Prince of Wales grip, fluted straight comb, checkered traditional Lightning Style forend, and a Browning black plastic butt plate. The LOP measures 14.25” from the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.25”. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 6OZ. The wood shows surface level lines, and light compressions scattered throughout the finish. With several bubbles in the finish on the left side of the wrist. There is a series of scratches by the toe of the heel. There are no visible chips or cracks. The butt plate shows minor wear. Overall this furniture set is in about Very Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright showing only minimal lines and no erosion. There is very minor visible plastic fouling in the forcing cones. The bores are very clean and would rate 9.5/10, however the chambers show moderate pitting and rust lowering the rating to what is in this writer’s opinion a 6.5/10. To ensure proper functionality the chambers may need to be polished and should be evaluated by a competent gunsmith.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the bottom barrel where the handguard rubs, also where the safety rubs on the tang, and edges of the trigger guard also have some finish loss. The right side of the rib towards the muzzle shows finish loss and surface rust as well. There is also a small oxidation patch on the left side ejector. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp but have been turned. Overall, this shotgun is in about 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 1964 Browning Superposed Lightning is a beautifully crafted Belgian over/under shotgun designed by John Moses Browning and manufactured by FN Herstal. This model features 28 inch barrels chambered in 12 gauge, with fixed Full over Modified chokes, making it well-suited for trap, sporting clays, or high-powered upland and waterfowl hunting. The high-gloss checkered walnut furniture adds a classic, elegant touch, enhancing both aesthetics and grip.
This shotgun is equipped with a single selective inertial trigger, which uses recoil energy to reset for the second shot, providing a crisp and reliable trigger pull. The Superposed Lightning variant is known for its slimmer forend and lighter weight compared to the standard Superposed, making it more responsive and balanced. The FN craftsmanship of this era is highly regarded, with hand-fitted components ensuring durability and smooth operation. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
