Browning (Fabrique Nationale FN) Superposed Lightning Grade I Long Tang, Blue 26” Over / Under O/U SST Top Break Shotgun, MFD 1972
Sold For: $1,790.00
LSB#: 170111RS01
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed, Grade I Long Tang Lightning
Serial Number: 1945 V72
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4″ & 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the rear of the left lower barrel is marked “15.8”, the left of the barrel lug is marked “C / 1945 V2” with “**” and “26 **-“, the underside has several inspector marks. The cocking lifter and forend latch are marked “1945V”. The right of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 20 GA SHELLS-3″ / BROWNING PATENTS”. The receiver has Grade I scroll engraving, the underside is marked “Lighting / BROWNING” with a bust portrait of John Browning. The upper tang has the serial number, the butt plate is marked “BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: The barrel is advertised as 26″, our measurement was 26 3/8″.
Choke: The top barrel is choked Modified (** / 0.608″). The bottom barrel is choked Improved Cylinder (**- / 0.610″) from 0.622″ bores.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a steel bead front sight, screwed into the top of the rib; it is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut Lightning set, for which the sub-variant of the Superposed was distinguished from the rest. We did a Silver Nitrate test that came back negative for salt wood, there is no evidence of erosion at the metal junctures. The forend has flank checkering, the smooth portions have a few light drag marks and small dings. the butt stock matches the forend with freckled ‘leopard-like’ grain and dark tone overall, both fitting the metal exceptionally well. The butt only has a few mild marks, none go deep and we did not see cracks, repairs or major damages. Drop at comb is 1 3/8”, drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the gold-plated trigger to the back of the shotgun-style black plastic butt plate; the plate has a few light marks, rating in about Excellent condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90+% of its metal finish. The underside of the barrel lugs, underside receiver plate, upper tang and leading edges of the receiver have thin scrapes and rubbing to bare metal. The forend bracket lever has hand rubbing and a light brown patina. The lower barrel has rubbing from the forend, the muzzles have light wear and small spots of brown freckling. The metal to metal fit is spot on, the rounded barrels are smooth without any noticeable blemishes in the finishing. This shotgun was probably stored for most of its life and shows little use relative to its age. One of the screw slots has light tooling the rest are strait. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in zero movement between the barrel and frame. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 6oz. 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: 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 later FN produced 20 Bore from 1972, in about Excellent condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, 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. This shotgun is in high enough condition to consider collectible, you won’t have any trouble hitting clays and game with the well balanced and reliable action, just make sure to care for it as well as its previous owners.
