
Browning FN Superposed Lightning 20 GA 26″ O/U Double Shotgun, MFD 1973
SOLD FOR: $3225
LSB#: 230511NF037
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 4786V73
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Mechanical Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 20 GA. SHELLS_3” / BROWNING PATENTS”. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “**”, the bottom “26 **-”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “4786 V3” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “4786V”, the latch spring-loaded release is marked “4786”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “4786V”. The top tang is marked “4786V73”, 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”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Modified over Improved Cylinder, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead in a base at the front of the rib. There is a smaller white alignment bead midway. The rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb., 3.8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and a black Old English buttpad. There is a blank initial plate on the belly. There is a concentration of scratches on the left of the comb that has removed some finish. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few draglines. The checkering is sharp with just a few nicked checkers. The LOP measures 14 1/4” & 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has minor rub wear throughout. Drop at comb is approximately 1 7/16?, drop at heel 2 1/4?. The cast is slightly off, almost neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is notable finish loss on the bottom of the receiver, trigger guard and the lower tang. There is some faint oxidation on the receiver flanks. The barrel set shows some scattered minor nicks and light scratches. The right side of the lower barrel has a few small spots of discoloration towards the muzzle. There is finish loss and faint oxidation on the lever tab. There is some light wear on the barrel set from normal use with the forend from assembly/disassembly. There are a few scattered light handling marks. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good 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: 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 post-war FN produced 20 Gauge Lightning from 1973, in about Very Good condition, retaining about 85% of its metal finish. The action is 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 shotgun for the skeet fields. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
