Browning FN Superposed Skeet 4-Gauge Set 12 20 28 410 O/U Shotgun, 1974 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,955
LSB#: 231023MW005
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed
Serial Number: 23838S74
Year of Manufacture: 1974 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells. Barrel Set(s) are included for 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 Bore.
Action Type: Top Lever, Break Action Double Barrel Shotgun With Single Selective Trigger, Ejectors, and separate ejector arms for each of the Barrel Set(s).
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM” and the right side is marked “BROWNING SUPERPOSED / SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA. SHELLS 2 3/4? / BROWNING PATENTS”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with crowned “PV / Perron” in oval and “12-70” in oval. At the breech on the left, each barrel is marked “**S”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “23838 S74” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “23838”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “23838”. The top tang is marked “23838 S74”, 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. Each of the barrel sets are serial matching.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent Rib
Choke: The 12 Gauge barrels are choked Skeet/Skeet as marked. Each of the Barrel Set(s) are also choked Skeet.
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead in a base at the front and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is finely serrated for glare reduction. Each barrel set has the same sight configuration.
Weight: The weights are listed in ascending order from 12 to 410:
7 lbs. 14.2 oz.
7 lbs. 14.3 oz.
7 lbs. 13.1 oz.
7 lbs. 13.5 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a grooved, widened forend, a pistol grip, straight comb, and a ventilated Browning recoil pad. There is a sizable chip loss on the upper edge of the forearm at the rear. There is also a crack in the same area on the opposite side. Otherwise, there are only a few faint marks throughout the wood and the checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad, 12 7/8″ to the back of the wood. The drop at the front of the comb is approximately 1 3/8″ and 1 7/8″ at the heel. The cast is about neutral. The pad is still soft with light wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Plus condition and would likely rate Fine-Excellent if not for the chip and crack in the forearm.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion, just some light fouling in the 28 and 410 barrel sets. In this writer’s opinion, the bores collectively rate 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is slightly thinning at all edges. The barrels have wear from disassembly in front of the forend. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. The Barrel Set(s) have some faint marks. Overall, this shotgun set is in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the 12 gauge ejectors. We have not installed all ejector arms, but we see nothing indicating that they will not function properly. The barrels lock to the receiver with no play. The trigger is crisp. 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: This shotgun comes in a hard-sided case with compartments for the stocked receiver, barrel assembly, spring-clip retainers for theBarrel Set(s) and a lidded accessory container which holds the ejector arms for the Barrel Set(s) and a tapered wooden plug which appears to have been used for removing the tubes.
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 post-war example was produced in 1960. It has had the stocks customized with finger grooves for the forend, a monte-carlo comb, polished receiver and forend iron, and a nice set of Barrel Set(s) which allows the user to fire 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410 from the same gun just be removing or inserting the tubes. The whole set comes in a case fit for the gun and its accessories which just needs a new handle and it will make a great option for storage and transport. This should make a nice all-around sporting gun for the lucky winner. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
