Browning Model Superposed Lightning 20 GA 26.5″ CYL Over Under Shotgun
Sold for $2807.75
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 37323V5
Year of Manufacture: 1975 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2 3/4? and 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Inertial Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 20GA. – SHELLS 2 3/4” AND 3″” above patent numbers. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “$**”, the bottom “**$”. These choke markings are not standard and the bars through the “S” markings are horizontal not vertical. The bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “37323V5” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “37323V”, the spring loaded latch is marked “37323V”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “37323V5”. The top tang is marked “37323V5”, 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: Both barrels measure Fixed Cylinder, the choke markings are non-standard and we have not seen them before.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a metal bead on the rib at the muzzle. The rib is serrated for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb., 6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and Browning buttplate. There is a thin hairline crack on the top of the wrist at the tang. There are some areas of crazing, some of the most noticeable is on the cheeks. There are some scattered compressions. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are a few nicks and marks through the finish, the most noticeable are on the belly. There is some finish wear on the raised edges. The checkering is mostly strong. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light wear. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 2″. The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs on the barrel set, some of which have thinned the finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There are a few thin scratches, most noticeable on the left side of the barrel set. There is finish loss and discoloration on the trigger guard and bottom tang. There are some patches of finish loss from previous oxidation, most noticeable on the left of the top chamber. There is thinning on the bottom of the receiver. There is finish loss and discoloration from previous oxidation. There is some standard operational wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with strong slots. 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: Included is a Naugahyde case and two snap caps.
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 1970, in about Very Good condition, retaining about 85% of its metal finish. There is some wear to the metal and 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 Cylinder, this is going to make for a nice gun for shooting clays. Please see our photos and good luck!