Browning Superposed Field Grade 30” 12GA O/U Shotgun FULL/MOD 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB251015WM030
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Field Grade
Serial Number: 91386 S8, all the serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2.75” and 3″ Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not automatically re-set.
Barrel Length: 30” low Rib.
Choke: Fixed Full over Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver bead fixed to the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a prince of wales style, fluted straight comb, with a vented rubber Browning butt pad. The forend is the rounded traditional style Superposed non removable forend. The length of pull is 13.75”. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is 2.5”. The cast is essentially neutral. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 13 OZ. The wood shows scattered lines, compressions, and light scratches throughout. The toe of the heel shows some flaking in the high gloss finish. The front edge of the stock where it meets the receiver shows some small chips. There appears to be a crack forming on the leading lower left edge of the stock just in front of the trigger. There is no visible evidence that this is a salt wood stock. The rubber butt pad shows some rub wear with some thinning texture on the butt of the pad. The pad is fairly stiff. Overall the furniture set is in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion or pitting. The forcing cones show some very minor plastic fouling with some minor lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 88% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows finish thinning mainly at the muzzle with scattered nicks and rub marks throughout along with the signature superposed rub mark from the forend. The receiver shows thinning finish on all the edges, under the safety and on the tang lever. The trigger has lost most of its finish as well. The inside of the action shows rub wear and the breech face has some pitting from use. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in about 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 Browning Superposed Field Grade 12 gauge from 1968 is a fine example of mid-20th-century shotgun craftsmanship, designed by the legendary John Moses Browning and completed by his son Val Browning after his death. As one of the last designs John Browning personally worked on, the Superposed is deeply respected for its elegant lines, robust engineering, and smooth handling characteristics. This particular model features 30 inch barrels with fixed chokes, full over modified, a classic upland and waterfowl combination that offers tight, effective patterns for everything from flushing pheasants to longer shots over decoys. The 3″ chambers make it ideal for standard game loads, clay shooting, and even heavier hunting loads.
The walnut furniture is a hallmark of the Superposed, hand-checkered and richly finished, and this example includes the graceful Prince of Wales grip, a semi-pistol grip that blends control with elegant styling. The result is a shotgun that shoulders naturally, balances well, and carries with the dignity of a fine European-inspired sporting arm. Field Grade models like this were the more “affordable” version of the Superposed, but even so, they carried fit and finish well beyond most production shotguns of the era. Made in Belgium at FN’s Herstal factory, this 1968 Superposed is an enduring symbol of Browning’s genius and the post-war golden era of sporting arms. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
