Browning Superposed Lightning 12GA 30” Custom Stock & Briley Thin Wall C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,440.00
LSB#: WY250321PC003
Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Lightning Field Grade
Serial Number: 8378 S69
Year of Manufacture: 1969 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger.
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side upper barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL-12GA-SHELLS 2 3/4”” and patents. On the take down level for the non removable forend “378S B5 N8”. On the inside of the take down recess there are several proofs. On the left side just in front of the chambers both barrels are marked with proof marks. The left side of the Monoblock is marked “8378 S9” and One star for the top barrel and one star “-” for the bottom barrel. There are also several more proofs on the left, right and underside of the block. The bottom of the receiver is marked “LIGHTNING BROWNING” With a Circle R and the Engraved profile of John M. Browning, the inside of the receiver on the floor there are also several proofs, The top of the tang is marked “8378 S69”. The safety selector is marked “S U O”. The buttpad is marked “KICK-EEZ”.
Barrel Length: 30” Vented Rib.
Choke: This shotgun was originally fixed Full over Improved Modified however the barrels have been cut and threaded for Briley thin wall chokes. Currently installed Skeet over Skeet. The shotgun also includes FULL, IMPROVED MODIFIED, MODIFIED, LIGHT MODIFIED, IMPROVED CYLINDER, and CYLINDER. 8 chokes total.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white bead and there was a smaller white mid bead. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set on this shotgun is an original furniture set that has been modified and refinished. The furniture set is a two piece checkered walnut set with a finger shelf tapered non removable forend and a semi pistol grip stock that has been cut to allow for comb height adjustability and a raised portion of wood has been added and expertly finished to give the original stock more of a Monte Carlo feel to it, the stock has also had a cant and drop adjustable plate installed with a kick eez buttpad. This customization was done very well. The wood shows scattered light lines and compressions with no visible cracks. There is one small chip missing from the left rear edge of the forend. The cast is slightly right handed. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 12 OZ. Overall the furniture is in Good+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with almost no scratches and no erosion. There is very minor visible plastic fouling present mainly right at the start of the forcing cones. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the bottom barrel where the handguard rubs, also where the safety rubs on the tang, the trigger, and edges of the trigger guard also have some finish loss. The bottom of the receiver shows some minor finish thinning as well. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp but have been turned. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very 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: This shotgun includes the 8 total chokes, choke wrench and three choke case.
Our Assessment: This 1969 Browning Superposed Lightning in 12 gauge represents a beautiful fusion of classic Belgian craftsmanship and thoughtful modern upgrades tailored for competition or high-performance sporting use. Originally produced at FN’s Herstal factory, the Superposed Lightning model was a lighter, faster-handling variant of John Browning’s final shotgun design. This particular example features 30 inch barrels, originally fixed choke, that have since been professionally retrofitted with Briley thin wall choke tubes, currently equipped with Skeet/Skeet, making it ideal for close-range clay target disciplines like skeet or fast upland shooting. The white front bead and mid bead sight combination enhances quick target acquisition and aids alignment for consistent shooting.
What truly sets this shotgun apart is the customized Monte Carlo-style stock, which has been expertly modified from the original walnut furniture. The addition of an adjustable comb, adjustable cant, and drop, along with a KICK-EEZ recoil pad, transforms the gun into a modern shooter’s tool while retaining its elegant, vintage lines. These enhancements allow for precise gunfit adjustment, reducing recoil fatigue and improving sight alignment, perfect for the serious clay shooter or someone looking to optimize performance without sacrificing tradition. The work was done with attention to detail and a respect for the original lines of the Superposed while still tailoring it for today’s demands. Altogether, this Superposed Lightning is a unique hybrid of heritage and function ready for both the range and admiration on the gun rack. Please see our high quality photos via the link and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
