FN Browning Superposed Lightning 12 GA 28″ F/M Over Under Shotgun 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 211229DR04
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 89584S8
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (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 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 – 12 GA. – SHELLS 2 3/4” / PATENTS No 2,203,378 – 2,233,861”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with “12-70” in oval and has proofs. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “89584S8” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “89584S” and “B3 / G6”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “89584”, and the cocking lever lifter is marked “89584S8”. The top tang is marked “89584S8”, 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: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a metal bead at the front of the rib. The rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 8 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and aftermarket black rubber buttpad. The left side of the wrist has cracks at the receiver and has slightly warped. There are also small cracks on the right side of the wrist at the receiver. There is a small hairline crack on the top of the wrist at the tang. There are some scattered scuffs, compressions, scratches, light scrapes, and little nicks. Some of the most noticeable wear is on the comb but it is scattered throughout. The finish has some areas of crazing and bubbling, some of the most noticeable is on the left side of the buttstock at the rear. The checkering is mostly strong. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 13 1/4″ to the wood. The pad has some scattered wear and little marks, mostly at the heel and toe. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 2 3/8″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There are a few spots of faint surface erosion at the muzzles, mostly in the bottom bore.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the edges of the receiver. The receiver has some erosion on the edges that border the wrist as well as a few light scabs. The receiver has a few spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. The barrels have some scattered spots of oxidation, most noticeable towards the muzzles. There are some scattered scuffs on the barrels, some have caused patches of finish loss, the most noticeable are on the left side of the barrel set. There are a few little nicks and scratches on the barrels. There are a few light marks on the edges of the rib. There is some finish loss at the muzzle. There are some draglines and 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 12 Gauge Lightning from 1968, in about Very Good condition, retaining about 90% 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 28″ barrels choked Full and Modified, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. Please see our photos and good luck!