FN Browning Superposed Lightning 12 Ga. Double Barrel O/U Shotgun, 1968 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1052.77
LSB#: 210628LH20
Make: FN Browning, Belgium
Model: Superposed Lightning, Grade I
Serial Number: 97700S8
Year of Manufacture: 1968 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger.
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”, the right is marked “STAINLESS STEEL – 12 GA – SHELLS 2 3/4” / PATENTS No. 2.233.378-2.233.861”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with crowned “E / LG / *” in oval, “18.4”, and “12-70” in oval. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “**$”, the bottom “**$”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “97700S8” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “97700S”, the fingerpiece of the latch is marked “97700”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “97700S8”. The top tang is marked “97700S8”, 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 3/8?, Wide Vent-Rib
Choke: Both are Improved Cylinder, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There was a white bead in a base mounted at the front of the rib. There is a slot mid-rib where the alignment bead would be but is missing. The top of the rib has wavy serrations for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 3 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a grooved forend, pistol grip, straight comb, and black rubber Decelerator buttpad. The stocks have some scattered minor compressions and light draglines. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 13 3/8” and 12 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the Decelerator buttpad and wood, respectively. The pad has wear, most notable at the heel. The pad is still supple. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2″, drop at heel 1 3/4″. The cast is neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion. There is some stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 86% of its metal finish. There is some erosion in the left and right bottom groove of the rib. The rib also shows a few dings on the side edges. There is thinning at all leading edges of the receiver. There are some dispersed nicks and scratches throughout the metal. The barrels have minor wear forward of the forend from disassembly/reassembly. The top tang has wear from the safety/selector and lever. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The barrels lockup with no perceptible play. 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 in 1968, in about Very Good condition, it has about 86% of its metal finish with good bores and a solid lock-up. Please see our photos and good luck!