FN Browning Superposed Lightning Broadway 30″ 12 GA O/U Shotgun, 1966 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 200709RB01
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning Broadway, Grade I
Serial Number: 49302S6
Year of Manufacture: 1966 (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”, the right is marked “12 GA – SHELLS 2 3/4” – MADE IN BELGIUM – BROWNING PATENT”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with crowned “E / LG / *” in oval and “12-70” in oval. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*”, the bottom “*” next to punch dots, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “43902 S6” and there are inspector marks on the bottom of the monoblock between the lugs. The left of the forend latch is marked “43902S” and “S5”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “43920S6”. The top tang is marked “43920S6”, 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: 30?, Wide Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Full, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There was a white bead in a base mounted at the front of the rib, the bead has broken off. There is a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib has lateral serrations on each side with a strip of in-line serrations down the middle for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 14 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, and brown rubber Browning recoil pad. The stocks have a few scattered light marks and compressions, there are some more noticeable marks into the finish on either side of the buttsock. There is scattered crazing in the finish. The checkering is strong. There is a crack on the bottom of the forend at the front. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad, 13″ to the back of the wood. The pad has light wear and is still supple. Drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 1 3/4″. The cast is slightly off. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition. We have performed a saltwood check, these stocks are NOT saltwood.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, mostly on the rib and muzzle. There is a bit of thinning on the bottom of the frame and forend iron. There are a few scattered light marks and light scuffs that have faintly thinned the finish. 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 Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective trigger which is inertially set. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’, indicative of FN’s legendary craftsmanship, resulting in 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: 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 1966, in about Fine condition, showing tight metal and wood fit, retaining about 96% of its metal finish with great bores, 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 30″ barrels each choked Full, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. The Lightning is a slightly lighter weight variant of the superposed and the Broadway refers to the wide ventilated rib. This shotgun shows evidence of light use and responsible maintenance, it should be a good shooter for lifetimes to come. Please see our photos and good luck!