FN Browning Superposed Lightning Pigeon Grade 12 Ga. 28″ Over Under Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $4060
LSB#: 210628LH16
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning Pigeon Grade Engraving
Serial Number: 54751S6
Year of Manufacture: 1966 (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/superposed-shotgun.html)
Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4? Shells. Included are three pairs of Briley bore tubes. There is a set of 20 Gauge tubes with fixed Cylinder chokes, a set of .410 Gauge tubes with fixed Cylinder chokes, and a set of 28 Gauge tubes with fixed Improved Cylinder chokes.
Action Type: Over / Under, Top Break Shotgun with Ejectors & Single Selective Trigger
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA. – SHELLS 2 ¾” / PATENTS No 2,203,378 – 2,233,861”. Concealed by the forend when assembled, the left of each barrel is marked with crowned “E / LG / *” in an oval and “12-70” in an oval, the right of each barrel is marked “16.3” and with a Belgian proof. The left of the bottom barrel is also marked “Y”. At the breech on the left, the top and bottom barrel are marked “**$”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “54751 S6”. The left of the forend latch is marked “54751S”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “54751S”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “54751 S6”. The top tang is marked “54751 S6”, the water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The receiver has Pigeon Grade engraving.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: IC over IC, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a white plastic bead at the front of the rib and a smaller silver alignment bead mid-barrel. The rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 9.3 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and brown rubber Decelerator buttpad. There are some scattered draglines and compressions throughout, some of the most noticeable are on the sides of the buttstock. There are a few little scratches, mostly on the buttstock. The finish shows an orange peel texture, leading us to believe the wood has been refinished. The checkering shows wear yet is strong. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some edge wear. The drop at comb is approximately 1 3/8″, drop at heel 2″. The cast is about neutral. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Grey
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion. All the Briley tube bores are bright with no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning slightly on the sides of the top barrel. There are a few scattered light marks and light scuffs that have faintly thinned the finish. There is some finish loss where the rib and rib extension meet on the chamber. There is thinning on the bottom barrel where the forearm glides over it. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The shotgun features a single selective trigger. 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: Included is an Americase alloy luggage case, the previously mentioned Briley tubes, tools for removing and installing the tubes, a bottle of lubricant, and assorted paperwork.
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 and sporting Pigeon Grade engraving. Retaining about 96% of its metal finish, 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, this is going to make for a nice hunting or trap gun. Another plus is the Briley tubes included with this gun that give you plenty of shooting options. Please see our photos and good luck!