FN Browning Superposed Lightning Pigeon Grade 12 Ga. 28″ Over Under Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2700
LSB#: 230922RH015
Make: FN, In Belgium, for Browning.
Model: Superposed Lightning Pigeon Grade Engraving
Serial Number: 88462
Year of Manufacture: 1961 (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 Intertia Trigger
Markings: The left of the top barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q. / SPECIAL STEEL – 12 GA. – SHELLS 2 ¾””. The right of the top barrel is marked “PATENTS No 2203378 – 223386 / MADE IN BELGIUM”. 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. At the breech on the left, the top barrel is marked “*” and the bottom is marked “**”, the bottom-left of the monoblock is marked “88462 / S1”. The right of the forend latch is marked “88462”, the spring-loaded finger piece is marked “88462”, the top of the cocking piece is marked “88462”. The top tang is marked “88462”, the water table is marked with Belgian proofs. The receiver has Pigeon Grade engraving.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vent-Rib
Choke: Full over Modified, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a steel bead at the front of the rib. The rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Weight: 7 lb., 5.7 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with round bottom pistol grip, straight comb, and a Browning horn buttplate. There are some scattered draglines and compressions throughout, some of the most noticeable are on the sides of the buttstock. There are some more notable starches on the left side of the buttstock and a notable dragline that spans the length of the belly. The checkering is sharp. The LOP measures 14 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has a notable worm hole at the toe, around the lower screw, and in the middle of the face; there are also nicks and scratches. The 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-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & French Grey
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, there is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are some notable light scuffs on the left sides of the barrels close to the muzzles. The receiver shows some areas of light oxidation, notably along the edges. There are some crazing lines on the left side of the receiver. 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: 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 1961, in about Fine condition, showing tight metal and wood fit and sporting Pigeon Grade engraving. Retaining about 94% 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. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
