Make: Browning

Model: Superposed Lightning Skeet

Serial Number: 48065 V8 

Year of Manufacture: 1968

Gauge: 20 GA 2.75" and 3" Shells

Action Type:  Over/Under shotgun w/ ejectors, and single selective inertial trigger.  

Markings: The upper barrel "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY St LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q.  /  MADE IN BELGIUM" and "SPECIAL STEEL-20GA-SHELLS 2 3/4" AND 3" / PATENTS NO 2.203.378-2.233.861 ". On the take down level for the forend "48065V" and "F6 B2". On the locking tab "48065 V8". The monoblock "48065 V8" and two stars $ for the top barrel and 2 stars $ for the bottom barrel. The ejectors "O" and "U".  The receiver "LIGHTNING BROWNING" With a Circle R and the profile of John M. Browning. The top of the tang "48065 V8". The safety selector "S U O". The butt plate "BROWNING".     

Barrel Length: 28" Vented Rib.  

Choke: Fixed Skeet over Skeet.   

Sights: The front sight is a silver bead affixed to the front of the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a prince of Wales grip, with fluted straight comb, with a black plastic butt plate. The forend is the Superposed non removable style round profile forend. The LOP measures 14.25". The cast is slightly right handed, the drop at comb is 1.5" and the drop at heel is 2". The shotgun weighs 6lbs 7oz. The stock is a replacement stock made later than the shotgun. There is rust on the edges of the receiver indicating the original stock was most likely a salt wood stock. The stock fitment is slightly proud on the left side and slightly shy on the right side. There are some gaps around the lower tang. The forend does not show signs of salt wood. The wood shows some scattered minor lines and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The butt plate sits slightly proud over the wood and shows some minor rub wear. Overall the furniture set is in about Good condition.  

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original 

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion. The forcing cones show barely visible lines from use and barely any plastic fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.75/10.  

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows some minor scattered marks and the signature rub mark on the lower barrel from the forend. The receiver shows some surface level lines and some finish thinning on the edges. The receiver also shows rust where the original salt wood stock contacted the receiver. The trigger retains almost all of its finish showing only minor marks. The breech face is clean with only minor wear from use. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in Good+ condition.   

Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The forend is the Browning Non removable style forend. 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: This Superposed Lightning Skeet is a Belgian made over under that reflects John M. Browning’s final shotgun design. Manufactured in 1968 in 20 gauge with 3" chambers, fixed skeet chokes and 28" barrels that give it a smooth, controlled swing ideal for skeet and light sporting use. Weighing just 6 lbs 7 oz, it has the lively balance and handling.

This shotgun appears to have originally had a salt wood stock, which was later replaced, as evidenced by the light rust present on the receiver in areas where the original wood contacted the metal. Despite this issue, the barrels are outstanding, with mirror-bright bores showing no erosion and only minimal signs of use. Mechanically sound and clean where it matters most, this Superposed remains a highly shootable and desirable classic, offering timeless Belgian craftsmanship with excellent barrel condition.