Make: Browning
Model: Superposed Lightning
Serial Number: 41263 V6, All serialized parts match.
Year of Manufacture: 1966
Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4" Shells
Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not reset automatically.
Barrel Length: 28" Vented Rib.
Choke: The barrels are marked FULL over FULL. However our choke gauge shows Improved Cylinder over Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small silver bead affixed to the front of the rib. There is also a small brass mid bead. 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, fluted straight comb, with a Browning black plastic butt plate. The forend is a rounded thin profile, non removable, forend. The LOP measures 13.5". The drop at comb is 1.5" the drop at heel is 2.25" and the shotgun weighs 6lbs 10OZ. The cast is essentially neutral. This stock has been cut down and as a result the butt plate sits slightly proud over the wood. There is a repaired chip at the rear of the upper tang. The left side of the forend shows a small crack at the rear edge. The stock has been sanded and refinished. The wood shows scattered surface level lines and small compressions. The butt plate shows rub marks around the edges. Overall the furniture set is in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with gold toned trigger
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion. The bores show minor lines and plastic fouling in the forcing cones from use. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.25/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 92% of its finish. The forend iron, lower tang, lower receiver edges and trigger guard show the majority of the finish loss. The bottom barrel has the signature Superposed rub mark from the forend. The barrels show scattered marks and small spots of finish loss. The inside of the action shows some minor rub wear with some old oil caked under the ejectors. The barrels also show some scattered minor oxidation spots and a few small patches of surface rust freckling. There is rub wear under the safety. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. The trigger is beginning to lose finish. There are a few small nicks in the rear edge of the top barrel. Overall this shotgun is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. 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 Browning Superposed Lightning was manufactured in Belgium in 1966. Chambered in 20 gauge with 2.75-inch chambers, it features 28-inch barrels that were originally built with fixed Full over Full chokes but now measure approximately Improved Cylinder over Improved Cylinder, making the shotgun well suited for upland hunting and clay target sports. Built by FN in Liège, the Superposed Lightning earned its reputation through outstanding craftsmanship, graceful handling, and exceptional durability, cementing its place as one of the finest over-under shotguns ever produced.
This example is stocked in checkered walnut with the classic Prince of Wales grip, although the stock has been shortened to a 13.5-inch length of pull, making it an excellent fit for smaller stature shooters, shooters who prefer a shorter stock or wear heavier hunting clothing. A mid bead has also been added to the ventilated rib, providing an improved sighting reference while preserving the shotgun's classic appearance. With its lively 20-gauge configuration, practical choke dimensions, and timeless Belgian craftsmanship, this 1966 Superposed Lightning remains a lightweight field gun that blends traditional elegance with practical modifications.
