Make: Browning

Model: Superposed Lightning

Serial Number: 21242

Year of Manufacture: 1961

Gauge: 20 Gauge 2 3/4 and 3" Shells

Action Type: Over/Under, Top Break Shotgun w/ Ejectors, and Single selective inertial trigger. The safety does not reset automatically.

Barrel Length: 28" Vent-Rib

Choke: Fixed Full over Modified

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

Stock Configuration & Condition: The wood furniture is a two-piece checkered walnut set. The stock is a checkered prince of Wales grip, fluted straight comb, with the Browning textured plastic butt plate. The forend is a checkered thin profile, non removable, forend. The LOP measures 14.25" from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The drop at comb is 1.5" the drop at heel is 2.25" and the shotgun weighs 6lbs., 5oz. The wood shows scattered minor handling with a small but notable section of compressions just in front of the toe of the butt on the belly of the stock. There are no visible chips or cracks. The butt plate shows rub wear, and some chips missing mainly around the screw holes and on the toe. Overall the furniture set is in Very Good condition but would rate higher if not for the butt plate.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion. The bores show barely visible lines and plastic fouling from use. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90% of its finish. The receiver shows the majority of the finish loss, mainly the lower side and lower tang but also the upper tang around the safety. The bottom barrel has the signature Superposed rub mark from the forend. The exterior of the barrels show light scattered marks with none being notable. The top of the receiver has a notable scratch just to the right side of the lever. The trigger is missing some of its finish. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in Very Good plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions. 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 in 20 gauge from 1961 is a classic over-and-under shotgun that represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and design from the mid-20th century. The Superposed line, designed by the legendary John Moses Browning and later refined by his son Val, was the company’s flagship over-under shotgun, known for its impeccable quality, elegant design, and reliable performance. Produced in Belgium by FN Herstal, these shotguns are highly regarded by collectors and shooters alike for their historic significance and enduring functionality.

A 1961 model in 20 gauge with 28" barrels is particularly desirable due to its balance and versatility. The 20 gauge is a popular choice for upland bird hunting, skeet, and sporting clays because it offers a lighter recoil compared to the 12 gauge, while still providing sufficient power and shot capacity for effective performance in the field. In terms of aesthetics, the Browning Superposed from 1961 features a distinctive rounded action with classic scroll engraving, a beautifully finished prince of Wales walnut stock with fine checkering, and the iconic lightning-style rounded forend that contributes to the gun's graceful appearance and handling. Overall, this 1961 Browning Superposed in 20 gauge with 28-inch barrels is a unique and highly functional firearm. An elegant look into the past of shotgun design available in the modern era. Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!