Browning Superposed Lightning Grade I 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun, Belgian-Made 1968, 26.25" Vent-Rib Barrels, Fixed M/M Chokes
This 1968 Belgian-built Browning Superposed Lightning Grade I pairs John M. Browning’s classic over/under design with the lighter Lightning configuration. Hand-cut Grade I floral scroll engraving, a round-knob Prince-of-Wales grip, and gold-plated single selective trigger give it collector appeal, while its 26.25-inch vent-rib barrels with Modified chokes in both barrels make it a nimble field gun.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent – clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal shows light handling marks and small areas of finish thinning, consistent with careful field use. Wood surfaces display minor handling impressions but retain crisp checkering. Bores are bright and clean.
What’s Included
- Browning Superposed Lightning Grade I 12 Gauge over/under shotgun
The Lightning variant reduces overall weight by combining a slimmed-down, round-knob Prince-of-Wales grip with a beavertail forend for quick handling. Browning’s one-piece forged steel receiver delivers notable strength and is finished in deep bluing accented by factory Grade I scroll engraving.
Barrels are cut from Browning Special Steel, measure 26.25 inches, and wear a solid vent rib topped with a single front bead. Fixed Modified chokes in both barrels, verified by star stamps, pair with a 2 3/4-inch chamber for versatile field loads.
A gold-plated single selective trigger allows on-the-fly barrel selection via the tang safety/selector. The 14.25-inch length of pull and oil-finished walnut stock provide a classic feel, while crisp checkering supplies a positive grasp in all weather.
Proof marks reading “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY ST. LOUIS Mo. & MONTREAL P.Q., MADE IN BELGIUM” confirm FN Herstal production. The “S8” serial suffix identifies 1968 manufacture, positioning this shotgun within the highly regarded mid-century Superposed lineage.