Browning Superposed 1956 Shotgun

B

blacktailslayer

Regular
Rating - 100%
126   0   0
Location
Ladysmith, B.C.
I need some help valuing this shotgun. It is a 1956 Browning Superposed in 12 gauge. I would say the gun is in average shape for its age, and has some nice grain in the butt stock. I am just wondering what a fair value would be for this shotgun? Thanks.


50963078033_422705cafd_c.jpg
50963788106_4166a7e746_c.jpg
50963788346_5915eebc54_c.jpg
 
Try firearmsprixeguide.com it provides prices in $US but usually has a large sample size and/or search for comparable on the Guns International web site
 
Well - Someone was using it for sporting purposes, so it has the potential for high mileage. Also, its collectibility has been limited by the adjustable recoil pad. If its still tight on face, and the top lever is still right sided, think ~ 1200$.
 
A gunsmith opened the second barrel to I/C, ,so they are both improved. It was also chambered to accept 3" shells. I found out the original owner had it changed for steel shot waterfowl hunting, and the weird recoil pad was just because he liked it, not for sporting clays.
 
The original owner must be quite old now, this gun is 55 years old and I'm sure he didn't buy it as a teenager. And by the wear on the blueing it has been used a lot, target guns usually are. The altering of the chambers, butt pad and the chokes completely destroys any collectability this gun had, so it's now a well worn good quality over/ under with fixed chokes, suitable for hunting or perhaps skeet or sporting clays, too open for trap. Very little interest today in a gun like this no matter what it was originally. I would peg the value at well under $1000.
 
Thanks for the help guys, I am just asking for my FIL who is thinking of selling it, the gun willed to him by his much older BIL who has passed. My FIL did know all the details and said he did not shoot sporting clays. I certainly agree all the mods have lowered the value, and the collectibility. Thx again everyone.
 
Ashcroft said:
The original owner must be quite old now, this gun is 55 years old and I'm sure he didn't buy it as a teenager. And by the wear on the blueing it has been used a lot, target guns usually are. The altering of the chambers, butt pad and the chokes completely destroys any collectability this gun had, so it's now a well worn good quality over/ under with fixed chokes, suitable for hunting or perhaps skeet or sporting clays, too open for trap. Very little interest today in a gun like this no matter what it was originally. I would peg the value at well under $1000.
Click to expand...

Mister Ashcroft is quite kind: Welllllllll under $ 1000.

Take a look at the wood.
 
Whats not clear is whether the gun was originally a 3 inch gun (ie magnum action). This would make it somewhat more desireable. As it stands the gun could be used for upland, waterfowl, and sporting (c/w adjustable stock). If the gun was low mileage, it could make someone happy, compared to a 2500$ plus Citori or SP.
 
12 gauge Magnum was first offered in 1955, but not in a Lightning.
The OP indicates the chambers were altered in the sale ad on the EE.
 
cosmic said:
Whats not clear is whether the gun was originally a 3 inch gun (ie magnum action). This would make it somewhat more desireable. As it stands the gun could be used for upland, waterfowl, and sporting (c/w adjustable stock). If the gun was low mileage, it could make someone happy, compared to a 2500$ plus Citori or SP.
Click to expand...

Can't remember to a certainty, but I believe Superposed of this vintage were mostly, if not all 2 3/4 " from the factory? Somebody can chime in & tell me I'm wrong & won't be upset... LOL!
 
12 gauge Magnum was introduced in 1955.
This is a Lightning with chambers altered to 3 inch, as the OP stated in his EE ad.
 
For starters that butt plate is not original obviously, and one can assume that the stock has been cut to some degree. You should measure it...the lop to the end of the wood, and also to the end of the new butt plate. Next comes the chokes...if the guy was a target shooter, did he open up the chokes or are they as stamped inside on the left when you open the breech. If the current choke configuration is not as is stamped, then that is an issue. many target shooters would buy a typical mod and full gun then open them up for skeet. Then comes the condition of the barrels and the lever positioning when the gun is locked up will tell you what sorta shape the hinge pins are in. It is a long tang round knob which is desirable...the best. I have paid around the $1000 mark for good clean honest superposed guns. Often you will get the original case...which is a real plus, along with the warranty stuff which came in a little plastic envelope, and maybe the owners booklet from Brewing too. Also a couple sets of keys for the case. Without knowing if the butt was chopped or if the chokes were diddled with, I would think what you have there is a $750 gun. If the lop is 14.5 to 14 5/8, then we can relax on that issue. Be nice to have the original butt plate set-up or Browning pad, but they can be purchased online lots of places. As for the case...well...they fetch $400 USD on average, as collectors like their original boxes. If you are lucky on the LOP and the chokes...what you have is a $999 gun in Canada. If it has been tweaked and chopped...well...$700 plus would be my number.

Best of luck!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom