Browning O/U

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Hey guys, I picked up a used Browning Superposed from Italian Sporting Goods about a month ago. Its in great shape except for a slight bubble around the choke in the top barrel. You can just see it in the third picture(sorry for the poor pics) on the left side. But it clearly goes all the way around the barrel and you can feel it slightly with your finger if you are looking for it.

The guy at Italian said some clown put steel shot through the top barrel which is a full choke:eek: Big no no, But never the less I got it for $500 and everything else is minty. Ive taken it out a couple times and boy does it shoot great. Very easy to sight down that 30" barrel, and the trigger is nice and crisp. I dont think I could get a better shooting O/U for $500

I have a few questions. With the bubbling around the choke, should I worry about the size of lead shot I use? This is pretty much gonna be a dedicated target gun so ill mostly use 7 or 8, but im curious if I should stay away from shooting the larger BB shot? The Dealer told me that its purely cosmetic, but should I take it easy on the ol gal just in case? Obviously im not gonna put any steel or slugs through it.

Lastly, im wondering if there is a way to figure out how old it is from the serial number? Perhaps a website with more info on the Superposed?

Let me know what you think!:cool:

-Deets

P1010980.jpg

P1010982.jpg

P1010972.jpg
 
No matter how you slice it, that's a smokin' deal on a Superposed. It would be nice to know more about it - chamber size, barrel stampings, tang length. With the last 3 digits of the serial number, I should be able to date it. Also, check the metal below the wood line for pitting/rust - could be a "salt gun" - which isn't terrible, just important to know.
 
I agree with looch... great deal. I just got the one I bought from the EE and I am so impressed with the level of workmanship, metal fitting... they just don't make quality like this anymore, unless your willing to pay for it!!! The previous owner of yours doesn't deserve to own such a quality firearm if he's going to shoot steel though it. A little research on the net would have shown him that you shouldn't use steel in these guns, but good for you, that is a great deal. Mine is a 1959. If you can post a partial serial number, we can help, or go to the shotgunworld.com forums, and go to the browning shotguns forum. They have a sticky at the top with dating info. I'd be curious to see if yours falls in the salt gun years....
 
deets said:
Hey guys, I picked up a used Browning Superposed from Italian Sporting Goods about a month ago. Its in great shape except for a slight bubble around the choke in the top barrel. You can just see it in the third picture(sorry for the poor pics) on the left side. But it clearly goes all the way around the barrel and you can feel it slightly with your finger if you are looking for it.

The guy at Italian said some clown put steel shot through the top barrel which is a full choke:eek: Big no no, But never the less I got it for $500 and everything else is minty. Ive taken it out a couple times and boy does it shoot great. Very easy to sight down that 30" barrel, and the trigger is nice and crisp. I dont think I could get a better shooting O/U for $500

I have a few questions. With the bubbling around the choke, should I worry about the size of lead shot I use? This is pretty much gonna be a dedicated target gun so ill mostly use 7 or 8, but im curious if I should stay away from shooting the larger BB shot? The Dealer told me that its purely cosmetic, but should I take it easy on the ol gal just in case? Obviously im not gonna put any steel or slugs through it.

Lastly, im wondering if there is a way to figure out how old it is from the serial number? Perhaps a website with more info on the Superposed?

Let me know what you think!:cool:

-Deets
Click to expand...

Link for dating your gun:
http://ww w.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/index.asp

This from Browning website about steel shot,etc:

Question:
Can I shoot steel shot in my Browning shotgun?
Answer:

All current Browning shotguns with the Invector or Invector-Plus choke tube system are fully steel shot compatible with current factory loads. However, there are limitations to the compatibility of many older Browning shotguns with conventionally choked barrels. In certain models, shooting steel shot may cause a slight "ringe bulge" just inches behind the muzzle. The damage to your gun is purely cosmetic, but the "bulge" can be a factor in resale, especially with collector-grade shotguns.



Accordingly, our recommendations concerning the use of steel shot in Browning shotguns is as follows:



1. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS: All Browning shotguns with the Invector choke or Invector-Plus tube systems, However, we do not recommend the use of Invector full or extra full chokes with steel shot. They pattern too tightly, and sometimes result in a "blown" pattern.
2. WILL ACCEPT ALL CURRENT FACTORY STEEL SHOT LOADS EXCEPT THOSE WITH T, F, BB AND BBB SIZE SHOT: The B-2000 and B-80 shotguns with conventional chokes (Non-Invector)
3. DO NO USE ANY STEEL SHOT LOADS: The Belgian-made A-5, Superposed, Leige, and other Belgian Over/Under models, Double Automatic, American-made A-5 and all other models not listed in category 1 or 2. Note: Belgian Auto-5 barrels are interchangeable with the new Invector barrels which are made in Japan. With this new Invector barrel installed on the Belgian-made Auto-5 receiver, steel shot loads can be used.



DAMAGE: In not all, but a number of instances a very slight ring will develop about 1 1/2" to 3" rearward of the muzzle. This ring is about .005 of an inch deep, completely encircling the barrel. From our tests we could determine no adverse effect on pattern or shot velocity because of this ring. Our conclusion is that the most significant objection, the slight ring, is entirely cosmetic. This "ring" effect does not affect the function or safety of the firearm.




If your question still remains unanswered, please call our Consumer Department directly at: 800.333.3288 or 801.876.2711


Nice gun, I'd give you $500 for it !!! :D
 
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Hey guys, thanks for all the replies, im just packin it up to go out on this BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!!!

ill post a partial serial number later. Which part of the number is required? I probably shouldnt post the whole thing right?

Yah $500 was a steal. The owner of Italian said he would have taken it if he didnt already own 2. :D
 
more pics of proof marks

Hey guys, sorry it took me so long to post more info and pics. That browning site leads me to believe that with a serial number of ###06-S6 this gun was made in 1966. Its made in Belgium and its a Special steel 12g chambered for 3" magnum.

The markings on the barrel tell me its a full choke over, and modified under. Little dirty cause I just took it out yesterday and havent cleaned it yet.
P1010991.jpg


The markings between the grip and the ejectors in this next picture are unknown to me. the two markings on the top barrel are a little more clear than the two on the bottom, but they both seem to say the same. The mark on the left which you can barely see is an E over an LG with a star under and its circled. The next mark is a horizontal horseshoe with 12-76
Also on the other side it has the number 18.2
P1010997.jpg


here are some more pics of markings if it helps.
P1010995.jpg


Any more info you guys could give me would be great!

cheers,
Deets
 
1966 was the first year browning used the morton salt curing method on it's stocks... yours may or may not be one. Pull one of the screws from the butt plate, or the trigger guard and check for rust. The vast majority of them were replaced by browning, but there are still some out there. Just good info to have, you still got a great deal.
 
upnorth said:
1966 was the first year browning used the morton salt curing method on it's stocks... yours may or may not be one. Pull one of the screws from the butt plate, or the trigger guard and check for rust. The vast majority of them were replaced by browning, but there are still some out there. Just good info to have, you still got a great deal.
Click to expand...

Interesting info thanks. I pulled the skrews and there is no rust to be found thankfully. How would I find out if the stock has been replaced, or if it is original?
 
Photos of the pistol grip and tang would be good. Remove the forearm and check the metal for pitting - that would tell you if it was a salt gun.

The mark you describe is a Belgian proof mark. The 18.2 is the nominal bore diameter, used to figure out the choke.

By my references, you have a Superposed Grade 1 Magnum. In 100% condition, $1800 - $2000. Your bulged barrel will bring it down some, but assuming it is not a salt gun, I wouldn't take less than $1000 for it.

If you want to take it further, for $40, Browning will provide a historical letter with information down to the original date of sale.
 
That is referred to as a "Round Knob, Long Tang". This is a more desirable configuration as it is generally agreed that there are no "salt guns" with long tangs.

Congratulations on a fine purchase. I would spend the $40 on the historical document - you have more than enough equity to cover it.
 
Cheers guys, thanks for all the great info. I am very happy with my purchase and im considering getting requesting the history documentation, but regardless of what I might find, this gun sure dusts clays in a proficient manner :) I think ill hold on to it for a while. :cool:

Deets
 
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