Questions for Browning Liege O/U shotgun

tangshouxin

tangshouxin

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Hi, I just saw a Browning Liege shotgun in my local gun store, priced as 1200 included tax. The condition about the shotgun is almost like new, even though it was made in 1973 by Belgium FN factory (what I researched online).
So my question is anyone have experience with this particular shotgun and how is the value right now? As a old O/U once it is broken, is that hard to find parts or fix? Should I buy it as a trap gun?

Looking for your recommendation, thanks
 
Are you sure of the age?
be careful, it could be one made during the "salt wood " years!!
The salt wood era lasted until the early 70's and there may be damage one cannot see until the wood is removed to check
any tell tale dark lines on the wood around where it is inletted to the metal?
Cat
 
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A plain gun is worth about $800. I can't speak to parts availability, but you need to check that out, if you want to shoot targets with it. Also check and make sure the chokes are what they should be. I've seen lots of older fixed choke guns that have had the chokes adjusted. Cat makes a very important comment about the salt wood.
 
Thank you for your reply. I did some research online and it said the liege is only produced two years 1973-1975, until browning decided to use Japanese factory to make some cheaper guns. The year you can find from browning website also. I don't have any experience about what is salt wood era but I would do some research now
 
Beretta687EELL said:
A plain gun is worth about $800. I can't speak to parts availability, but you need to check that out, if you want to shoot targets with it. Also check and make sure the chokes are what they should be. I've seen lots of older fixed choke guns that have had the chokes adjusted. Cat makes a very important comment about the salt wood.
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I know it sounds a little bit stupid to use such a old gun for trap shooting, the. Choke is fixed:eek:ver barrel is improved modified and under is improved cylinder.Like I said the gun is looks like brand new and not even a mark on the receiver and wood, the barrel was shinning, so I assume it haven't been shot so much. 800 dollars could be a fair price on gun show but for a store they have to make some money I guess lol
 
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tangshouxin said:
I know it sounds a little bit stupid to use such a old gun for trap shooting, the. Choke is fixed:eek:ver barrel is full and under barrel is modified.So it is the gun for trap not skeet. Like I said the gun is looks like brand new and not even a mark on the receiver and wood, the barrel was shinning, so I assume it haven't been shot so much. 800 dollars could be a fair price on gun show but for a store they have to make some money I guess lol
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On the contrary, I don't think it's stupid at all, the older Brownings are nice guns and if they fit the shooter they are fantastic!
I have two friends who wouldn't trade their Pr5e-1950 Superposed's for anything.
The price however is what you want to look at, for sure.
Cat
 
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Some pictures update from online
And some descriptions：
"Designed as a less-costly version of the Superposed with the same quality of fit and materials, the Liege quickly won the hearts of the shotgun-buying public before being replaced by the Japanese-made Citori. Named for the city of its production, Liege, Belgium, the Liege lacks the Superposed's engraving, but has the same traditional European styling for hunters that want a classy shotgun without the unnecessary frills. Only produced from 1973 to 1975, the Liege is south after by hunters looking for a high-end classic at a low-end price. This features a 28-inch ventilated rib barrel with fixed improved modified and improved cylinder chokes."
 
tangshouxin said:
Cat，my only consideration is once I shoot a lot and it's broken, could I still find gunsmith to fix the gun but not to cost a lot of money
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The Brownings I have seen ( I've seen lots of the older ones) were super reliable guns, I don't think there are too many issues with people getting parts.
The big issue is they they often have to be hand fitted as opposed to a newer shotgun where the part is normally CNC machined and is a drop in unit.
Personally, I would not hesitate to buy one if I ran into a good deal.
Cat
 
tangshouxin said:
That's what the store owner told me also, he said right now the technology is too powerful to make a good guns, lol
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That's funny right there!!
The biggest difference between CNC machining and the hand fitting in my mind, is the initial cost of the gun.
As far as accuracy of parts go, many manufacturers can send a set of barrels out that will drop right in to your receiver as long as you give them the serial number.
With a hand fitted gun this is not possible.
HOWEVER, there is something about shooting a gun that you know is hand fitted that gives one great pleasure, it's one of the reasons I love shooting vintage guns and guns made by smaller companies. :>)
Cat
 
tangshouxin said:
he said right now the technology is too powerful to make a good guns, lol
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What does that mean?

The pictured gun has a skeet / field stock and if the chokes are correct (have they been checked or is that just how the gun is marked?) ... the IC is not a good trap choke, but the IM is. My issue with parts is that all guns break, eventually. Do these guns use the same parts as the new Brownings? If they do, then my question is not important.
 
Beretta687EELL said:
What does that mean?

The pictured gun has a skeet / field stock and if the chokes are correct (have they been checked or is that just how the gun is marked?) ... the IC is not a good trap choke, but the IM is. My issue with parts is that all guns break, eventually. Do these guns use the same parts as the new Brownings? If they do, then my question is not important.
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I'm going to take an educated guess and say "NOPE!" simply because there were some design changed when they went to Japan to get them built.
The way the for ends come off is one big one right there, but some parts are still available for the older guns if one needs them.
And you are right, they all break, no matter if it is a cheap gun or a high end gun!!
Cat
 
I wouldn't worry too much about parts. There are thousands of vintage guns being shot that parts haven't been available for for up to 100 years. Yet one can find a way to keep them shooting. If you are worried about what the cost might be to fix such a gun down the line, then perhaps keeping with current models might be the way to go.
 
gunsaholic said:
I wouldn't worry too much about parts. There are thousands of vintage guns being shot that parts haven't been available for for up to 100 years. Yet one can find a way to keep them shooting. If you are worried about what the cost might be to fix such a gun down the line, then perhaps keeping with current models might be the way to go.
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Good point, but back to topic, is this shotgun worth 1200?
 
tangshouxin said:
The picture gun is exactly what I saw in the gun store, not newer made browning. And labeled as "browning liege" besides the trigger guard
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No, not in my opinion, but that is just me.
If you are looking for a good quality singles gun there is a BT99 for sale right now on the exchange for a good price.
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...petition-shotgun-for-trapshooters-of-all-ages
Bang for your buck one of the very best guns out there for a dedicated singles gun- in my opinion!

Cat
 
Hmmm.. - You could get a gently used Superposed with tighter chokes (for trap) for about 1000$, or a gently used Citori with tighter chokes (for trap) for about 800$. Both would have better resale value than the Liege. Personally, I think 1200$ is high for a gun that was only in production for 2 years, and possibly unproven technically.
Additionally, its difficult to determine the mileage on the gun by looking at the cosmetics. It can look new, but have quite a few rounds down the pipe....
 
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