Browning Superposed
Belgian-designed over-and-over shotgun introduced to the United States two years after the Great Depression, in 1931. Despite its original high cost, it was regarded as a fine and valuable weapon by both shooting competitors and hunters.[1]
| Browning Superposed | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Shotgun |
| Place of origin | United States Belgium |
| Production history | |
| Designer | John Browning, Val A. Browning |
| Designed | 1922-1931 |
| Manufacturer | Browning Arms Co. Fabrique Nationale |
| Produced | 1931-1940, 1948-1960 |
| Specifications | |
| Barrel length | 20", 26", 28", 30" |
| Caliber | 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, and .410 bore |
| Action | Boxlock |
The Superposed introduced a wide variety of innovations including the single select trigger and over-under design.[2] This design was considered revolutionary in the 1930s, but Browning had patents on the design long before that, as far back as 1923.[3]
History
It was the last firearm to be designed by John Browning. After Browning's death, the design work was completed by his son Val A. Browning.[4] Original production dates were 1931–1940.[5] Original production grades were Grade I (Lightning/Standard), Pigeon, Diana and Midas.
Post World War II production began in 1948 and lasted until 1960 when the model underwent major changes.[5]
References
- Field & Stream. February 2005.
- Sadowski, Robert A. (2015-09-15). 50 Guns That Changed the World: Iconic Firearms That Altered the Course of History. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-1-63450-463-8.
- Haskew, Michael E. (2017-04-20). Rifles & Muskets: From 1450 to the present day. Amber Books Ltd. ISBN 978-1-78274-268-5.
- Hawks, Chuck. "Browning Superposed Shotguns", chuckhawks.com
- Superposed Shotgun dates and serial numbers on browning.com Archived June 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine