Browning Superposed

John Browning's brilliant O/U
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[@dandersonjr]

I have a Broadway Trap made in 1963 in 12 gauge made just before the salt wood guns. Still looks like new and I keep it that way. One of the pride's of my collection.

[@billiebleach7889]

My grandfather was an avid hunter, both here in Belgium and in the Congo where he was in the Colonial Service. He had several shotguns, I remember a Browning B25, a Browning Superposé and an old English side-by-side. His rifles were an Anschutz in .22lr, a Browning BAR in 30-06 for driven boar, a Mauser action FN High-Power Safari in .375H&H and a Steyr Mannlicher 1952 in 6,5 Suédoise. In 1991 he passed away and because his death was very unexpected, we never had the chance to take precautions, before his passing, in regards to the firearms. I was only seventeen and wasn’t legally allowed to own the guns and my mom also had no license. We also weren’t allowed to sell the guns, since we didn’t own them legally. I asked the chief of the local Police-force to keep the guns in safety for three more months, so that I could collect them after obtaining a license as soon as I turned 18. But no, he told me that the next day two officers would come by to collect all the guns and have them destroyed. I knew the guns weren’t gonna get destroyed but instead they were going to fall into the greedy hands of the Police....so I took all the guns, fondled them for quite some time while thinking back at what a great guy my grandpa had been for me. Than I got to work with the cutting discs, the hammer and eventually the fuel. After I finished, I chucked all the cut up parts and the burned stocks and riflecases into an old petrol-barrel and I put all the necessary papers in a nice, neat bundle. Next day the officers arrived, I let them in, offered them a coffee and a cookie and handed over the paperwork...they couldn’t hide the fact they were very eager to get their hands on the goodies, they almost behaved like kids around the Christmas-tree. Needless to say the look on their faces was priceless when I lead them into the garden, pointed towards the barrel and told them I had already done the dirty work for them. Sometimes you just can’t win...but at least you should go down head up, straight back.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

One of the most amazing personal experiences - thank you for sharing. You have a strong mind. I received a letter from a senior in Germany; when the gun confiscators came before the war some people buried their guns in oiled burlap and plastic; then they dug them up when the war was on and then tossed them in the river or buried them again when the Russians came. Anyway, your Grandfather had great guns and no doubt was just like his guns. I'm sorry the guns are gone but memory, being an idea, can't be confiscated. I hope you get one or more identical guns; as your Grandfather had.

[@billiebleach7889]

USOG it’s funny you mention “buried guns”. My grandfather never got a handgun license but he had (buried in the garden)a Luger PO8 in his possession that he had taken off a Wehrmacht officer that was running through the woods near Malmédy to get away from the Americans attacking. It was night, it was pitch dark and the poor guy, looking for cover, jumped into a ditch...right on grandpa’s bayonet. He was still holding his Luger pistol when he died a few seconds later but he never took a shot at grandpa, he just stared at him. I know for sure that this Luger meant more to my granddad than any of his other guns, because he firmly believed that the officer willingly decided not to shoot him in some kind of final act of grace and dignity. That’s why he never got rid of the Luger and till the day he died he wore the officer’s wedding ring on his necklace. And both the Luger and the necklace are still with us.

[@borisbuliak3626]

Loved the furniture on this Browning. There's something about the Schnaebel forarm that people either love or hate. Am in the like camp.

[@kennethbailey2616]

The Superposed was the gold standard for my friends and I back in the 60s.

[@ALLairBBandPelletGuns]

I’ve been looking for one lately. I’ve wanted one for years. I have Winchester model 101 in 20 gauge that is a pre-production 101 that was produced by Olin Kodensha in Japan and sent to my father at Winchester in New Haven Ct. for final approval before going into full production. Since my father worked for Winchester the 101 was always part of our collection, but i still simply love that Browning supervised. What a beautiful double.

[@JO-dw1xc]

The booklet that came with my Superposed states-“In the event of a misfire, due to a defective round in one barrel, it is not necessary to shift the selector around to another barrel to quickly fire its cartridge. You may fire the second shell merely by flipping the selector directly to the rear, ( the movement used to put the gun on safe), then forward again its original position.” You can bump the shotgun’s butt on the ground to fire the the round in the other barrel if you want to, but it’s not necessary, (or safe), to so. Other than that, nice video!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Great comment! Sadly the mechanism often doesn't work; at least on the used guns I usually buy. Still you're right; they tried to have a fail safe solution. I just drop in another shell. Merry Christmas!

[@bill-qv3er]

You can still order one but it comes from the custom shop in Belgium and they cost a bundle !!!!!!!!!!! I have 2 and I love them, one is a 1953 and the other is a 1963. One of the best shotguns ever designed.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I agree ...maybe the best. I had no idea they're still made! Thank you!

[@mikemoore9757]

I used to have a Broadway trap gun and I remember when you looked down the rib, it was like looking down a two lane highway! Excellent shotgun.

[@searcherT]

have a year 1967 over/under it is a beautiful work of mechanics 12 Ga. I am partial to the 12.

[@larrybassett5559]

Beautiful gun and one of my favorites. A few models of Superposed were built with mechanical triggers, mainly Trap models like the one I shoot. Like you're channel, keep it up.

[@Smithsfan71]

Browning switched to a mechanical trigger on the Superposed in about 1970. They also made a variation of the Superposed that had a completely detachable forend. That was the all gauge skeet set.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Bill - had no idea! I'll look for an inertia trigger model. Thanks for writing.

[@uswee]

Beautiful shotgun. Excellent description. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@chrischiampo7647]

The Superposed was a Genius Design By John M Browning Keeping the Barrels On The Same Plane While Shooting was an Innovative Thing In the Days Of Side By Side Doubles 😀😊👍🏼 Thank You For Showing This Shotgun it’s One Of My Favorites

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Chris - have a nice and safe weekend.

[@johnwillis4706]

I inherited 4 Superposed from my grand dad. They are in 12, 16, 20 & 28 gauge. All are 3 barrel sets in midas grade. They are fabulous shotguns and the best regulated sets I've ever seen and a dream to shot. I would love to find one in 410, but those are rare and quite pricey now.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Amazing good fortune John - you own a dream shotgun.

[@domeland2835]

Just learned about this firearm today. It’s absolutely stunning

[@Nick-wn1xw]

That was an incredible firearm. The Citori is also a great gun but there was just something special about the Superposed.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

So true - a very, very fine shotgun.

[@jeanmorin3247]

Moroku took over from Fabrique Nationale to produce the Browning o/u in late 1970s. Those pieces that were produced by Moruku, before it became the Citori with a great deal more machine work, were also of great quality. The late 1970s and early 1980s Moruku/Brownings were very close to FN standards of workmanship (Midas, Diana, Pigeon, etc). But the Citori took over all Japanese standard production, and only the higher priced custom-made Browning o/u remained with FN. I have a Browning/Moruku 1980 Grade 5 that is a FN equivalent. Although the Japanese could offer lower labor price, they could also offer top quality workmanship. Browning chose to produce the less expensive Citori in Japan.

[@four4bman979]

I have a pristine 1961 Superposed Lightning Trap 30" bbl 12 g with inertia trigger. Love it.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Very hard to find : the lightning trap - and in mint condition : you know you have a gem.

[@zh3401]

By far my favorite shotgun to shoot. Thanks for sharing sir. Avoiding strong opinions is prudent. There is always more information than one can possess and strong opinions imply a level of mastery of subject matter that is exceedingly rare. Another fine presentation. Succinct, informative and entertaining.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

As always, your comments help me. Thank you.

[@theticketkiller]

You can technically still buy 'Superposed' shotguns new from Browning, custom guns in the 'JMB Collection' category. They call them the B25 or B15 or something.

[@brentniedermeier5272]

fatcatbestcat B25. They make about 200 or so a year out of the custom shop, and boy they are PRICEY! I’ve really been looking hard for a superposed for relatively reasonable to fix up and use

[@c10wiremantawwallace13]

The B25 is not the same receiver & gun as the Superposed is. I have both as well as a Citori Grand Lightning all different than the other Browning's but somewhat similar to each other in various ways. My A5 is one from the very first lot shipped to USA from Belgium in 1909 with solid raised rib 26 inch barrel. My Sweet sixteen is also a very early model gun built in the 1930's & its still in 99% condition. I just missed a great deal on a 4 Barrel Superposed set on Gun Broker. I could have had it for under 10k.

[@antitactical]

Some of the supersposed models had a mechanical trigger. My uncle has a 32" Broadway that has mechanical triggers. I own a 1955 3" magnum that has inertia triggers. They also came with a unique double trigger that the front trigger acted like a single trigger and could be pulled twice to fire the second barrel. Awesome shotguns!!!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Ben! I didn't know. I guess I never had one that didn't fire : ) Have a great weekend.

[@manwithclass09]

I do swear Mr. USOG - we do have a cosmic link at times... You do a video on a beautiful Superposed that is outstanding - educational and informative as always... And, I am going to receive a mint Browning Citori today that I have been pining away for over the last 20+ years. I had a wonderful Citori that was fantastic on doves and quail - but I sold it when I needed the money to help pay for a wedding many years ago. I regretted selling it each and every day until today!!!!! I will lt you know over on Patreon how she looks when I have her in my hands and also send pics of my new .257 Bob. Thanks as always Sir!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Bob! That is fantastic! Getting a gun back (or one like it - or better) that had to be sold - is like coming home. So glad you'll have a Citori again! BTW - a fellow at the club was shooting trap a few years ago and came over to chat - a really nice fellow. He seemed to hit just about everything when I was watching him and was using a Citori. That was nice but what was really amazing was that he told me he had fired over 40K shells and had yet to have an issue. I handled the shotgun briefly and other than been very slick opening and closing - could detect little wear - maybe some bluing loss on the bottom of the action. Amazing. I'm not sure how many guns can accomplish this without a broken firing pin....or something. Have a great and safe weekend.

[@manwithclass09]

Mr. USOG - this is Elton - not Bob Sir!!! No problem and no worries on the name. I just wanted you to know it was me... Thanks Sir.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Man - am I stupid sometimes. Sorry Elton.

[@tonywestbrook6436]

I bought a Browning superposed 12 gauge today. It's a 1952 model and is 99% perfect. I had my pick of Remington's and Winchester's and Benelli's, but my eyes wouldn't stay off the Browning. I was a moth to the flame. It's a standard grade field model and I'll hunt quail and Pheasant with it. I'll proudly own this gun for many years.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Tony - I still think you bought the best. The Superposed is a delight in every way - and they seem bring the hits with them. Great decision!

[@tonywestbrook6436]

Thank you sir! There are some folks that say Japan made is better quality than Belgium. True or not, I'll always buy Belgium or I'll pass, and that includes the A-5. Simply beautiful guns that stand alone.

[@airbornesoldieramerica7125]

@USOG, Again thank's for another great educational You-Tube video. Lately been studying survival guns, like if a person is only allowed to own only one gun, what would it be ? Think I found mine now. It would be the over and under Baikal rifle/shotgun combo in the 12 gauge and then the top barrel would be the 308 Win or 30-06 rifle. This is on my list of guns to get to add to my gun collection. Not asking you to make a video on this, but what is your view on the Baikal over and under rifle/shotgun combo, and survival guns ? When I mean survival I mean not so much for combat or self defense purposes, but more for hunting animals so a person don't starve to death, in the forest, wilderness, arctic etc....

[@carlkrebs1]

best over and under field shotgun ever made . a natural pointability in shooting .

[@Canada-gs3jc]

Can you do a video on the Browning BPS? if of course you have one. Thanks for all your great videos

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

yes - I'm looking. Had one but mine was a 10 gauge (I hope I'm not wrong) - I'm sure it was. Anyway - I'll find a 12. Cheers!

[@manwithclass09]

No worries my good friend!!!

[@kennethbailey2616]

If you are ever in Montana the Sharps and Shiloh factories in Big Timber have excellent displays and pieces for sale.

[@kurjan1]

Hi there from Australia. I have always believed that many Browning guns and rifles are hopelessly undervalued. I have a magnificent Belgium made Browning Medallion Grade .338 Win. Pretty much worthless..? Luckily, it is most definitely not for sale. What a magnificent rifle...

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hello Kur,Jan and Urbano - Hope you're all healthy and safe. Over here, the Medallion Grade Brownings are worth a lot! At some point the value of things is realized - I've owned some guns that no one cared about or valued in any way - and in time they went way up and people look for them....and your's is made in Belgium - superb rifle.

[@garaldtao1801]

When my first barrel does not fire, instead of bumping the stock, I just manipulate the selector. Love my Browning but the top over under on my list today (though it might be different tomorrow) is my Krieghoff. Another great video.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I'm going to do that! And the Krieghoff and Remington 32 and 3200 - are super excellent shotguns. Valmet had something similar in an O/U as well - marketed by Savage for a few years.

[@garaldtao1801]

I have been looking at a few Valmet o/u's but can't say I know too much about them. A lot of information on line about their military arms but not so much about their over unders.

[@Tony-om5kr]

I only have one over under and it's a Browning Superposed in 20 ga. that I bought in 2004. It was made in 1967 per the S/N. Unfortunately, it's from the period when Browning used salt cured walnut. I'll need to check if it still has the original salt wood (Browning offered replacements when issues with rust surfaced). It still looks great from outward appearances.

[@davevann2925]

What did you find out on the possible salt content of your wood?

[@paulsimmons5726]

Seems I've owned a few of these over the years but not currently. The ones I owned were found at rock bottom prices and later sold for money for other projects, it happens... The next 410 Superposed that pops up at a can't refuse price may wind up being a keeper. Or a great 410 Berretta, all are great for the few times I ever use a shotgun. Great video and that stock was really nice.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Paul - I hope you find the .410 - no luck for me yet.

[@paulsimmons5726]

USOG - Yeah, finding our 410 Superposed guns will be great but think about all the other guns we'll find before them. Sometimes NOT finding things is its own best reward, it's the search that I enjoy! Take care and have a great 4th!

[@worddunlap]

It's amazing how long the design has been relevant.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Great from the start - a timeless shotgun. I wish they were easier to find.

[@buffalobearbp7095]

Thank you again for a wonderful video. I only wish I had the funds to own a collection like yours. I know you have a love for single shot rifles, as do I. Do you have a Sharps? Or one of the reproductions. I have a Pedersolli 1874 and have found it to be an extremely accurate rifle (sub MOA at very long ranges). I would love to hear your thoughts on the sharps, and Pedersolli. Again, thank you Walt

[@roeng1368]

Excellent video as always. I love the browning ou, always did, it is a design classic. I think the game guns had a mechanical, rather than inertia system. I usually think of the USA as a land where the auto and pump guns reign supreme, more of a cultural difference than anything.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Pumps are tanks and fantastic - I agree with the land of the free and the home of the brave - practical, mostly inexpensive and last forever. Still, there is a place in every cabinet for an O/U - and the Superposed is the ticket.

[@perlygnholm1131]

The Superposed and the B25 is different names of the same model.

[@steveaten2211]

USOG I own a citori field grade made in belgium at FN Herstal 26 in. barrels single select trigger, mod. and full choked. For me, it's like a death ray !

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Steve - You bet - that would be the death ray; well, in your hands anyway...: )

[@ernesthercher5193]

Citori are made in Japan not Belgium. Still great guns I own two plus a Superposed.

[@hydroformer6802]

My Citori Type 2 was made in Belgium, check it out

[@Benjywells1]

I believe the new ones from the custom shop start at around $12,000

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Wroth every penny. I actually didn't know they were available at all.

[@danonoveh8114]

Your gun is super nice, iam looking for a 410 also, the asking high dollars for those

[@johnkendall6962]

What are the real world advantages,disadvantages to inertia triggers vs a mechanical one. Why would they choose one over the other?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi John, With the inertia trigger if the first shell does not fire the trigger will not fire the second barrel. The bump of recoil sets the second trigger pull up in an inertia trigger. I like mechanical better and actually, I like 2 triggers best.

[@johnkendall6962]

I understand what they do. I was curious why the gun maker would choose one or the other... Thanks great video

[@megan6228]

You should do a video like this on the browning cynergy! I tried many many auto loaders for duck and goose hunting and one day i read about the cynergy, found one and got to shoot it, and bought it and have loved it ever since! No auto loader came close to the fit of the cynergy

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Thanks Farmer - I had no idea. I'll find one and make the video. Thanks for the info and suggestion.

[@inaz1963]

Not that I want to display my ignorance in public, but I have a stupid question. What is the practical difference between shotgun gauges? What is a gauge? I see 410, 10, 12, 16, 18 etc, but aside from bore size is there a real difference?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

For shotgun gauges, the lower the number is, the larger the bore diameter. A 12 gauge, for example, has a greater bore diameter than a 20 gauge and a 16 gauge is larger than a 20 gauge as well. Why? Because gauge is measured by the number of lead balls, of bore diameter, that weight one pound. So 20 lead balls of 20 gauge weigh one pound. A four gauge (often called a 4 bore) means 4 lead balls of 4 bore diameter weigh one pound. There are 8 gauges and someone told me about a 6 gauge. In terms of utility, the larger the bore diameter, the more shot (lead or steel or metal pellets) can be fired with one shot. The maximum legal gauge for waterfowl is 10 gauge. The more pellets you throw at a bird - the more likely you are to hit the bird with some of the swarm of pellets you are sending. Practically, anything larger than 10 gets pretty heavy and recoil is a real concern. I'm not sure many would hunt ducks with a 4 gauge even if it were legal - although it might be interesting. Many shotguns are used with single projectiles for large game - these projectiles are known as slugs, but round balls were and are used sometimes. Most shotguns are smoothbore so projectiles stay on track by being of weight forward design (like a badminton shuttlecock) - but there are rifles shotgun barrels available now; although they require special projectiles for maximum accuracy and efficiency. The .410 bore is an exception to the gauge/lead ball system - a .410 is .410 in measurement. The choice of gauge makes a big difference in what one can accomplish with a shotgun and the characteristics of the shotgun itself. Hope this helps and please feel free to ask more.

[@borisbuliak3626]

A few shooters I've encountered didn't even know the 28 gauge existed, a little less than that didn't know about the 10. That's says a lot about the 12-20 dominance, and in my opinion quite pedestrian market. A lot of things can be accomplished by a 28 yet everyone seems to think a 12 is always called for. The .410 bore being a distant third. Quite frankly as a 20 is as practical as I'll ever use and enough for anything I need I'd love to see more offerings in 28 i believe it's underappreciated.

[@plostyle786]

How many rifles would you say you have? Are any for sale and where?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hello Aamir - the number always fluctuates - sometimes over 200; sometimes many less - and not all are mine but are in my vaults. I buy and sell and trade in a small circle of collectors and friends for now.

[@lesreed8803]

#Browning, hands down Bought, my father, two of them 😜👀

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Perfect

[@erichuntter2437]

I have a browning 525 game really sold build shotgun

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Bank vault - the 525 is superb....but you know that.

[@erichuntter2437]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns I can't fault the shotgun. I did buy it new but I think it was worth the money

[@wrenchhead4378]

They are amazing shotguns…. When you pick up a great browning shotgun it feels like it was custom made for you.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I agree. We'll put; gun writer quality

[@rustyshackleford1091]

What is the difference between a citori and a superposed? Thanks ahead of time!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Andrew, Major internal and external differences. I'll try to find an article that covers everything and send a link.

[@rustyshackleford1091]

Thank you! I bought a citori 725 12 gauge trap last year for Minnesota high school league trap, I’m a freshman, and our lead shooter is 4th in the nation, not trying to brag at all. It is a super nice gun, and I am loving it! I was ranked 3rd in state for a while. Our lead shooters name is Coal Girtz, we shoot for Park Rapids. Sorry for the long comment, I just have plenty of questions because I am a gun addict lol! You never can learn all of it. Your videos are super interesting and I am grateful that someone will reply to my comments.Thanks! Oh, and look up Cole Girtz!

[@rustyshackleford1091]

My average was super low this fall because I messed up my stance somehow and started shooting low 20s instead of 23, 24 and 25. Thanks again for being extremely nice to me and replying!

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Andrew - my pleasure.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Andrew! Sorry for being slow. Somehow your messages and some others go into a separate folder. Anyway - good to hear from you. That 725 is a gem! Congratulations on your shooting success - fantastic!! I was just the same as you - as far as interest in guns; you're a far better shot than I was though. : ) Hey Andrew - maybe you can help me with something. I can't figure out why your messages go to that special folder - if you can let me know - would be super; if not please try to get to the "Comments" section so I can always see and read from you - and get back to you in less than a week! Sorry again and I look forward to your next note. I'll look up Coal - great name. All the best to you my friend.

[@browningbelgium2326]

Even a standard grade Belgium Superposed is more well built and beautiful to me than anything Japan has produced since 1977 with the Browning name on it. I guess I'm just prejudiced.

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

I don't think you're prejudiced. The Superposed is at a different level - a higher one - due to design features it required more handwork, more precision machining and more hand fitting - all of which are brilliantly delivered in Japan in simpler, more production friendly designs, and many other places now; but that is comparing different levels of design and craftsmanship. On the other hand, if money was no object, I'm certain that Japan can turn out a perfect Superposed - but they might cost $10,000. Hope this makes sense.

[@browningbelgium2326]

@@UnitedStatesOfGuns Either way, I just drool over these guns, especially if it says Belgium on it. I have my dads and grandfather's guns they passed down to me. I treasure them because they're from a different era where craftsmanship seemed to mean more than production in my humble opinion. And most especially because of sentimental value. I know there's plenty of guns today that are superior to other guns of the same caliber. I don't have issue with better made. But Browning Belgium will always be king with me. That's why I'm so proud to own them.

[@netherite_pizzaman2580]

anyone here played zw?

[@UnitedStatesOfGuns]

Hi Netherite - Not yet - please tell me more. Thanks