Calling all browning experts

[oak86]

I have an older model Belgium browning that I inherited some years back. It’s an over under 12 gauge with the word "lighting" inscribed on the bottom along with the typical browning in graving and what not. There is also "made for Abercrombie and Fitch" on the left hand side of the gun. I’ve included some pictures to give you guys a better idea of what I have. I know there were a lot O/U made throughout years, but I would really like to know what I have... I think it might be a superposed browning but I'm not sure. Any input you guys have would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

[BPTactical]

NOT AN EXPERT BY ANY MEANS!
The Lightning appears it is a Citori-however all of my reference says the Citori was introduced in 1988 in the Lighning series so the time frame is off compared to the barrel rollmarks, it very possibly is a Superposed as well model of which there are quite a few grades. The grades are going to be what determines the value. Finish, quality and extent of engraving, grade of wood define the grades.

One thing of note on yours-it appears from your pics that it has the original buttplate is in place, this is HUGE to a collector and brings a premium.
From your pics yours appears to be in outstanding shape. At one point in time Abercrombie and Fitch was a high end outdoors shop similar to LL Bean and such. More than likely your shotty is 60's vintage, serial # would tell for sure what vintage.
From the address on the barrel "St. Louis, Missouri and Montreal PQ" it is 1959-1968 era.
I cannot find any reference to Abercrombie and Fitch in my Fjestad Blue Book.

Worth a drive or call to here to find out exactly what you have: http://www.mwreynolds.com/


Sure looks to be a nice shotgun.

[oak86]

Thank you Bert.

[BPTactical]

Your welcome

[stenz]

Since it's made in Belgium im pretty sure its a Superposed. The Citori models are made in Japan.

[rpm]

All the features point to Superposed and not Citori - I do believe the Lightning was a Superposed model before it was Citori model. You can check the serial number here and there is information all over the internets regarding the Superposed. Browning did use salt-cured walnut in the 70's directly attached to carbon steel which doesn't always create the friendliest of environments, generally speaking, with the rounded 'Prince of Wales' grip instead of the squared-off one and a trigger tang that extends down the front are pre salt wood. That more or less concludes any knowledge / insight / expertise I have on these guns, it will be worthwhile checking this one out with the Abercrombie and Fitch stamping.

They are sweet guns, I have one that I hunt quail and pheasant with. Please update with any info you're able to find.

[oak86]

So I drove down to mwreynolds and had them look at it. As it turns out, it is a 1964 superposed browning field grade model that was supposed to be part a of a set with 12 and 20 barrels. The lighting model basically meant that it is a few ounces lighter than other superposed models. On a side note that is an incredible gun store really makes you feel like you have gone back into time and entered a early 1900's English hunting lodge.