Care of and loads for Browning Lightning Superposed

JD 500 · #1 07-02-2009, 04:00 PM

Have a friend who just inherited a 1955 Browning Lightning Superposed.
I assume he should avoid steel shot, but don't know for sure.

Can anyone suggest loads safe to shoot in this double barrel ?

Pretty sure he said 12ga.

Also, does anyone know what kind of choke would be in it ?

(Haven't been over to inspect myself yet, and don't know if it has removable chokes or not.)

He is considering using it for bear protection at his mtn. property, and has asked me about what he can shoot in it.

Thanks,

bigolddave · #2 07-02-2009, 05:46 PM

First of all, no steel shot. Second, while the gun will handle any 2 3/4 inch lead or soft non toxic loads, it will probably be uncomfortable to shoot with heavy loads. If the gun does not have sentimental value, he should sell/trade it for something like a Remington 870 with a slug barrel for bear discouragement. If it does have sentimental value, keep it and buy a Mossberg pump in the marine configuration. A Browning Superposed is just too nice a gun for a cabin weapon.

straightshooter1 · #3 07-02-2009, 05:47 PM

Unless someone has had chokes installed by Briley or Seminole or..., there will be fixed chokes. It will be for 2 3/4" shells and any factory loads are fine. If he is into reloading, the on-line manuals will tell him what he needs.

If it is a trap gun, the chokes will be full on top and, probably, improved modified or full on the bottom. If for another sport, the chokes could be anything from full through skeet.

Nice guns and early enough that he doesn't have to worry about "salt wood" that caused rust in the late 60s and early 70s.

Bob

OKFC05 · #4 07-02-2009, 05:59 PM

BROWNING CHOKES AND THEIR CODES (ON REAR LEFT-SIDE OF BARREL)

'*' designates full choke (F).

'*-' designates improved modified choke (IM).

'**' designates modified choke (M).

'**-' designates improved cylinder choke (IC).

'**$' designates skeet (SK).

'***' designates cylinder bore (CYL).

JD 500 · #5 07-02-2009, 06:01 PM

Thanks very much gentlemen !

Sounds like no slugs, if it's got a fixed choke.

Appreciate the responses.

hsguy · #6 07-02-2009, 06:05 PM

The barrel choking should be marked on the side of the rear lumps with star symbols, always best to measure them though. Any decent gun shop should have a gauge. John

Camster · #7 07-02-2009, 06:10 PM

What Dave said.
Odds are that is either IC/M or M/F.

Damn Yankee · #8 07-02-2009, 08:56 PM

Look like this?

JD 500 · #9 07-02-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damn Yankee

Look like this?

I don't think my buddy's is in quite that fine a condition.
Very nice Damn Yankee !
I don't think it's got the adjustable butt plate either.

So just out of curiosity, what happens when you shoot steel shot out of a barrel not meant to handle it ? Does it score/damage the bore ?

H Richard · #10 07-03-2009, 08:28 AM

Steel shot does not compress, and out of a bore not intended for it, especially a Full or IM choke it could stress the barrel and a remote possibility it could split it.

VAdoublegunner · #11 07-03-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JD 500

So just out of curiosity, what happens when you shoot steel shot out of a barrel not meant to handle it ? Does it score/damage the bore ?

Steel shot is generally bad for extended use in older guns not designed for it, especially double barreled guns. Although shot cups are better designed these days in premium shells so barrel scoring is minimized, it can still occur. The main problem is that steel shot does not compress and can act as a swage in tightly choked barrels. Damage in the form of barrel/rib separation or a visible bulge at the choke area can occur. For double guns, you can get separation from the barrel join.

I had a friend who used his older Win Model 21 for many years duck hunting with steel shot, and yes, the barrels did begin to separate. The repair was really quite expensive, but at least it was repairable. Sometimes they are not.

A Browning Superposed is just too good a shotgun to use with steel shot, or for the expressed purpose of a cabin gun for that matter. Just my opinion, but I imagine the person he inherited it from would be completely appalled to hear that he would even think of using this fine old bird gun for a cabin "bear gun" or would ever consider using steel shot in it. I'd come back from beyond to reclaim it!!

JD 500 · #12 07-03-2009, 10:26 AM

Thanks again gents. I will send my buddy a link to this thread so he can see the info you've given himself. I'm sure he will appreciate it. And I believe the Browning was his grandfathers.

Clearly I think he is taking the right steps by asking these questions, and wanting to give the right care.