Browning Superposed Question - Shotgun Experts?

peter-paul · Aug 4, 2020

Hi all, I have come into possession of a Browning Superposed with 3 inch chambers. It has a Browning recoil pad. Serial number research indicates this was made in 1954 or 1955.

I have read conflicting reports about the type of shells I can use in this shotgun. 1) Can one safely shoot non-lead shot without damaging the shotgun? 2) Can one shoot 2 3/4 inch shells?

Any advice you can give, especially on the do's and don'ts of the superposed would be greatly appreciated !

I am not traditionally a shotgun man, but I am a big fan of FN made guns in general and Browning in particular.

Thank you!

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steveno · Aug 4, 2020

do NOT use steel shot and depending upon what you are using it for there isn't any reason to use the 3 inch shells even though it won't hurt the gun. it won't do your shoulder any good do to the added recoil. the use of steel shot with continued use will cause the solder joint between the barrels to come apart.

Tubbsy · Aug 4, 2020

2 3/4" are A-Ok, steel.... I wouldn't.... the old Belgian guns aren't proofed for steel shot because it wasn't required back then. Gorgeous firearm, one thats been on my grail list for a long time.

Fishinfool · Aug 4, 2020

Steel shot in these old Browning's is a no no. With use, it will bulge out the chokes as the barrel steel is to soft and thin to withstand the "Uncompactability" of bunched steel shot compared to lead.

There are non-steel substitutes available now that advertise being safe in older barrels. I would look into these if you are looking for a waterfowl load. 2 3/4 inch shells will work fine in your gun.

Edited to add - That's a sweet looking Superposed.

Larry

OLDSTER · Aug 4, 2020

PLEASE don't use steel shot in the beautiful old Superposed. They were made with "mild steel" barrels. Non-steel shot shells, like Bismuth, are available at most good LGS.

Bladeswitcher · Aug 4, 2020

WHY would you want to shoot 3-inch shells? They are rarely needed. And why steel shot? Are you hunting somewhere where non-lead is required?

What are you going to do with the gun?

Also, tell us more: barrel length? chokes?

Pisgah · Aug 4, 2020

1. In general, steel shot is not recommended in older shotguns. It can damage the chokes and/or cause barrel separation in guns that weren't built for it.

2. A 3" chamber means you can shoot any 12 ga. shell that is 3" or shorter. So, yes -- you may shoot 2 3/4" ammo to your heart's content.

gwpercle · Aug 4, 2020

I also wouldn't take it to a gunsmith and ask him to drill out the barrels and install the new screw in choke tubes ...he just might do it and that would be a disaster...shoot it as is , 2 3/4" shells are perfectly fine , take good care of it ... Very Nice !!!
Gary

peter-paul · Aug 4, 2020

Hi All, thank you for the informative replies. I acquired this for little money, but as I said, I don't shoot shotguns like I do rifles and pistols.

I won't shoot steel (thanks all), and will plan to shoot Bismuth 2 3/4 shells as recommended.

I am more of a lover of FN made Brownings, which is why I was happy to get this.

@Bladeswitcher , I dont plan to shoot 3" shells at all. The barrels are 30 inches if memory serves me, and the chokes are mod. and full.

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peter-paul · Aug 4, 2020

gwpercle said:
I also wouldn't take it to a gunsmith and ask him to drill out the barrels and install the new screw in choke tubes ...he just might do it and that would be a disaster...shoot it as is , 2 3/4" shells are perfectly fine , take good care of it ... Very Nice !!!
Gary

Thanks Gary, I'm just going to leave as is. Thank you.

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lawdog45 · Aug 4, 2020

No reason to use bismuth ammo unless you are hunting waterfowl or you are in state that requires nontoxic shot.

tops · Aug 4, 2020

peter-paul;140857863 I won't shoot steel (thanks all) said:
Congratulations! You have a top of the line shotgun.
Unless you are shooting waterfowl or in a lead free area you don"t have to shoot Bismuth which is expensive. Regular lead shot is what your gun was made too shoot.
If the mod. and full chokes are too tight instead of altering your barrels you can use "spreader" shells which will make the tight chokes throw more open patterns.
I have a couple of guns that have tight chokes and I use the spreader shells when I want the pattern too open up. Larry

peter-paul · Aug 4, 2020

Okay, roger that. We are moving to northern Texas in a couple months (from Washington State), and I had planned to use this down there.

I'll check out the local laws there.

You are all extremely helpful, thankful.

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Mike SC Hunter · Aug 4, 2020

Bladeswitcher said:
WHY would you want to shoot 3-inch shells? They are rarely needed. And why steel shot? Are you hunting somewhere where non-lead is required?

What are you going to do with the gun?

Also, tell us more: barrel length? chokes?

IF he deer or turkey hunts 3" shells would be better. My mdl 12's have paper thin barrels. Yet they've held up to lots of buckshot and turkey loads over the years.

Pig Hunter · Aug 4, 2020

You didn't say if it was a 12 or 20. Either way no steel. As a rule of thumb you can shoot shorter shells that what a shotgun chamber is proofed for.

peter-paul · Aug 4, 2020

Hi, it is 12 Gauge. Many thanks for all of the great input.

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clang444 · Aug 4, 2020

Very Nice Superposed. I love the classic solid rib.

As already mentioned, steel shot is a No No. It can ripple the barrels and loosen the solder that holds the barrels and ribs together.

One other suggestion - the old Belgian Superposeds will rust if you look at them funny. Make sure it is well lubed and cleaned immediately after shooting/handling.

H Richard · Aug 4, 2020

I agree that Steel shot is normally not recommended, but if there is no choice, (duck/goose flyway requiring steel or bismuth) remember these do not compress, so your choke is one tighter that you think. A Mod becomes a Full and so on. Always try an alternative to steel.

Buick · Aug 4, 2020

Any 3" magnum lead shot load or any 2 and 3/4" lead shot load is fine. It will take a LONG time to wear out a Superposed even with a steady diet of 3" magnum shells. You will most likely wear out before it even wears in. Steel shot is not recommended. I will say that i have a Browning Citori over/under that was in regular use as a duck gun before steel shot became mandatory and for many years thereafter with steel, and it has apparently suffered no ill effects. I dont shoot steel in it any longer however, as there are modern alternatives to steel shot like Bismuth available today.

Narragansett · Aug 4, 2020

Shoot the length she’ll stamped on the bbl only.

NEVER, NEVER use steel shot. It does not compress like lead and will stretch your chokes.

Never dry fire a shotgun. The inertia will break the firing pin. Get snap caps to release spring tension and decock

Shoot mild normal loads. Forget express or nitro stuff. You have older steel

Go get some target loads and shoot some clay pigeons

Browning Superposed Question - Shotgun Experts?

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