[Frank Lopez]

I have an oppertunity to get either a used Belgian Browning Superposed 26.5" bbls, 20ga, sk/sk made in 1961 or one of the new Benelli (Franchi) Diamond at Dick's (20ga, 26 in bbls). The gun will be used for hunting and occasional informal skeet. Both carry the same price tag. Keep in mind that I haven't held either just yet, so I'm not sure about fit. I have a Citori that I am very happy with and I have shot a Franchi Veloce (basically the same as the Diamond, I'm told) and liked it. Many will balk at the short barrels, but I actually prefer 26 inchers, especially in 20 ga.

My concern is the age of the Browning. I know there are many guns out there that have been around for a hundred years and have really been shot. What are your opinions about the Browning? Should I expect any undue wear, or will it generally be a solid performer?

Thanks,

Frank

 

[Burnt Powder]

If it hasn't been abused or neglected, it will be very difficult for you to find a finer O/U shotgun. Yes, they exist, but the Veloce, Benelli is not it. I have a Veloce, like it fine, but if the Superposed is a very nice specimine, it is in reality probably twice the gun the Benelli Diamond is. Now, if it is half worn out, a salt wood gun or one that has been abused or neglected to death, hand it back and say thanks, but no thanks. There are finer shotguns all over, the Benelli would be one! To sum it up, the Benelli is a nice shotgun, but a Superposed it is not. The Old Browning was in it's day the finest O/U available to the general public, still is if it is a nice one. but I wouldn't get one and then have to do a bunch of work on it, I'd get the Benelli/Veloce first. Look them both over, shoulder and swing them both, shoot them if you can, they are both fine shotguns. The Browning will be a bit heavier than the Benelli I believe.

BP

 

[Mark STL]

BP,

It probably isn't a salt wood gun if it is 1961 vintage...I think those salt cured stocks were used in the late 60's, early 70's.

I agree with BP...if the Superposed is in good shape you have the chance to be a proud owner of an absolute classic o/u.

Mark

 

[Burnt Powder]

Mark, yes, I know, seems like about '65 or therebouts the salt happened, but his time frame seemed just too close to let it pass. You never know who decided it was made in '61. Is that when someone thought they bought it, did they do a serial number check, have they taken the foreram off and looked for rust? If someone told me not to worry, it was a '61, I'd take the forearm off in a heartbeat and be absolutly sure it wasn't a salt wood gun just the same. There isn't any fix to a pit through the bottom of the bottom barrel!

BP

 

[Mark STL]

Mark, yes, I know, seems like about '65 or therebouts the salt happened, but his time frame seemed just too close to let it pass. You never know who decided it was made in '61. Is that when someone thought they bought it, did they do a serial number check, have they taken the foreram off and looked for rust? If someone told me not to worry, it was a '61, I'd take the forearm off in a heartbeat and be absolutly sure it wasn't a salt wood gun just the same. There isn't any fix to a pit through the bottom of the bottom barrel!

BP

Good advice, as usual, BP!

 

[DirtyWigeon]

The gun will be used for hunting and occasional informal skeet.

Becuse of the weight and chokes I would pick the Diamond for hunting. also you don't specify which type so I assume you need or would want, the versatility of the multiple chokes

 

[marist89]

My concern is the age of the Browning. I know there are many guns out there that have been around for a hundred years and have really been shot. What are your opinions about the Browning?

Salt problem aside, that bad boy is not even broken in yet.

 

[Frank Lopez]

Ok, I'm about convinced. Now how does one tell about the salt wood problem, if one exists. By the way, the gunsmith who is selling the Superposed is very reputable and reliable. Is the $800 price tag about right?

Frank

 

[woodcock1]

I would also suggest the browning. I picked one up this summer (12 bore) and love it. Mine is from 1934. It has seen many more days in the field than I have and it is still going strong. It isn't a collectors piece but is mechanically very sound. I paid $625 the wood has plenty of character and the blue is worn on the edges and the reciever from carrying. I looked on the auctions sites and couldn't find another gun under about $1000. If you like it and it is sound that sounds like a fair price. I can't wait to give the gun to my son on it's 100th birthday!!!!

 

[parris]

Frank:

You can get the age of the Superposed from the Browning web site in the serial number pages. I would write down the serial number and check it against the page. Or you can go to the page first and write down the number range for the year in question then bring that to the gunshop.

Salt wood started in 1966 and continued through about 1972 or just a little later. Given how many Superposed shotguns were built it would be very unlikely for an earlier shotgun to have salt wood.

As far as quality the Superposed is a very very high quality shotgun and an $800.00 price is just about unheard of for a 20 gauge example. If it's in any kind of decent shape it's a steal at that price. The Superposed is still built today by FN it's a custom shop item and the starting prices for them are just around 10K.

Parris

 

[dogknott]

What is the Benelli Diamond? i have never heard of it.

 

[Frank Lopez]

What is the Benelli Diamond? i have never heard of it.

Basically it is the Franchi Veloce with toned down engraving and fancys, imported by Benelli exclusively for Dick's.

Frank

 

[Desertrat]

I would grab that Browning in a minute.

 

[Bill M.]

Been looking for a 20 gauge super for years. 1500 to 2000.
Grab it. You can always sell it later.

 

[Customstox]

Frank, do not buy the Browning. Tell me where it is and I will safely dispose of it.

Honestly, $800 is a great bargain even if it is well worn. I have a source that rebuilds them for a very reasonable price. Listen to BP and grab it.