Outdoor Canada’s gun guy appraises reader firearms—and tells it like it is

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I would like to know how much I can sell my Browning 12-gauge over/under (above)  for, and where. It was made in Belgium, and the serial number is 51759. It is a skeet model with 26-inch barrels, a ventilated rib and two sight beads. Measuring 44 inches in total length, it accepts 2¾-inch shells. It comes complete with Simmonds insert tubes with extractors for gauges .410, 28 and 20, which were purchased in the 1960s.

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The stock was modified some time before I received the gun as a gift from an elderly hunting partner. A new stock is ready and waiting to be installed and fitted to possible new owner. The gun is not rusted, and except for the stock, which has been modified, it is in very good condition. According to Browning’s listing, it was made in 1956, prior to the salt-wood era that began in 1965 (when salt was used to dry the wood, later leading to the rusting of metal parts).

BERT HAVILL

MONTREAL, QUEBEC

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Your shotgun is a Browning Superposed, which is highly regarded as both a collectible and very fine sporting shotgun. Though out of production a long time now, they were built like tanks and they never seem to wear out. Collectors tend to be most interested in the smaller gauges, and in the higher-grade models such as the Diana and Midas. Most buyers don’t carry around production date information, but most Browning fans know the Superposed suffered more in the salt-wood debacle than other models, mainly because much of the salt-wood was high grade. They’re going to look for signs of rust, regardless of serial number.

Since your shotgun has been restocked, it is of less interest to collectors, but still of interest to anyone who appreciates shooting a fine, quality shotgun. I’d say a reasonable price estimate would be in the range of $1,500 to $2,000. I have no idea how much the Simmons inserts are worth, or if there is any demand for them; I’ve never heard of anyone collecting these inserts. To sell the gun and Simmons tubes, you would need to find a buyer who shoots skeet, wants a used, non-collectible Browning Superposed and wants the Simmons tubes. It’s unlikely there are more than a handful of such shooters. Your best bet is to sell the gun through a reputable auction house (see www.outdoorcanada.ca/gunauctions).

A nice, light, 20-gauge Superposed is one of the guns I promised myself I’d own one day, back when I was young and could barely afford the stamp to send off for a catalogue. That purchase hasn’t happened yet, but I remain hopeful.