When it comes to vintage shotguns, original condition is king. The more original condition a double has, the more people want it — 100% of the time. OK, but how much more are they really willing to pay for it?
Check out these two 20 gauge Browning Superposed Lightnings that just sold over at GunRunnerAuctions.com.
This first one was made in 1961. It has 26 1/2″ barrels and it’s is in excellent, all original condition. The selling price: $2520.
Now take a look at this one. Even though it was made in 1962, and its essentially the same shotgun, it sold for $1300. It even has 28″ bbls, something guys really want today.
So why did it sell for so much less? Because someone messed with the stock. Cutting it and then adding that spacer and pad chopped off $1220 of the shotgun’s value.