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The Browning Citori is one of the most respected and enduring over-under shotguns in the world. Renowned for its craftsmanship, reliability, balance, and performance, the Citori has been a benchmark for clay shooters, hunters, and competitive trap enthusiasts for decades. Hand-fitted and precision-engineered, it represents the perfect union of traditional design and modern shooting technology — a shotgun that can last for generations and perform as beautifully as it looks.
The Browning Citori was introduced in 1973 as the successor to the legendary Browning Superposed, John M. Browning’s final shotgun design. While the Superposed was entirely hand-built in Belgium, the Citori was developed to make Browning’s over-under heritage more accessible, without compromising quality. Manufactured in Japan by the Miroku Firearms Company under Browning supervision, the Citori quickly earned a reputation for excellence and has remained in continuous production for over 50 years — a rare achievement in modern firearms.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 bore |
| Action | Break-action, over-under |
| Chamber | 2 ¾″ and 3″ (depending on model) |
| Barrel Length | 26″, 28″, 30″, or 32″ |
| Overall Length | 43″ – 50″ (model dependent) |
| Weight | ~7.5 – 8 lb (gauge and barrel dependent) |
| Receiver | Steel with blued, silver-nitride, or engraved finishes |
| Stock | Gloss or satin walnut with Inflex recoil pad |
| Sights | Ivory mid-bead and front bead; vented rib |
| Chokes | Invector, Invector-Plus, or extended choke tubes (depending on model) |
The Browning Citori uses a **full-width hinge pin and tapered locking bolt** system that ensures tight lockup and long service life. Each action is hand-fitted, guaranteeing perfect alignment and durability that can withstand tens of thousands of rounds — a key reason many competitive shooters rely on Citoris for decades.
The Citori’s **low-profile receiver** and weight distribution deliver natural pointability. It swings smoothly on targets while maintaining stability through follow-through, a trait that makes it a favorite among clay and skeet shooters. The refined geometry gives the shotgun a “living in the hands” feel that’s immediately recognizable to Browning fans.
Every Citori features a **mechanical trigger system**, ensuring consistent pull on every shot. Models like the Citori 725 Sporting offer adjustable triggers, letting users fine-tune length of pull for perfect fit. Gold-plated triggers, crisp break, and short reset give the Citori a refined shooting experience uncommon in production shotguns.
Depending on model, the Citori uses **Invector, Invector-Plus, or Invector-DS choke tubes** — all precision-machined to deliver consistent shot patterns. These chokes support lead and steel loads, providing excellent versatility for clay sports or hunting. The DS (Double Seal) system found in higher-end variants uses a brass seal ring that prevents carbon fouling and eases removal.
Each Citori reflects Browning’s artistry, featuring walnut stocks with fine checkering, polished bluing, and detailed engraving. From the workmanlike Hunter to the ornate Grade VII, every model radiates timeless elegance. It’s not just a shotgun — it’s an heirloom.
Over-under shotguns like the Citori provide consistent point of impact between barrels and exceptional pattern reliability. Browning’s precision barrel regulation ensures tight, uniform spreads, while vented ribs and mid-bead sights aid fast target transitions on clays and birds alike.
The Citori’s solid steel receiver provides stability and weight that absorb recoil effectively. The Inflex recoil pad system further reduces felt recoil by directing rearward energy downward, keeping the muzzle on target for quicker second shots.
Few shotguns rival the Citori’s longevity. Many shooters report 100,000+ rounds fired with no loss of tightness or performance. Its robust construction, meticulous hand-fitting, and proven mechanical design make it a shotgun built to outlast its owner.
Proper care is essential for a fine over-under like the Citori. After shooting, wipe down the receiver, ejectors, and barrel lugs to remove residue. Lightly oil the hinge pin and locking bolt surfaces, and store barrels separately if possible to preserve finish. Avoid over-lubricating, as excess oil can attract debris. With routine maintenance, a Browning Citori can easily last multiple generations and maintain its smooth lockup and precision fit.
The Browning Citori embodies everything shooters love about a fine over-under shotgun — precision, durability, and timeless beauty. Its hand-fitted action, perfect balance, and consistent performance make it equally at home in the upland field, trap line, or sporting clays course. For anyone seeking a shotgun that delivers both form and function — one capable of lasting a lifetime — the Citori remains a true legend among modern over-unders.
Disclaimer: Always follow local laws and safe-handling practices when purchasing or using firearms. This article is for informational purposes only.
