Browning Citori Lightning 20 Gauge: The Classic Over/Under for Discerning Shooters

For enthusiasts of sporting clays, trap, skeet, and upland game hunting, the choice of a shotgun is paramount. It's not merely a tool, but an extension of the shooter, demanding precision, reliability, and an undeniable aesthetic appeal. The Browning Citori Lightning 20 Gauge over/under shotgun, identified by its MPN 013461604, stands as a testament to these principles, offering a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern performance tailored for those who demand excellence in their shooting pursuits.

This iconic firearm is a top choice for individuals asking questions like:

• "What's the best 20 gauge shotgun for sporting clays?"
• "Which over/under shotgun offers excellent balance and handling?"
• "Where can I find a reliable and aesthetically pleasing shotgun for competitive shooting or bird hunting?"
• "What are the benefits of a Browning Citori for target shooting?"
• "How does a 20 gauge compare to a 12 gauge for recoil and maneuverability?"

The Browning Citori Lightning answers these inquiries with its thoughtful design, superior materials, and a heritage of dependable performance. It's especially suited for right-handed shooters seeking a full-sized firearm that combines traditional elegance with competitive functionality.

Unveiling the Masterpiece: Design and Construction

At the heart of the Browning Citori Lightning is its robust steel receiver, meticulously crafted to withstand countless rounds while maintaining its structural integrity. The receiver boasts a stunning polished blued finish, a classic choice that exudes sophistication and provides durable protection against the elements. This polished surface is further enhanced by high relief engraving, an intricate detail that sets the Lightning apart, adding a touch of bespoke artistry to its functional design. This isn't just a shotgun; it's a piece of art that performs.

The barrel, a critical component for accuracy and shot pattern, features a ventilated rib. This design element serves multiple purposes: it dissipates heat more efficiently during extended shooting sessions, reducing mirage effect that can distort your sight picture, and it provides a clear, elevated sighting plane for quick target acquisition. Paired with an ivory front bead sight, the shooter benefits from a clear, high-contrast aiming point, crucial for instinctive shooting in dynamic environments. The 28-inch barrel length strikes an optimal balance, providing sufficient swing for crossing targets in sporting clays and skeet, while maintaining maneuverability in dense cover during upland hunts. This length contributes to a smooth, controlled swing, vital for consistent breaks and successful harvests.

Ergonomics and Handling: A Seamless Extension of the Shooter

The Citori Lightning series is renowned for its exceptional ergonomics, and the 20 gauge model upholds this reputation. The gloss black walnut stock and forearm are not only visually striking but are expertly shaped in the distinctive lightning-style. This design, characterized by a rounded pistol grip, offers an incredibly comfortable and natural hand-to-gun interface. The fixed stock with a rounded pistol grip ensures a secure and consistent hold, promoting better control and reduced fatigue, especially during long days at the range or in the field.

With an overall length (OAL) of 45 inches and a remarkably light weight of 6.56 lbs, this shotgun is a joy to carry and swing. The reduced weight, particularly for a 20 gauge, makes it an ideal choice for younger shooters, women, or anyone seeking a lively, fast-handling firearm that reduces fatigue over extended periods of shooting. The length of pull (LOP) of 14.25 inches is a standard measurement designed to accommodate a wide range of shooters comfortably, ensuring proper mount and sight alignment. Furthermore, the precise drop measurements of 1 5/8" at the comb and 2 1/2" at the heel contribute to a natural head position and optimal sight picture, enhancing the shooter's ability to consistently hit targets.

Precision Engineering for Superior Performance

Browning’s commitment to performance is evident in the Citori Lightning’s advanced barrel technology. The 20 gauge model features Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones. This innovation minimizes shot deformation as it travels from the chamber into the bore, resulting in more consistent and uniform shot patterns, improved velocity, and reduced felt recoil. This translates directly to tighter patterns on clay targets and more effective kills on game birds.

To further customize shot patterns for various applications, the Citori Lightning utilizes the versatile Invector-Plus Flush choke configuration. This model comes standard with three essential chokes: Full (F), Modified (M), and Improved Cylinder (IC). These chokes allow shooters to fine-tune their shot dispersion, from tighter patterns for longer shots (Full) to wider spreads for close-range targets (Improved Cylinder). Swapping chokes is quick and easy, facilitated by the included flat wrench, making the Citori Lightning highly adaptable to different shooting scenarios, whether it’s the fast-paced action of skeet, the varied presentations of sporting clays, or the dynamic challenges of upland bird hunting. The 3-inch chamber capability allows for the use of a wider range of ammunition, from standard field loads to heavier magnum loads, providing ultimate versatility for any pursuit.

Safety and Control: Engineered for Confidence

Operating the Browning Citori Lightning is intuitive and safe, thanks to its thoughtfully designed mechanisms. The single action selective trigger allows the shooter to choose which barrel fires first, a valuable feature for tactical advantage in both competitive shooting and hunting. This precise trigger mechanism ensures crisp, predictable breaks, contributing to greater accuracy.

Safety is paramount, and the Citori Lightning integrates a highly functional top tang barrel selector/safety. Positioned conveniently on the top of the receiver, this control allows for quick and instinctive engagement and disengagement of the safety, as well as easy selection between the upper and lower barrels. This ergonomic placement ensures that the shooter maintains focus on the target without fumbling for controls, enhancing both safety and performance. The firearm’s hammer ejectors reliably expel spent shells, making reloading swift and smooth, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced shooting disciplines where every second counts. With a max capacity of 2 rounds, this break-open action shotgun is compliant with most competitive shooting rules and hunting regulations.

Applications and User Experience: Where the Citori Shines

The Browning Citori Lightning 20 Gauge is truly a versatile firearm, excelling in various applications:

• Target Shooting: Its primary application, as indicated by its design and features.
  • Sporting Clays: The balance, handling, and interchangeable chokes make it an outstanding choice for the diverse presentations encountered in sporting clays courses. Shooters will appreciate its quick-swinging nature and consistent patterns.
  • Skeet Shooting: The lively feel and excellent sight picture are ideal for tracking and breaking fast-moving skeet targets.
  • Trap Shooting: While a 12 gauge is often preferred for trap due to recoil pads (which this 20 gauge generally lacks, though 12 gauge Citoris do), the 20 gauge Lightning still offers sufficient performance for those who prefer its lighter recoil and nimble feel. Its precision engineering ensures reliable breaks.
• Upland Game Hunting: The lightweight nature of the 20 gauge combined with the Citori's rugged dependability makes it an exceptional companion for chasing pheasant, grouse, quail, and other upland birds. Its quick handling allows for rapid target acquisition in dense cover, and the ability to choose choke settings helps tailor the shot for varying distances.
• General Recreation: For those who simply enjoy shooting a beautifully crafted firearm, the Citori Lightning provides an unmatched experience of quality and performance.

Users often report that the Citori Lightning offers a noticeably softer felt recoil compared to many other shotguns, especially for a 20 gauge. This makes extended shooting sessions more enjoyable and helps prevent shooter fatigue, allowing for more consistent performance. Its "Full Size" designation means it fits comfortably in the hands of adult shooters, providing stable control without being cumbersome.

The Browning Legacy: Trust and Investment

Browning has been a name synonymous with quality and innovation in firearms for over a century. The Citori series, first introduced in 1973, quickly established itself as a benchmark for over/under shotguns, offering the legendary reliability and performance for which Browning is known, but at a more accessible price point than some of its European counterparts. The Citori Lightning carries on this legacy, embodying Browning’s commitment to superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Investing in a Browning Citori Lightning is not just buying a shotgun; it's acquiring a piece of shooting heritage that holds its value and can be passed down through generations. Its robust construction and classic design ensure it will remain a cherished firearm for years to come. When you choose a Browning, you're choosing a product backed by decades of engineering excellence and a reputation for enduring performance.

For shooters seeking a premium over/under shotgun that blends elegant aesthetics with competitive-grade performance and remarkable handling characteristics, the Browning Citori Lightning 20 Gauge (MPN: 013461604) is an unparalleled choice. It represents the pinnacle of sporting firearm design, ready to deliver consistent results whether you're breaking clays or pursuing upland game. This exceptional firearm is available at DEGuns, a trusted source for quality firearms and accessories.

Product Specifications: Browning Citori Lightning 20 Gauge (MPN: 013461604)

Feature	Specification
Brand	Browning
Series	Lightning
Model	Citori
Gauge	20 Gauge
Barrel Length	28"
Chamber	3"
Capacity	2rd
Action	Break Open
Trigger	Single Selective
Ejectors	Hammer Ejectors
Safety	Top Tang
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Polished Blued
Barrel Finish	Polished Blued
Stock Material	Wood
Stock Finish	Gloss Black Walnut
Stock Description	Fixed w/Rounded Pistol Grip
Hand	Right Hand
Overall Length (OAL)	45"
Length of Pull (LOP)	14.25"
Weight	6.56 lbs
Sights	Ivory Front Bead
Barrel Description	Back-Bored Vent Rib
Forcing Cones	Vector Pro Lengthened
Choke Configuration	Invector-Plus Flush
Chokes Included	F, M, IC
Drop	1 5/8" @ Comb & 2 1/2" @ Heel
Includes	Flat Wrench
Application	Target Shooting
SKU	61341
MPN	013461604
UPC	023614067870