The Browning Citori Gran Lightning 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun

The Browning Citori Gran Lightning 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun represents a pinnacle of firearm craftsmanship, blending time-honored design with advanced engineering to deliver unparalleled performance and aesthetic appeal. For serious clay target shooters, upland game hunters, or anyone who appreciates a meticulously constructed firearm, this model offers a distinct advantage and a truly rewarding shooting experience. It's an investment in precision, durability, and a legacy of excellence that Browning has cultivated for generations.

Discovering the Citori Gran Lightning: An Icon Reimagined

When shooters seek a shotgun that embodies both classic elegance and cutting-edge performance, the Browning Citori often rises to the top of the list. The Citori Gran Lightning, specifically the 12 Gauge with a 26" barrel, UPC 023614679417, takes this revered platform and elevates it further. This model is designed for those who demand exacting standards from their equipment, offering features that contribute directly to improved scores on the range and successful outings in the field. But what truly sets it apart, and for whom is this magnificent firearm ideally suited?

Who is this Shotgun For?

The Browning Citori Gran Lightning is engineered to meet the stringent demands of:

• Competitive Clay Target Shooters: Whether your passion lies in trap, skeet, or sporting clays, the Citori Gran Lightning provides the consistent performance, precise handling, and customizable fit needed to excel. Its balanced feel, responsive trigger, and effective recoil management allow shooters to maintain focus and consistency through long shooting sessions.
• Discerning Upland Game Hunters: For pursuits like pheasant, quail, or grouse, a responsive and well-balanced over/under shotgun is paramount. The 26-inch barrel offers quick swing characteristics ideal for fast-flying birds, while the reliability of the Citori action ensures dependable performance when opportunities arise.
• Firearms Enthusiasts and Collectors: Beyond its performance capabilities, the Gran Lightning's polished blued engraved receiver and gloss oil black walnut stock make it a work of art. It’s a firearm to be admired for its beauty, craftsmanship, and the heritage it represents.
• Individuals Seeking a Premium, Durable Over/Under: If you're looking for a shotgun that will perform flawlessly for decades, with proper care, and maintain its value, the Citori Gran Lightning is an exceptional choice. Its robust construction and quality materials are designed for longevity.

Addressing Common Questions and Use Cases:

• "What's the best over/under shotgun for competitive sporting clays?" The Citori Gran Lightning with its 26-inch barrel offers superb maneuverability in varied sporting clays courses, while its Triple Trigger System allows for precise fit and pull weight customization. The Invector-Plus Extended Chokes enable quick pattern adjustments for different target presentations.
• "How do I choose a reliable shotgun for thousands of rounds?" Browning's Citori action, with its transverse-mounted, full-width tapered locking bolt and chrome-plated chambers, is renowned for its durability and ability to withstand extensive use without compromise, making it a favorite for high-volume shooters.
• "I want a shotgun that looks as good as it shoots." The Gran Lightning’s polished blued finish and intricately engraved receiver, combined with its high-grade black walnut stock, provide a timeless aesthetic that truly stands out.
• "What features reduce felt recoil in a shotgun?" The Browning Citori Gran Lightning incorporates Back-Bored Technology in its barrels, which significantly reduces felt recoil by decreasing shot friction and optimizing gas pressure, leading to a more comfortable shooting experience.

A Deep Dive into the Browning Citori Gran Lightning's Engineering Marvels

The core of the Citori's legendary performance lies in its meticulous design and construction. Every feature is thoughtfully integrated to enhance the shooter's experience and ensure enduring reliability.

The Indomitable Citori Action: Built for a Lifetime

At the heart of every Citori is an action engineered for uncompromising strength and reliability. The Gran Lightning benefits from this foundational design, promising dependable function even after countless rounds.

• Transverse-Mounted, Full-Width Tapered Locking Bolt: This unique locking system is a hallmark of Citori strength. Unlike many other over/under shotguns, Browning's design features a full-width tapered locking bolt that engages a corresponding tapered recess in the rear barrel lugs. This creates an incredibly strong lock-up that becomes even tighter with use, ensuring the barrels remain securely joined to the receiver shot after shot. This robust engagement is critical for maintaining integrity and accuracy over the firearm's lifespan.
• Extended Hinge Pin: The hinge pin, which facilitates the opening and closing of the action, extends from one side of the receiver to the other. This full-width design maximizes strength and stability, minimizing wear and tear on the action, contributing to the Citori's well-deserved reputation for longevity.
• Chrome-Plated Chambers: High-volume shooting can take a toll on a shotgun's chambers. The Citori Gran Lightning features chrome-plated chambers, which provide exceptional resistance to corrosion, wear, and fouling. This not only extends the life of the firearm but also simplifies cleaning and maintenance, ensuring consistent performance round after round.

Precision Features for Enhanced Control and Performance

The Citori Gran Lightning incorporates several features designed to give the shooter maximum control and optimize shot performance.

• Convenient Barrel Selector: Located on the tang-mounted safety, the barrel selector allows the shooter to instantly choose which barrel fires first with the initial pull of the single trigger. This feature is invaluable in competitive shooting scenarios where different chokes might be needed for a pair of targets, or in hunting situations where a specific shot pattern is desired first.
• Single Selective Trigger: The single trigger provides a clean, crisp pull for both shots, simplifying the shooting process. Its selective nature, coupled with the barrel selector, offers tactical flexibility without compromising on a consistent trigger feel.
• Automatic Ejectors: After firing, the Citori's automatic ejectors instantly eject spent shells when the breech is opened, facilitating rapid reloading. For unfired shells, they are merely elevated for easy removal, preventing them from being thrown out and lost, a thoughtful touch for both competition and safety.
• Triple Trigger System: This advanced feature is a significant advantage for the serious shooter. The Triple Trigger System allows for an unprecedented level of customization, enabling shooters to adjust the length of pull and even the trigger shoe itself for optimal finger placement. This bespoke fit ensures maximum comfort and consistency, directly translating to improved shooting performance and reduced fatigue during extended shooting sessions.

Optimized Barrels for Superior Patterns and Reduced Recoil

The 26-inch barrels of the Citori Gran Lightning are not just tubes for projecting shot; they are finely tuned instruments engineered for ballistic superiority.

• Invector-Plus Extended Chokes: The Invector-Plus system is Browning's proprietary internal choke tube system, specifically designed to withstand the stress of steel shot while maintaining excellent pattern uniformity. The "Extended" nature of these chokes means they protrude slightly beyond the muzzle, making them easier to change quickly by hand without a wrench, and providing a slightly longer parallel section for improved patterns. The inclusion of Full (F), Modified (M), and Improved Cylinder (IC) chokes offers versatility for various target presentations and game birds.
• Back-Bored Technology: This innovative technology involves enlarging the bore diameter to reduce shot friction against the barrel walls. The result is a more uniform shot pattern, increased shot velocity, and, most importantly, a significant reduction in felt recoil. For shooters who spend hours on the range, the reduced recoil of the Back-Bored system translates into less fatigue and greater comfort, allowing for more sustained practice and better performance.
• Vent Rib Barrel: The classic vent rib serves multiple purposes: it dissipates heat from the barrels during rapid firing, prevents shimmering vision distortion, and provides a clear, elevated sighting plane for quick target acquisition.
• Ivory Bead Front / Mid-Bead Rear Sights: This traditional sighting setup provides excellent visibility and a natural aiming reference, ideal for fast-moving targets where instinctive pointing is key.

The Beauty of Form: Aesthetics and Ergonomics

Beyond its mechanical prowess, the Citori Gran Lightning is celebrated for its exquisite aesthetics and ergonomic design, which enhance both its visual appeal and handling characteristics.

• Polished Blued Engraved Receiver: The receiver, crafted from robust steel, is meticulously polished to a deep, lustrous blued finish. This serves as the perfect canvas for the intricate engraving that defines the "Lightning" style of the Citori. The delicate scrollwork and artistic details speak to Browning's commitment to craftsmanship, making each Gran Lightning a true showpiece.
• Gloss Oil Black Walnut Stock: The stock is arguably the soul of the shotgun, and the Citori Gran Lightning features a premium black walnut stock finished with a rich gloss oil. Black walnut is prized for its strength, beautiful grain patterns, and ability to absorb recoil. The gloss oil finish highlights the wood's natural beauty and provides a classic, elegant appearance that is both durable and repairable. The stock is designed for right-hand shooters, with precise dimensions for an optimal fit.
• Ergonomic Stock Dimensions: The Citori Gran Lightning boasts a Length of Pull (LOP) of 14.25 inches, a standard dimension that fits a wide range of shooters. The Drop dimensions (1 5/8" @ Comb & 2 1/2" @ Heel) are carefully calibrated to ensure proper eye alignment with the rib and comfortable cheek weld, promoting consistent target acquisition and reducing strain.
• Overall Balance and Feel: Despite its robust steel receiver, the Citori Gran Lightning balances remarkably well for an 8-pound shotgun. This balance point, combined with the 26-inch barrels, contributes to a smooth, controlled swing and excellent maneuverability, crucial for tracking fast-moving targets.

Browning Quality and Legacy

Browning has a century-long reputation for producing firearms of exceptional quality, innovation, and reliability. The Citori series, introduced in 1973, quickly became a benchmark for over/under shotguns, celebrated for its robust construction and consistent performance. The Gran Lightning model carries this torch forward, embodying the enduring principles that have made Browning a trusted name among shooters worldwide. From the initial design concept to the final inspection, every Browning Citori Gran Lightning reflects a dedication to excellence that few manufacturers can match. When you choose a Browning, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're investing in a piece of firearms history, backed by a commitment to superior engineering and shooter satisfaction.

These premium Browning firearms, including the Citori Gran Lightning with UPC 023614679417, are available for purchase from reputable retailers like DEGuns.com. When considering a significant investment in a firearm, choosing a trusted source like DEGuns ensures you receive authentic products and reliable service.

Browning Citori Gran Lightning 12 Gauge Shotgun Specifications (UPC: 023614679417)

Feature	Specification
Brand	Browning
Series	Gran Lightning
Model	Citori
Gauge	12 Gauge
Barrel Length	26"
Chamber	3"
Capacity	2rd (Max Capacity: 2)
Action	Break Open
Hand	Right Hand
OAL (Overall Length)	44"
Weight	8 lbs
Stock Material	Wood (Black Walnut)
Stock Finish	Gloss Oil Black Walnut
Stock Finish Group	Brown
Barrel Finish	Polished Blued
Receiver Finish	Polished Blued (Engraved)
Receiver Material	Steel
Sights	Ivory Bead Front / Mid-Bead Rear
Choke Configuration	Invector-Plus Extended
Chokes Included	F, M, IC
Barrel Description	Back-Bored Vent Rib
Trigger	Triple Trigger System
Safety	Tang
Length of Pull	14.25"
Drop	1 5/8" @ Comb & 2 1/2" @ Heel
Application	Target Shooting
Includes	Flat Wrench
SKU	107959
MPN	018117305
UPC	023614679417