Browning Citori Feather Lightning 12 Gauge Shotgun: Precision, Performance, and Unrivaled Craftsmanship

For discerning shooters seeking an over/under shotgun that embodies a perfect blend of elegance, advanced technology, and unwavering reliability, the Browning Citori Feather Lightning 12 Gauge shotgun (model 018163304) stands as an exemplary choice. This firearm is meticulously engineered to provide a superior shooting experience, whether you're breaking clays on the sporting course, competing in trap or skeet, or pursuing upland game. It answers the call for a lightweight, yet robust, shotgun that offers exceptional balance and a legendary level of dependability.

What Makes the Browning Citori Feather Lightning an Ideal Choice for Serious Shooters?

The Citori Feather Lightning is designed for individuals who demand precision, consistent performance, and a firearm that feels like an extension of themselves. If you're a competitive shooter looking for an edge, a passionate hunter seeking a reliable companion in the field, or an enthusiast who appreciates the art of fine gun-making, this 12-gauge shotgun is crafted to meet and exceed your expectations. It addresses common challenges faced by shooters, such as managing recoil, achieving consistent shot patterns, and ensuring long-term durability, all while offering an ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing design.

This model is particularly suited for:

• Competitive Clay Target Shooting: Its advanced barrel technology, customizable trigger, and excellent balance make it a favorite for sporting clays, trap, and skeet.
• Upland Bird Hunting: The "Feather" designation highlights its lighter weight, making it less fatiguing during long days in the field.
• General Sport Shooting: For those who enjoy recreational shooting and appreciate a high-quality firearm.
• Discerning Collectors: Its classic design, beautiful wood, and silver nitride finish make it a true showpiece.

Unpacking the Engineering Excellence: Key Features and Benefits

The Browning Citori Feather Lightning is not just a shotgun; it's a testament to decades of firearm innovation and a commitment to quality. Every component works in harmony to deliver an unparalleled shooting experience.

The Heart of the Citori: Robust Receiver and Locking System

At the core of the Citori's legendary dependability is its meticulously crafted receiver and locking mechanism. The Feather Lightning model distinguishes itself with a silver nitride aluminum engraved receiver. This choice of material offers a significant weight reduction compared to steel receivers, contributing directly to the "Feather" in its name, making the overall firearm lighter and more agile without compromising strength. The silver nitride finish is not just for looks; it provides enhanced corrosion resistance and a durable, attractive surface that stands up to the rigors of extensive use. The intricate engraving adds a touch of classic elegance, showcasing the attention to detail Browning applies to its premium firearms.

The Citori utilizes a transverse-mounted, full-width tapered locking bolt. This robust design ensures an extremely strong and secure lock-up between the barrels and the receiver. The tapered locking bolt engages a full-width tapered recess in the rear barrel lugs, distributing the forces of firing evenly across a larger surface area. This engineering marvel contributes directly to the gun's exceptional longevity and rock-solid feel, even after thousands of rounds. Furthermore, the hinge pin extends from one side of the receiver to the other for maximum strength, providing an unyielding foundation for the barrels and reinforcing the gun's reputation for enduring reliability.

Advanced Barrel Technology for Superior Patterns and Reduced Recoil

The 28-inch polished blued barrels are central to the Citori Feather Lightning's performance. Browning incorporates several proprietary technologies to optimize shot patterns and enhance the shooting experience:

• Back-Bored Technology: This innovative feature involves increasing the bore diameter of the barrel. The primary benefit of Back-Boring is a reduction in felt recoil and an improvement in shot pattern quality. By reducing friction between the shot and the barrel walls, velocity is maintained more efficiently, and the shot column deforms less, resulting in denser, more uniform patterns downrange. For competitive shooters, this means more consistent breaks and greater confidence in every shot.
• Invector-Plus Extended Chokes: The shotgun comes equipped with Invector-Plus extended choke tubes (including Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder). These extended chokes offer several advantages: they are easier to change by hand without a wrench, they provide a longer, more gradual constriction than traditional flush chokes, which further improves pattern uniformity and density. This versatility allows shooters to fine-tune their patterns for different shooting disciplines, distances, and target types, from close-range skeet targets to longer-range trap or sporting clays presentations.
• Chrome-Plated Chambers: A critical feature for durability and ease of maintenance, the chrome-plated chambers resist the corrosive effects of spent powder and primers. This plating ensures that the chambers remain smooth and free from pitting, even after thousands of shells, contributing to consistent ejection and the overall longevity of the firearm.

The Triple Trigger System: Precision and Customization

The Browning Citori Feather Lightning features an innovative Triple Trigger System. This system provides a degree of customization rarely found in standard shotguns. It allows the shooter to choose from three different trigger shoe profiles – wide, narrow, and an adjustable wide – to best suit their hand size, finger length, and shooting style. This personalized fit enhances comfort, promotes consistent trigger pulls, and contributes significantly to overall shooting accuracy. The single selective trigger also offers a convenient barrel selector, allowing the shooter to choose which barrel fires first on the initial pull, with the second pull firing the remaining barrel. This is invaluable in situations where a specific choke is preferred for the first shot.

Ergonomics and Aesthetics: The Gloss Oil Black Walnut Stock

The shotgun features a stunning Gloss Oil Black Walnut Stock with a classic, elegant finish. Black walnut is highly prized for its strength, natural beauty, and classic feel. The gloss oil finish enhances the wood's natural grain, providing a rich, deep luster that is both durable and repairable. The stock is designed for a Right Hand shooter, with thoughtful ergonomics that promote a comfortable and stable shooting platform.

Key dimensions contributing to its ergonomic design include:

• Length of Pull (LOP): A comfortable 14.25 inches, a common and versatile length for many shooters.
• Drop at Comb: 1 5/8 inches, promoting a natural head position for sight alignment.
• Drop at Heel: 2 1/2 inches, further aiding in proper sight picture and recoil absorption.
• Overall Length (OAL): A balanced 46 inches.
• Weight: Approximately 7.20 lbs, making it light enough for agile handling in the field yet substantial enough to absorb recoil effectively.

The stock's gloss oil finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a traditional feel that many shooters prefer over synthetic alternatives. The checkering on the fore-end and pistol grip ensures a secure hold, even in adverse conditions, contributing to better control and faster target acquisition.

Thoughtful Details: Sights and Ejection System

The Citori Feather Lightning is equipped with a Ivory Bead Front Sight and a Mid-Bead Rear Sight. This traditional sight configuration is highly effective for shotgunning, allowing for quick target acquisition and precise alignment on moving targets. The contrast of the ivory bead against various backgrounds aids in rapid visual processing.

For seamless operation, the shotgun features automatic ejectors that reliably eject fired shells when the breech is opened, speeding up reloading for competitive shooting. Unfired shells are elevated for easy removal, preventing them from falling into the grass or becoming difficult to retrieve. This attention to functional detail enhances the overall shooting experience, particularly in fast-paced scenarios like sporting clays or trap.

Performance in the Field and on the Range

The Citori Feather Lightning's design principles translate directly into superior performance. For target shooting, particularly sporting clays, trap, and skeet, its precise trigger, customizable chokes, and back-bored barrels offer a tangible advantage. Shooters will appreciate the consistent patterns, reduced felt recoil, and the ability to quickly reload with the automatic ejectors. The lightweight aluminum receiver also means less fatigue during long shooting sessions.

In the context of upland bird hunting, the "Feather" designation truly shines. Carrying a lighter shotgun for miles through fields and forests significantly reduces strain. The 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells provides ample power for various game birds, while the quick handling and reliable break-open action ensure readiness for flushing birds. The durable finishes on both the receiver and barrel mean it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.

Maintenance and Longevity

Investing in a Browning Citori Feather Lightning is an investment in a firearm designed for generations of use. The robust construction, high-quality materials, and protective finishes contribute to its exceptional longevity. Regular cleaning of the chrome-plated chambers, barrels, and the action mechanism, along with proper storage, will ensure this shotgun continues to perform flawlessly for decades. The provided Flat Wrench assists with choke tube changes and other minor adjustments, highlighting Browning's commitment to user-friendliness.

Available at DEGuns: Your Trusted Source

The Browning Citori Feather Lightning 12 Gauge shotgun, a masterpiece of firearm engineering and design, is available for discerning customers. For those seeking this specific model (UPC 023614736745) or other premium firearms, DEGuns offers a wide selection and expert service, ensuring you acquire a shotgun that will provide years of enjoyment and reliable performance.

Detailed Specifications: Browning Citori Feather Lightning 12 Gauge (018163304)

Feature	Detail
Brand	Browning
Model	Citori
Series	Feather Lightning
UPC	023614736745
MPN	018163304
Gauge	12 Gauge
Chamber	3"
Capacity	2rd (Max 2)
Action	Break Open
Hand	Right Hand
Barrel Length	28" (Range: 28" to 28.99")
Barrel Finish	Polished Blued
Barrel Details	Back-Bored Vent Rib
Choke Config.	Invector-Plus Extended
Chokes Incl.	F, M, IC
Receiver Mat.	Aluminum
Receiver Finish	Silver Nitride
Receiver Desc.	Engraved
Stock Material	Wood (Black Walnut)
Stock Finish	Gloss Oil Black Walnut
Stock Group	Brown
Sights	Ivory Bead Front / Mid-Bead Rear
Trigger	Triple Trigger System
Safety	Tang
Overall Length	46"
Length of Pull	14.25"
Drop (Comb)	1 5/8"
Drop (Heel)	2 1/2"
Weight	7.20 lbs
Application	Target Shooting
Includes	Flat Wrench
SKU	107960