Browning Citori Hunter 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun: The Quintessential Field and Clay Companion

Are you searching for a reliable, versatile, and beautifully crafted shotgun that excels in both the hunting field and on the clay target range? Do you need a firearm that blends classic aesthetics with modern performance, offering unwavering durability and intuitive handling? Look no further than the Browning Citori Hunter 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun, a legendary firearm designed to meet the rigorous demands of serious sportsmen and women.

The Browning Citori Hunter is engineered for those who appreciate the timeless elegance and robust functionality of a premium break-open shotgun. Whether your passion lies in pursuing upland game, waterfowl, or honing your skills at trap, skeet, or sporting clays, this shotgun offers an unmatched combination of balance, precision, and reliability. It's the ideal choice for individuals seeking a long-term investment in their shooting sports, providing a lifetime of dependable service and a rewarding shooting experience.

Why Choose an Over/Under Shotgun Like the Citori Hunter?

The over/under (O/U) configuration is a hallmark of sporting and hunting shotguns, favored for several key advantages that enhance a shooter's performance and enjoyment:

• Single Sight Plane: Unlike side-by-side or semi-automatic shotguns, an O/U presents a single barrel over the other, creating a narrow, unobstructed sight picture that aids in consistent target acquisition and follow-through. This streamlined view helps shooters maintain focus on the target without the visual distraction of parallel barrels.
• Quick Follow-Up Shot: With two independent barrels, an O/U allows for a rapid second shot, which is critical in dynamic hunting scenarios or when engaging multiple clay targets. The simplicity of the break-open action ensures quick reloading and clearing.
• Exceptional Balance and Swing: Over/under shotguns are renowned for their natural balance, allowing for smooth, fluid swings that track moving targets with precision. The Citori Hunter's design ensures a harmonious feel, making it an extension of the shooter.
• Safety and Simplicity: The break-open action clearly indicates whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, offering an undeniable visual safety cue. This design also simplifies cleaning and maintenance, contributing to the shotgun's longevity.
• Choke Versatility: Each barrel can be equipped with a different choke, offering immediate flexibility for varying shot distances or target presentations without needing to change ammunition types.

Unpacking the Browning Citori Hunter's Core Features and Benefits

The Browning Citori Hunter isn't just a shotgun; it's a testament to Browning's commitment to quality, performance, and tradition. Every feature is meticulously designed to enhance the shooter's experience and ensure optimal results in the field or on the range.

The Heart of the Action: Reliability and Durability

• Action: Break Open: The robust break-open action is the epitome of reliability. There are no complex gas systems or moving parts to foul, meaning fewer potential points of failure. This design ensures consistent performance in all weather conditions and simplifies maintenance significantly. For hunters, this means unwavering reliability when that critical shot presents itself. For clay shooters, it translates to uninterrupted practice sessions.
• Receiver Material: Steel: Crafted from high-quality steel, the receiver of the Citori Hunter provides exceptional strength and durability. This robust construction is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy use, ensuring the shotgun remains reliable for generations. Steel receivers also contribute to the gun's overall weight, which aids in recoil absorption and promotes a smoother swing.
• Receiver Finish: Polished Blued: The elegant polished blued finish on the receiver is not merely aesthetic; it provides excellent corrosion resistance and protection against the elements. This classic finish embodies the timeless appeal of Browning firearms and offers superior longevity, maintaining its beauty even after countless trips afield.

Precision and Versatility: Barrels and Chokes

• Barrel Description: Over/Under, Vent Rib: The twin barrels are precisely aligned for consistent shot placement. The ventilated rib dissipates heat, preventing mirage distortion over prolonged shooting sessions, and provides a clear, elevated sight plane for quick target acquisition. This design is crucial for maintaining accuracy, especially during rapid-fire sequences on the sporting clays course or during fast-paced upland hunts.
• Barrel Finish: Polished Blued: Matching the receiver, the barrels feature a durable polished blued finish, offering robust protection against rust and wear while presenting a unified, attractive appearance.
• Barrel Length: 28 inches: The 28-inch barrel length strikes an excellent balance between swing speed, balance, and effective range. It's long enough to provide a smooth, controlled swing for consistent hits on distant targets, yet maneuverable enough for tighter hunting environments or quick target transitions on the range. This length is widely considered ideal for an all-around sporting shotgun.
• Chamber: 3 inches: The 3-inch chamber allows the Citori Hunter to accommodate a wide variety of 12-gauge ammunition, including standard 2 ¾-inch loads and more powerful 3-inch magnum shells. This versatility is crucial for hunters who might pursue different game species requiring heavier loads, such as waterfowl or turkey, while still being able to use lighter loads for upland birds or clay targets.
• Chokes Included: Full (F), Modified (M), Improved Cylinder (IC): The Browning Citori Hunter comes equipped with a versatile set of Invector-Plus choke tubes (F, M, IC). This allows shooters to optimize their shot pattern density for various scenarios:
  • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots on wary birds or breaking distant clay targets.
  • Modified (M): Offers a moderate pattern, a versatile choice for a wide range of hunting situations and general clay shooting.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Provides a more open pattern, perfect for close-range targets like flushing quail, fast-moving skeet targets, or dense cover hunting.
  The ability to quickly change chokes means the Citori Hunter can adapt to virtually any shooting challenge.

Ergonomics and Aesthetics: Stock and Handling

• Stock Finish: Grade II Satin American Walnut: The Citori Hunter is adorned with a beautiful Grade II satin American Walnut stock. Walnut is a classic choice for firearms due to its strength, durability, and natural shock-absorbing properties. The satin finish protects the wood while highlighting its natural grain, offering a comfortable, non-slip grip and a traditional, understated elegance. This stock contributes significantly to the gun's overall balance and feel.
• Hand: Right: Designed for right-handed shooters, the stock dimensions and controls are optimized for natural fit and intuitive operation.
• Length of Pull (LOP): 14.25 inches: The length of pull is a critical dimension for consistent shooting. An LOP of 14.25 inches is a common standard that fits a broad range of shooters, allowing for proper gun mount, comfortable head position, and effective recoil absorption. A correct LOP ensures the shooter can consistently hit targets without undue strain.
• Drop: 1 5/8 inches @ Comb & 2 1/2 inches @ Heel: These drop measurements refer to the vertical distance from the sight line to the comb and heel of the stock. They are crucial for achieving a proper sight picture and comfortable cheek weld. The specified dimensions are designed to provide a natural aiming point and reduce felt recoil by aligning the shooter's eye correctly with the rib.
• OAL (Overall Length): 45 inches: The 45-inch overall length strikes a sweet spot for maneuverability in the field and comfortable handling on the range. It contributes to the shotgun's excellent balance and swing characteristics.
• Weight: 7.12 lbs: At 7.12 pounds, the Citori Hunter is substantial enough to absorb recoil effectively, providing a more comfortable shooting experience, especially with heavier loads. Yet, it remains light enough for comfortable carrying during long days afield. This optimal weight contributes to its reputation as a well-balanced, easy-to-swing shotgun.

Safety and User Experience

• Capacity: 2 rounds: The 2-round capacity (one in each barrel) is standard for over/under shotguns and complies with most hunting regulations for migratory birds. It encourages thoughtful shot placement and effective target engagement.
• Safety: Tang: The tang safety, conveniently located on the top tang of the receiver, is ambidextrous and easily accessible for quick, intuitive operation. Its position allows for seamless activation and deactivation without breaking the shooter's grip or concentration. This is a highly regarded feature for both safety and usability.
• Sights: Silver Bead Front: A classic and highly effective sighting system, the silver bead front sight provides a simple, clear aiming point against a variety of backgrounds. It promotes instinctive pointing and quick target acquisition, crucial for hitting fast-moving game or clays.

Real-World Applications and Why the Citori Hunter Excels

The Browning Citori Hunter is not just a collection of features; it's a solution for a wide array of shooting disciplines.

• Upland Bird Hunting: Imagine walking through golden fields, flushing pheasants, or tracking fast-flying quail. The Citori Hunter's balance, quick second-shot capability, and adaptable chokes make it an outstanding choice for these dynamic scenarios. Its relatively light weight ensures comfortable carrying over miles.
• Waterfowl Hunting: While often associated with semi-automatics, a 12-gauge Citori Hunter with 3-inch chambers and the ability to use a Full choke can be highly effective in a duck blind or goose pit. Its reliability in harsh conditions is a significant advantage.
• Sporting Clays, Trap, and Skeet: The Citori Hunter shines on the clay target ranges. Its consistent swing, clear sight picture, and ability to swap chokes on the fly make it a serious contender for breaking targets across all disciplines. The robust steel receiver and durable components ensure it can handle thousands of rounds without complaint.
• Youth and New Shooters: While a premium investment, the Citori Hunter can be an excellent choice for dedicated new shooters or younger enthusiasts ready for a serious shotgun. Its forgiving recoil due to weight and excellent balance helps build confidence and fundamental shooting skills.
• Collectors and Enthusiasts: Beyond its performance, the Citori Hunter holds inherent value as a finely crafted firearm. Its timeless design and Browning's legacy of quality make it a desirable piece for collectors and anyone who appreciates superior gunmaking.

Investing in the Browning Legacy

Browning has been synonymous with quality firearms for over a century. The Citori line, introduced in 1973, carries forward this legacy, offering shooters a gun that is not only reliable and accurate but also beautifully crafted. The Citori Hunter continues this tradition, delivering a shotgun that stands apart in its class. When you acquire a Citori, you're not just buying a tool; you're investing in a piece of shooting heritage, known for its longevity and performance.

Where to Acquire Your Browning Citori Hunter

For those ready to experience the unmatched quality and performance of the Browning Citori Hunter 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun, DEGuns is a trusted source. As a leading retailer of firearms, DEGuns offers a wide selection of Browning products and expert advice to ensure you find the perfect firearm to meet your needs.

Key Specifications of the Browning Citori Hunter

Feature	Description
Brand	Browning
Model	Citori Hunter
Gauge	12 Gauge
Action Type	Break Open
Capacity	2 Rounds
Chamber Size	3 Inches
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Overall Length	45 Inches
Weight	7.12 lbs
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Polished Blued
Barrel Finish	Polished Blued
Stock Material	Grade II Satin American Walnut
Sights	Silver Bead Front
Safety Type	Tang
Length of Pull	14.25 Inches
Drop at Comb	1 5/8 Inches
Drop at Heel	2 1/2 Inches
Included Chokes	Full (F), Modified (M), Improved Cylinder (IC)
Hand Orientation	Right
UPC	023614744627