The Browning Citori Hunter: An In-Depth Look at a Legendary Over/Under Shotgun

For generations of shooting enthusiasts, the name Browning has been synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, unwavering reliability, and superior performance in firearms. Among their extensive lineup, the Browning Citori series stands out as an icon, particularly revered by those who demand precision and durability from their over/under shotguns. If you’re a serious clay target shooter, an avid upland bird hunter, or a dedicated waterfowl enthusiast, the Browning Citori Hunter in 12 Gauge is precisely the kind of firearm designed to meet – and exceed – your expectations.

This detailed exploration delves into the multifaceted appeal of the Browning Citori Hunter, helping prospective owners understand why it remains a top choice for a wide array of shooting disciplines. What makes this shotgun an enduring classic? How does it perform in real-world scenarios? And why should it be at the top of your list when considering a new over/under? Let's unpack the features and benefits that define the Citori Hunter experience.

Why Choose an Over/Under Shotgun? The Citori Hunter Advantage

Before diving into the specifics of the Citori Hunter, it’s beneficial to understand the inherent advantages of the over/under shotgun design itself. This classic configuration offers a unique blend of balance, natural pointing ability, and a straightforward operation that appeals to both seasoned competitors and new shooters alike.

Key Benefits of the Over/Under Design:

• Superior Balance and Swing: Over/unders typically offer a more centralized balance point compared to semi-automatics or pumps, leading to a smoother, more intuitive swing on moving targets. This is critical for clay sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, as well as for wing shooting.
• Single Sighting Plane: With one barrel directly above the other, the shooter experiences a single, consistent sighting plane, simplifying target acquisition and leading to more consistent shot placement.
• Reliability: The break-open action is inherently simple and robust, with fewer moving parts susceptible to malfunction compared to semi-automatic mechanisms. This translates to incredibly reliable performance in diverse conditions, from dusty ranges to muddy marshes.
• Contained Shell Ejection: Unlike side-by-side or semi-automatic shotguns, spent hulls from an over/under are either retained or drop cleanly at the shooter's feet, making cleanup easier and eliminating the concern of ejected shells interfering with adjacent shooters during competition.
• Versatility with Chokes: The ability to instantly select between two different chokes for different shot distances, often available through a barrel selector, provides unparalleled versatility for varied shooting situations.
• Aesthetics and Craftsmanship: Over/unders are often considered the epitome of shotgun design, showcasing elegant lines, fine wood, and detailed metalwork that appeal to those who appreciate the artistry of firearms.

The Browning Citori Hunter embodies all these advantages, refined through decades of engineering excellence.

The Enduring Legacy of the Browning Citori

The Citori series was introduced in 1973 as a more accessible alternative to Browning’s revered Superposed line, while maintaining the brand's commitment to quality. Over the years, the Citori has earned a formidable reputation for its robust construction, precise engineering, and consistent performance, becoming a benchmark in the over/under market.

Hallmarks of Citori Construction:

• Monobloc Barrel Construction: This advanced manufacturing process ensures perfect alignment of the barrels, superior strength, and excellent patterning. The 28-inch over/under barrels on the Citori Hunter, finished in polished blued steel, provide an ideal length for a versatile balance between swing speed and sight radius.
• Full-Width Hinge Pin and Tapered Locking Bolt: These critical components ensure a remarkably strong lock-up between the barrel and receiver, providing incredible durability and longevity. The Citori action is renowned for its ability to absorb thousands upon thousands of rounds without loosening, maintaining its tight fit and feel for generations.
• Mechanical Triggers: Unlike some inertia-driven systems, Citori shotguns feature reliable mechanical triggers that will reset for the second shot regardless of whether the first shot cycled properly. This is a significant advantage, especially in competitive scenarios where a misfire could cost you a target.

This profound commitment to durable design elements contributes directly to the Citori Hunter’s legendary reliability and makes it an investment that will hold its value and performance for decades.

Unpacking the Citori Hunter's Core Features

Let’s delve into the specific attributes that define the Browning Citori Hunter (UPC: 023614744528) and explain their practical implications for the shooter.

Barrel and Choking System

• Barrel Description: 28" Over/Under, Vent Rib, Polished Blued
  • The 28-inch barrel length strikes an excellent balance. It’s long enough to provide a smooth swing and consistent sight picture for clays and longer shots in the field, yet not so long as to be cumbersome in dense cover. The vent rib dissipates heat and provides a clear, elevated sighting plane, reducing glare. The polished blued finish adds to the shotgun's classic aesthetic.
• Choke Configuration: Invector-Plus Flush
  • The Invector-Plus system is Browning's most popular choke tube system, known for its consistent patterns and ease of use. The flush design means the choke tubes do not extend beyond the muzzle, maintaining a clean barrel profile.
• Chokes Included: Full (F), Modified (M), Improved Cylinder (IC)
  • This trio of choke tubes provides exceptional versatility right out of the box.
    • Improved Cylinder (IC): Offers the widest pattern, ideal for close-range targets like skeet, flushing quail, or fast-moving sporting clays targets.
    • Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground choke, excellent for all-around sporting clays, medium-range pheasants, or trap shooting.
    • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, perfect for long-range targets like distant geese, challenging trap presentations, or breaking high-flying sporting clays targets.
  • The ability to quickly swap chokes allows shooters to optimize their pattern density for any given target or game bird.

Receiver, Action, and Safety

• Receiver Finish: Polished Blued
• Receiver Material: Steel
• Action: Break Open
• Safety: Tang
  • The receiver, crafted from robust steel and finished with a polished bluing, matches the barrels to create a cohesive and elegant appearance. The steel construction ensures immense durability and strength for a long service life. The traditional break-open action is simple, reliable, and quick to load/unload. The tang-mounted safety is ambidextrous and intuitively placed for easy access with the thumb, allowing for quick and secure handling in the field or on the range.

Stock and Ergonomics

• Stock Finish: Grade I Satin American Walnut
  • The Grade I American Walnut stock is both beautiful and functional. The satin finish enhances the natural grain of the wood while providing a durable, low-maintenance surface. Walnut stocks are renowned for their classic feel, natural vibration absorption, and timeless appeal.
• Drop: 1 5/8" @ Comb & 2 1/2" @ Heel
  • These measurements dictate how the shooter’s eye aligns with the barrel when the gun is mounted. The specified drop dimensions are common for field and sporting shotguns, offering a comfortable and natural sight picture for most shooters.
• Hand: Right
  • Designed specifically for right-handed shooters, the stock likely features a right-hand palm swell or cast-off to optimize grip comfort and shooting ergonomics.
• Length of Pull (LOP): 14.25"
  • The LOP is the distance from the trigger to the butt of the stock. A 14.25-inch LOP is a very common and comfortable length for average-sized adults, promoting consistent gun mount and swing. Proper LOP is crucial for recoil management and accuracy.

Dimensions and Handling

• Caliber: 12 Gauge
  • The 12 Gauge is the most popular and versatile shotgun caliber, offering a vast array of ammunition options suitable for everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl magnum loads.
• Capacity: 2rd
  • Standard for over/under shotguns, offering a quick follow-up shot.
• Chamber: 3"
  • The 3-inch chamber allows the Citori Hunter to accommodate both standard 2 ¾-inch and more powerful 3-inch magnum shells, expanding its utility for hunting larger game birds or waterfowl that require heavier payloads.
• Overall Length (OAL): 45"
  • The 45-inch OAL, combined with the 28-inch barrels, contributes to the shotgun's balanced feel and maneuverability.
• Weight: 7.11 lbs
  • At 7.11 pounds, the Citori Hunter strikes an excellent balance. It’s light enough to carry comfortably in the field for extended periods during hunting trips, yet heavy enough to absorb recoil effectively, particularly with heavier 12-gauge loads, making for a more comfortable shooting experience on the range.

Real-World Applications: Who Benefits Most from the Citori Hunter?

The Browning Citori Hunter is a true all-rounder, excelling in various shooting environments. If you find yourself asking "What's the best shotgun for..." this section will highlight why the Citori Hunter often surfaces as a top recommendation.

For the Clay Target Shooter

• Trap Shooting: The consistent patterns from the Invector-Plus chokes, smooth swing, and durable action make it a reliable partner for thousands of rounds on the trap line. Its weight helps mitigate recoil during high-volume shooting.
• Skeet Shooting: The agility provided by its balance and the option of open chokes (like IC) are excellent for the fast, close-range targets of skeet.
• Sporting Clays: This discipline truly highlights the Citori Hunter’s versatility. With two barrels and the ability to select chokes on the fly, you can adapt to various target presentations – from fast crossing birds to long-range high flyers – with a single firearm. The mechanical triggers ensure reliability even with lighter target loads.

For the Upland Bird Hunter

• Pheasants, Quail, Grouse: The 28-inch barrels offer good swing for flushing birds in open fields, while remaining maneuverable enough for tighter cover. Its robust construction can handle the rigors of field use, and the two-shot capacity is perfect for fast follow-up shots on unexpected flushes. The elegant walnut stock is also a pleasure to carry and behold in the field.

For the Waterfowl Hunter

• Ducks and Geese: Equipped with a 3-inch chamber, the Citori Hunter can handle heavy, steel shot loads required for waterfowl hunting. Its durable steel receiver and polished blued finish are resilient against the harsh elements often encountered in duck blinds or goose pits. The full choke option is ideal for those high-flying geese.

For the New or Experienced Shotgun Owner

• New Shooters: The Citori Hunter is an excellent choice for a first over/under. Its predictable break-open action, reliable mechanical triggers, and balanced feel make it easy to learn on and master. Its inherent quality means it will grow with the shooter’s skills.
• Experienced Shooters: For seasoned shooters, the Citori Hunter represents a dependable workhorse that delivers consistent performance without fuss. It’s a firearm you can trust to perform shot after shot, season after season, without needing constant attention.

Maintaining Your Browning Citori Hunter

To ensure your Browning Citori Hunter continues to perform optimally for years to come, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some quick tips:

• Regular Cleaning: After each use, especially if exposed to moisture or heavy dust, clean the barrels thoroughly to remove powder residue and lead/plastic fouling. Clean the action components to ensure smooth operation.
• Lubrication: Lightly oil metal-to-metal contact points in the action, hinge pin, and forend iron. Avoid over-lubrication, as it can attract dirt.
• Choke Tube Care: Remove and clean choke tubes periodically. Apply anti-seize grease to the threads before reinserting to prevent them from seizing.
• Storage: Store your Citori Hunter in a climate-controlled environment, preferably in a gun safe, with a light coat of rust-preventative oil on all external metal surfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Browning Citori Hunter

When considering a significant investment like a high-quality shotgun, it's natural to have questions. Here are answers to some common inquiries about the Browning Citori Hunter (UPC: 023614744528):

Q1: Is the Browning Citori a good shotgun for competitive shooting?

A1: Absolutely. The Browning Citori series, including the Hunter model, is widely regarded as an excellent choice for competitive shooting disciplines like trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Its robust action, reliable mechanical triggers, consistent patterns from the Invector-Plus chokes, and balanced handling contribute to its strong performance in competition. Many professional and amateur shooters rely on Citori models due to their durability and consistent break-open action.

Q2: What is the primary difference between the Citori Hunter and other Citori models?

A2: While all Citori models share the same fundamental robust action, the "Hunter" designation typically indicates a model optimized for field use. This often means a slightly lighter weight profile for easier carrying, a classic Grade I satin walnut finish that balances aesthetics with durability for hunting conditions, and a standard set of versatile chokes (F, M, IC) suitable for various game birds and clay targets. Other Citori models might feature higher grades of wood, different engraving, porting, or specialized dimensions for specific disciplines (e.g., dedicated trap or skeet models). The Citori Hunter is designed to be a versatile, reliable workhorse for both the field and the range.

Q3: What chokes should I use for duck hunting with the Citori Hunter?

A3: For duck hunting, especially with steel shot, your choke selection will depend on the range of your shots. For close-in decoying ducks (20-30 yards), an Improved Cylinder (IC) or Modified (M) choke is often effective. For longer shots on passing ducks (35-50 yards), a Modified (M) or even a Full (F) choke (if using appropriate steel-rated chokes and loads) might be preferred to maintain dense patterns. Always ensure your choke tubes are rated for steel shot if you intend to use non-toxic ammunition. The included F, M, IC chokes offer good starting points.

Q4: Can I use 2 ¾-inch shells in my 3-inch chambered Citori Hunter?

A4: Yes, absolutely. The Browning Citori Hunter features a 3-inch chamber, which means it is designed to safely and effectively fire both 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch shotshells. This versatility is a significant advantage, allowing you to choose between standard target loads, lighter field loads, or powerful magnum loads for larger game birds or waterfowl.

Q5: How does the weight of the Citori Hunter (7.11 lbs) affect recoil?

A5: At 7.11 pounds, the Citori Hunter has a moderate weight for a 12-gauge over/under. This weight is beneficial for recoil absorption. Heavier shotguns tend to mitigate felt recoil more effectively than lighter ones, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable. While it won't eliminate recoil, its weight, combined with the stock design and the natural cushioning of the walnut, helps manage the kick, especially when firing standard target loads. With heavier magnum loads, recoil will naturally be more noticeable, but the gun's mass helps distribute that energy.

Q6: Where can I purchase the Browning Citori Hunter (UPC: 023614744528)?

A6: The Browning Citori Hunter (UPC: 023614744528) and other premium firearms are available through reputable dealers. You can find this model and a wide selection of Browning firearms at DEGuns.com or by visiting DEGuns directly. As a trusted firearm retailer, DEGuns offers a comprehensive selection and expert assistance to help you acquire the perfect shotgun for your needs.

The Verdict: A Legacy of Excellence in Your Hands

The Browning Citori Hunter (UPC: 023614744528) isn't just another shotgun; it's a testament to Browning's dedication to engineering precision, timeless design, and unwavering performance. Whether you're breaking clays on the sporting clays course, pursuing elusive pheasants in the stubble fields, or waiting patiently in a duck blind, this 12-gauge over/under is built to deliver. Its combination of robust steel construction, beautiful Grade I American Walnut, versatile Invector-Plus choke system, and iconic reliability makes it a firearm that will not only perform flawlessly but also be a source of pride for years to come.

Investing in a Browning Citori Hunter means acquiring a piece of shooting heritage, a shotgun designed to excel across a spectrum of demanding activities. It’s a firearm that embodies the true spirit of versatility and enduring quality, ready for whatever challenge you present.

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Browning Citori Hunter 12 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand / Model	Browning Citori Hunter
Caliber / Chamber	12 Gauge, 3"
UPC / SKU	023614744528 / 018258304
Barrel	28" Over/Under, Vent Rib
Chokes Included	Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Stock Finish	Grade I Satin American Walnut
Receiver Finish	Polished Blued
Weight	7.11 lbs
Overall Length	45"
Length of Pull	14.25"
Capacity	2rd
Hand	Right
Safety	Tang
Sights	Silver Bead Front
Action	Break Open
Receiver Material	Steel