The Enduring Excellence of the Browning Citori Grade III Hunter 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun

Are you searching for a shotgun that seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with unwavering performance? Do you need a reliable companion for varied hunting adventures, or a precision instrument for competitive clay target shooting? Look no further than the Browning Citori Grade III Hunter 12 Gauge over/under shotgun, a firearm that embodies a legacy of craftsmanship and a commitment to field-proven durability. This particular model, identified by UPC 023614073383, represents a pinnacle of the Citori line, offering shooters an exceptional blend of beauty, balance, and reliability.

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

For many discerning shooters, the over/under shotgun is the ultimate choice, and the Browning Citori Grade III Hunter exemplifies why. Unlike pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns, the over/under design offers a distinct set of advantages that appeal to hunters and sport shooters alike:

• Exceptional Balance and Pointability: With two barrels stacked vertically, the weight distribution of an over/under shotgun is naturally centralized, leading to an incredibly intuitive swing and follow-through. This makes acquiring fast-moving targets, whether a flushing pheasant or a crossing clay, significantly easier.
• Dual Choke Options: The ability to select between two different chokes for each shot is a critical advantage. For instance, in upland hunting, you might choose an Improved Cylinder for the first, closer shot and a Modified for a follow-up longer shot. In sporting clays, this versatility allows adaptation to various target presentations without changing barrels.
• Simplified Operation and Reliability: The break-action mechanism is inherently simple and robust. With fewer moving parts than semi-automatics, over/under shotguns are less prone to malfunctions and remarkably easy to clean and maintain in the field. This contributes to their legendary longevity and trustworthiness.
• Elegance and Tradition: There's an undeniable elegance to the lines of an over/under shotgun. They are often considered works of art, frequently featuring fine wood and intricate engraving, making them a pleasure to behold and an heirloom to pass down through generations.
• Safety and Transparency: The break-action allows for immediate and clear visual confirmation that the shotgun is unloaded and safe, simply by breaking open the action. This is a significant safety advantage in group settings or when crossing obstacles.

Unpacking the Features: What Makes the Grade III Hunter Shine?

The Browning Citori Grade III Hunter is not just any over/under; it's a specific configuration designed to deliver superior performance and aesthetics. Let's delve into its key components and design philosophies.

The Robust Action and Receiver

At the heart of every Citori is its legendary low-profile receiver. While many shotguns feature box-lock actions, Browning's design is distinct, known for its incredible strength and durability. The Grade III Hunter typically boasts:

• Low-Profile Receiver: This design keeps the gun's weight closer to the shooter's hands, contributing to its excellent balance and reduced muzzle jump.
• Full-Width Hinge Pin: Unlike many designs that use trunnions, the Citori employs a full-width hinge pin, which distributes recoil forces evenly across the receiver, preventing wear and ensuring a tight lock-up even after tens of thousands of rounds.
• Tapered Locking Bolt: Browning’s unique tapered locking bolt engages with the monobloc, pulling the barrels tightly into the receiver. This innovative design self-adjusts for wear over time, ensuring a consistently tight and secure lock-up, contributing significantly to the Citori’s reputation for longevity and reliability.
• Automatic Ejectors: After firing, the spent shells are automatically ejected with force, clearing the chambers quickly for fast follow-up shots or efficient reloading during a flurry of activity in the field or on the range.
• Single Selective Trigger: The single trigger allows for rapid firing of both barrels without repositioning your finger. The "selective" aspect means you can choose which barrel fires first (top or bottom), a useful feature for different hunting situations or choke combinations.

Precision Barrels and Choke System

The 28-inch barrels of the Grade III Hunter are a versatile length, offering a good balance between swing speed for quick shots and sufficient sight plane for accurate long-range engagements.

• Back-Bored Technology: Browning's exclusive Back-Bored Technology increases bore diameter to its maximum specification, reducing friction between the shot column and barrel walls. This results in fewer deformed pellets, improved pattern uniformity, and reduced felt recoil.
• Vent Rib: The ventilated top rib dissipates heat quickly during extended shooting sessions, preventing mirage from distorting your sight picture. It also provides a clear, elevated sighting plane for quick target acquisition.
• Invector-Plus Choke System: This is one of the most widely respected interchangeable choke tube systems in the industry. The longer Invector-Plus tubes provide a more gradual constriction of the shot charge, leading to more consistent and dense patterns. The Grade III Hunter would typically come with a set of these tubes (e.g., Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), allowing the shooter to customize pattern density for various targets and distances.

The Beauty of Grade III Walnut Stock

The "Grade III" in its name signifies a higher quality of American walnut used for the stock and fore-end. This isn't merely for aesthetics; it also contributes to the gun's feel and handling.

• Premium Walnut: Grade III walnut exhibits richer grain patterns and deeper coloration compared to lower grades. It's carefully selected for both its beauty and its structural integrity.
• Checkering: The intricate checkering on the pistol grip and fore-end provides a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet conditions or when wearing gloves. This enhances control and safety.
• Recoil Pad: A high-quality recoil pad, often Infusion or Inflex Technology, is standard. This pad effectively absorbs and dissipates recoil, making extended shooting sessions more comfortable and manageable, especially with 12 gauge loads.
• Balance: The fit and finish of the stock and fore-end are crucial to the overall balance and feel of the shotgun, allowing it to point naturally and swing smoothly.

Ideal Use Cases for the Browning Citori Grade III Hunter 12GA

The Browning Citori Grade III Hunter is a versatile workhorse, equally at home in the field or on the clay target range. Its 12 gauge chambering and 28-inch barrels make it an excellent choice for a variety of shooting disciplines.

For the Avid Hunter: Upland Birds and Waterfowl

Are you an upland bird hunter chasing pheasants, grouse, or quail? The Citori Grade III Hunter is perfectly suited for this pursuit. Its excellent balance allows for quick mounting and swinging on flushing birds, while the dual choke options enable you to adapt to varying shot distances. For waterfowl hunting, the 12 gauge offers the necessary power and shot capacity for larger birds like ducks and geese, though some dedicated waterfowl hunters might prefer longer barrels. Its robust construction and reliable action ensure it performs flawlessly even in challenging weather conditions.

• Upland Hunting: The natural pointing characteristics and ability to quickly choose a choke make it ideal for fast-flushing birds.
• Waterfowl Hunting: The 12 gauge power is sufficient for ducks and geese. The Citori's ruggedness stands up to the demands of marsh and blind hunting.

For the Clay Target Enthusiast: Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays

Is your passion competitive shooting? The Citori Grade III Hunter will excel across the shotgun sports spectrum.

• Sporting Clays: Often called "golf with a shotgun," sporting clays courses simulate real hunting scenarios. The Citori's versatility, including its interchangeable chokes and excellent balance, makes it a top choice for navigating the diverse target presentations found on a sporting clays course. Many shooters ask, "Is the Browning Citori good for sporting clays?" The answer is a resounding yes due to its precise engineering and user-friendly features.
• Trap Shooting: While some dedicated trap guns have longer barrels, the 28-inch Citori can certainly hold its own. Its consistent patterns and comfortable recoil management contribute to high scores on the trap line.
• Skeet Shooting: The quick handling and rapid double-shot capability make it effective for skeet, where targets are close and fast.

The Browning Citori Legacy: A Testament to Durability and Value

When considering a significant firearm purchase, questions often arise about longevity and investment value. "How durable is a Browning Citori?" and "Will a Browning Citori retain its value?" are common queries.

The Browning Citori, first introduced in 1973 as a more accessible alternative to the Browning Superposed, quickly established its own legendary status. Manufactured by Miroku in Japan, a partnership that has consistently produced firearms of exceptional quality, the Citori is renowned for its:

• Unrivaled Durability: Designed from the ground up to handle high volumes of shooting, the Citori’s robust locking system and precise manufacturing tolerances ensure it will perform reliably for generations. It’s not uncommon to find Citori shotguns with hundreds of thousands of rounds through them that still operate flawlessly.
• Consistent Performance: The combination of excellent balance, crisp triggers, and reliable patterning from the Back-Bored barrels and Invector-Plus choke system translates directly into consistent hits on targets, whether game birds or clay pigeons.
• Strong Resale Value: Because of their reputation for quality and durability, Browning Citori shotguns, particularly higher-grade models like the Grade III Hunter, tend to hold their value exceptionally well in the secondary market. They are often considered an investment, not just a purchase.

Caring for Your Browning Citori Grade III Hunter

Proper maintenance is key to preserving the performance and beauty of any firearm, especially a fine over/under like the Citori. "How do you properly care for an over/under shotgun?" is a frequent question. Here's a general guide:

1. Field Stripping: The Citori is simple to field strip. After ensuring the gun is unloaded, open the action, remove the fore-end, and then separate the barrels from the receiver.
2. Barrel Cleaning: Use a bore snake or cleaning rod with appropriate brushes and patches. Always clean from the breech to the muzzle. Pay attention to the forcing cones and choke tubes, ensuring they are free of plastic wad residue.
3. Action Cleaning: Lightly brush away any debris from the locking surfaces, hinge pin, and ejector mechanisms. A light application of gun oil to these areas is sufficient. Avoid over-oiling, which can attract dirt.
4. Wood Care: The Grade III walnut benefits from occasional polishing with a high-quality gun stock wax or oil, which protects the wood and enhances its natural luster.
5. Storage: Store your Citori in a temperature-controlled, low-humidity environment. A gun safe is ideal, often with a dehumidifier rod, to prevent rust and wood warping.

Regular cleaning after each shooting session, especially when exposed to moisture or corrosive conditions, will ensure your Browning Citori Grade III Hunter continues to function flawlessly and maintain its pristine appearance for years to come.

Concluding Thoughts: A Legacy in Your Hands

The Browning Citori Grade III Hunter 12 Gauge over/under shotgun, including models identified by UPC 023614073383, is more than just a firearm; it's an investment in a legacy of precision engineering, enduring quality, and unparalleled shooting enjoyment. Whether you are an experienced hunter looking for a reliable companion for your next expedition, a clay target shooter aiming for competitive success, or a discerning collector appreciating fine firearms, the Grade III Hunter offers a compelling combination of performance, aesthetics, and lasting value. It's a shotgun built to perform, built to last, and built to be cherished. This exceptional shotgun, and many other fine firearms, are available through trusted retailers like DEGuns, where expertise meets a commitment to quality.

Product Specifications & Features Summary

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Model	Browning Citori Grade III Hunter	Elevated aesthetics & performance
Gauge	12 Gauge	Versatile for hunting & clay shooting
Barrel Length	28 inches	Optimal balance for swing & sight plane
Action Type	Over/Under Break Action	Reliable, easy to clean, intuitive
Stock/Fore-end	Grade III American Walnut with Checkering	Superior aesthetics, secure grip, ergonomic feel
Choke System	Invector-Plus (Interchangeable)	Customizable patterns for varying distances/targets
Receiver	Low-Profile with Full-Width Hinge Pin	Enhanced durability, reduced muzzle jump
Trigger	Single Selective	Quick follow-up shots, choice of barrel
Ejection	Automatic Ejectors	Fast reloading, efficient spent shell removal
Barrel Tech	Back-Bored Barrels	Improved patterns, reduced felt recoil
UPC	023614073383	Unique product identifier
SKU	4348	Internal inventory code for DEGuns