Browning Citori: One of 2019's Top Over-Under Shotguns

by
posted on July 25, 2020
browning-lightning.jpg

Browning introduced the Citori in 1971, the fifth generation of John M. Browning’s famed B-25 Superposed, which rolled out in 1931 and grew to become the first over-under shotgun to gain favor with shooting enthusiasts. Models were produced by the factory until 1986 and today you can still buy a new one, although purchases must be made through Browning International’s Custom Shop.

Before you order, though, take a close look at the current Citori Lightning lineup. They have many of the same features that made the original family member a classic, and are still handcrafted, not mass produced.

The numbers indicate you’ll not be alone if you decide the modern iteration is more to your liking. The 725 version of the Citori may have been the number one over-under shotgun in 2019, but the Lightning models have ranked No. 3 in GunBroker.com’s annual sales rankings for the past three years.

There are three Lightning models currently available; White Lightning, Feather Lightning and Gran Lightning. MSRPs are, respectively, $2,669.99 to $2,739.99, $2,869,99 and $3,329.99 to $3,399.99. This branch of the Citori line gets its name from the rounded pistol grip, designed to speed the gun to the shoulder for those “lightning” fast birds. Each feature impeccable checkering and engraving, but the versions differ slightly in looks and features.

The Gran model is available in 12, 20 and 28 gauges, as well as .410 bore. Barrel lengths are either 26 or 28 inches and each feature the Invector-Plus Extended choke system. Three extended Midas-grade chokes are included. All chamber 3-inch shotshells, with the exception of the 28-gauge version, which digests 2 3/4-inch ammo.

The Feather comes in 12 and 20 gauge, with barrels of 26 or 28 inches in both chamberings. The big difference with this one is in the weight savings provided by its high-strength alloy receiver.

The metal on the White’s receiver is not blued, color case-hardened or colored in any way. It’s a special look and is available in the same chamberings, barrel lengths as the Gran.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.