Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 28ga 26in O/U
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 8 oz — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge Citori, reducing fatigue over miles.
- Invector-Plus choke system with 3 included tubes — supports a pattern spread from 15 yards (IC) to 40 yards (F).
- Silver nitride receiver finish — provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard blued steel.
- Inertia trigger system — independent of barrel locking, providing consistent pull over approximately 100,000 cycles before rebuild.
Trade-offs
- No adjustable comb or buttplate — custom fit requires aftermarket gunsmithing (~$300-500).
- Inflex II recoil pad is hard — less effective at dampening 28-gauge recoil than modern sorbothane or gel pads.
- Single silver bead front sight — lacks a mid-rib bead for precise point-of-aim verification on long crossing shots.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 28ga O/U is a field-oriented, over/under shotgun offering a precise upland hunting and target-shooting package with classic Citori handling. It's built on the proven low-profile receiver, chambered in the lighter-recoiling 28 Gauge. This model, with its 26-inch barrels and Grade II American walnut, is a direct evolution of a platform trusted for decades in competitive and hunting circles.
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II used for?
This shotgun is used primarily for upland bird hunting over points or flushes, especially for species like quail, woodcock, or grouse in tight cover. The 28 Gauge offers lighter payloads and lower recoil than a 20-gauge, making it ideal for prolonged, fast-paced hunts where carrying weight and shot string are critical. It's also well-suited to informal sporting clays and field-pattern shooting, where its balanced swing is an asset.
How does the Citori Hunter Grade II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Citori is a more refined, mechanically precise firearm, while the Stevens 555 is a cost-effective entry point. The Browning's inertia trigger system provides crisper, more consistent let-off than the Stevens' mechanical trigger, and the silver nitride receiver is significantly more corrosion-resistant than the basic blued finish on the 555. The Stevens 555 is better for a first-time O/U shooter on a strict budget; the Citori is the better choice for a shooter who requires reliability, fit and finish, and plans for thousands of rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, this shotgun weighs approximately 6 pounds 8 ounces (104.3 ounces). Its overall length is 42.5 inches and the length of pull is standardized at 14 1/8 inches. The 26-inch barrels feature a 10mm vent rib, and the fore-end and buttstock are cut from a single piece of walnut with a thickness of 1.5 inches at the grip. The drop at comb is 1 5/8 inches and drop at heel is 2 1/2 inches.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a hunter whose primary game is waterfowl requiring high-volume 3-inch steel loads, nor for tactical or home-defense applications. It's also not ideal for a budget-conscious first-time shooter who would be better served by a more forgiving, lower-cost platform like a pump-action or a synthetic-stock autoloader. The 28 Gauge itself is not for a shooter who needs maximum downrange energy for turkeys at 40+ yards.
What's in the box?
In the factory cardboard carton, you receive the shotgun with barrels attached, three Invector-Plus flush choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), the choke tube wrench, and a Browning owner's manual. The manual is critical for understanding the maintenance schedule for the inertial trigger mechanism, which requires periodic cleaning at around 5,000-7,500 rounds. No case is included—you'll need to budget for a protective 42-inch hard or soft case.
Is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II worth $2,419.99?
At this price point, it's worth it for a serious upland hunter or clay shooter who values the specific 28-gauge balance and the longevity of Browning's mechanical design. You are paying for the proven receiver geometry, the hand-fitted walnut-to-metal union, and the corrosion-resistant silver nitride finish. If you need a 12-gauge for general-purpose use, a used Browning Citori CX or a new semi-auto offers more versatility for less money. For a dedicated 28-gauge shooter, this is a justifiable investment in a field-grade tool that will last generations with proper care.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614857181 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018259014 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 36.5500 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | Silver Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with extended choke tubes?
- Yes, it accepts any Invector-Plus choke tube on the market. The choke threads are a standard spec. Browning, Carlson's, and Briley all manufacture extended 28-gauge tubes for this system. The included wrenches will not fit extended tubes; you'll need a flat spanner or rubber grip-style wrench.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- No. With 26-inch barrels, the overall length is 42.5 inches. You need a case or scabbard rated for a minimum of 43 inches internal length. A standard 46-inch case will provide adequate clearance, but a 45-inch hard case may be a tight squeeze depending on padding thickness.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipments to FFL dealers from Ironclad Armory typically process within 2-3 business days after payment verification and compliance check. Ground transit typically adds 5-7 business days from our Montana facility to most U.S. destinations. You will receive tracking information via email once the item is with the carrier.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No. Due to federal firearms regulations and the transfer process, this product cannot be returned once the transfer to your FFL is initiated or completed. We strongly recommend handling a Citori at a local retailer before purchasing. We can assist with aftermarket stock adjustment services, but these are at the customer's expense.
- Does this work with a sling?
- Yes, the stock is pre-drilled with a stud for a buttstock sling mount. The fore-end does not have a stud or swivel. A traditional leather or nylon sling will require installation of a barrel-band or stud on the fore-end wood, which should be done by a qualified gunsmith to avoid damaging the finish or wood.