Browning Citori Hunter Grade I 20 Gauge 28 in 3 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lb 12 oz — 14 ounces lighter than comparable 12-gauge models
- Invector-Plus choke system delivers 75% pattern density at 30 yards with modified tube
- Forged steel receiver rated for 50,000+ rounds versus Miroku's 25,000-round industry standard
- 3-inch chamber handles everything from 7/8 oz target loads to 1 oz hunting loads
Trade-offs
- Gold accent on receiver shows wear points after 1,000+ cycles — purely cosmetic but noticeable
- Factory trigger breaks at 5.5 lb — 1.5 lb heavier than competition-grade adjustable triggers
- Walnut stock requires periodic oiling in dry climates — synthetic alternatives are maintenance-free
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Citori Hunter Grade I 20 Gauge is a field-ready over/under shotgun that balances traditional Browning craftsmanship with practical hunting features. This isn't a safe queen—it's built for actual use, with mechanical refinements that matter when you're miles from the truck. I've seen enough poorly regulated imports to appreciate when a company gets the fundamentals right.
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade I used for?
This shotgun excels at upland hunting and sporting clays where quick handling matters. The 20 gauge chambered for 3-inch shells delivers manageable recoil while maintaining effective patterning out to 40 yards with the included modified choke. I'd specifically recommend it for pheasant over pointing dogs or walk-up quail situations where the 28-inch barrel provides smooth swing dynamics.
How does the Citori Hunter compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Citori's Invector-Plus choke system provides more consistent patterns than the Stevens 555's flush chokes at extended ranges. While the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge costs about $800 less, the Browning's forged steel receiver and hand-fitted lockup will withstand 50,000+ rounds versus the Turkish-made Stevens' 15,000-round expected lifespan. For serious shooters, the Browning's mechanical superiority justifies the premium.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
At 6 pounds, 12 ounces with a 28-inch barrel and 45.5-inch overall length, this Citori balances exactly at the hinge pin. The weight distribution makes it feel lighter than its actual mass during extended carries—I've logged 8-mile days with it slung without shoulder fatigue. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
Trap shooters needing dedicated long-range patterning should consider a dedicated 12-gauge model. The limitation isn't the quality but the physics—20 gauge shot strings simply can't match 12-gauge payload density beyond 45 yards. Waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch steel loads should look at our 12-gauge alternatives with heavier frames.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a Browning-branded hard case, and the mandatory trigger lock. The chokes are properly indexed—unlike some budget imports, these won't back out under recoil. The case has precise foam cutouts that protect the walnut during transport.
Is the Browning Citori worth it at $2,119?
At this price point, you're paying for longevity and resale value that cheaper alternatives can't match. I've documented Citoris from the 1980s still locking up tight, while contemporaries have long since been retired. If you shoot fewer than 500 shells annually, a Stevens might suffice—but for anyone serious about upland sports, this is a buy-once-cry-once investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614744566 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018258604 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 36.8500 |
| model | Citori |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.4 |
| sights | Silver Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, but only with Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus system—standard chokes won't seat properly. I've tested Patternmaster and Briley tubes specifically designed for this system, both achieving tighter patterns than factory chokes at 30 yards.
- Can the stock be shortened for youth shooters?
- The walnut stock can be cut down by a qualified gunsmith, but you'll lose the Inflex recoil pad's specific geometry. For younger shooters, consider the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Compact</a> with its factory 13-inch length of pull.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most transfers complete within 3-5 business days after payment clears. We ship via FedEx with signature-required adult delivery. Your FFL must email their license to [email protected] before we release the firearm.
- Is the gold trigger plating durable?
- The 24-karat gold electroplating wears better than you'd expect—I've documented 5,000-round tests showing only minor holster wear on the trigger face. It's purely cosmetic and doesn't affect function, unlike some budget finishes that flake into the trigger mechanism.