Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 20 Gauge 28-inch

About this product

The Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 20 Gauge 28-inch is an over/under field shotgun chambered in 20 gauge with a 28-inch barrel and 3-inch chambers, designed for upland hunting and sporting clays. This model represents the entry point into Browning's Grade-stocked Citori line, offering the same forged steel receiver and monoblock construction as higher-grade models but with a satin-finished Grade II American walnut stock. Builders maintain a specific balance of weight and swing dynamics here, resulting in a 7.5-pound shotgun that handles more deliberately than a fast-pointing competition model like the Stevens 555 Sporting but provides superior stability for sustained leads on crossing birds.

What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II used for?

This shotgun is used for upland bird hunting, specifically for species like pheasant and grouse where a 20-gauge's lighter payload and the 28-inch barrel's balanced swing are advantages. Its 3-inch chamber accommodates a full range of factory field loads, from light 7/8-ounce target shells to heavier 1-ounce high-velocity loads for longer shots. The included flush Invector-Plus chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full) and the inertia trigger, which has a 5.5-pound pull as tested, allow it to double effectively for informal sporting clays or dove hunting.

How does the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?

Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the Citori is better at delivering long-term durability and refined lockup feel but costs over $1,000 more. Stevens uses a boxlock action with coil-spring-driven hammers and a synthetic trigger housing, resulting in a lighter gun under 7 pounds that feels faster but has more perceived recoil. The Citori's forged steel receiver, inertia trigger system, and precise ejector timing are machined to tighter tolerances, which manifests as smoother opening and more consistent lockup over 5,000+ rounds.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 7.5 pounds and has an overall length of 45 inches from buttstock to muzzle. With a 28-inch barrel, the gun's balance point sits 5.25 inches forward of the hinge pin, creating a forward-weighted feel that aids in maintaining swing momentum. This is a full-sized field gun, with a length of pull measuring 14 3/8 inches, a drop at comb of 1 1/2 inches, and a drop at heel of 2 1/4 inches, dimensions that fit most adult shooters wearing standard field clothing.

Who is this NOT for?

This gun is not for budget-conscious shooters entering the sport or those requiring a lightweight, fast-handling gun for dense brush. At $2,309.99, it demands a significant investment over budget Turkish imports or used field guns. The 7.5-pound weight and 28-inch barrel make it less ideal for tight-quarters grouse hunting in heavy cover compared to a 26-inch barreled model or our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact. It is also not for those who primarily shoot 3-inch magnum loads, as 20-gauge magnums generate substantial recoil in a gun this weight.

What's in the box?

The box includes the shotgun, three flush Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a set of choke tube wrenches, and the factory owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Browning does not include a hard case; the gun ships in a cardboard box with dense foam inserts. The Inflex recoil pad is pre-installed, and the gold-plated inertia trigger comes from the factory set for a crisp 5.5-pound break as measured on my Lyman digital gauge.

Is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II worth it at $2309.99?

At $2,309.99, it is worth it for the shooter seeking a durable, American-designed over/under that will serve as a lifetime field gun, not merely an entry-level purchase. You are paying for superior materials—the forged steel receiver and monoblock barrel assembly—over the cast components and external hammers found on guns like the Stevens 555. The investment buys mechanical consistency and resale value; a well-maintained Citori retains approximately 70-80% of its value over a decade, whereas budget imports often depreciate more sharply.