Browning Citori Hunter Grade II .410 Bore 28″ 3″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 11 oz — provides a stable swing for precise shot placement on flushing birds
- Includes 3 steel-shot rated choke tubes (IC, M, F) valued at $75 as a set
- Automatic ejectors reliably clear both spent 3-inch hulls in under 0.5 seconds
- Chrome-plated chambers resist corrosion 3x longer than unplated bores
Trade-offs
- No hard case included — adds $80-$150 for proper storage and transport
- Grade II walnut shows handling marks and dings more readily than synthetic or beater-grade wood
- .410 ammunition costs approximately $1.25 per round for target loads, nearly double the cost of 12-gauge
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Citori Hunter Grade II .410 Bore 28” 3” is a field-grade over/under shotgun engineered for discerning upland hunters who value mechanical elegance and regulatory simplicity. It is a production firearm that avoids the specialized transfer procedures of Title II items like short-barreled shotguns (SBS) or any-weapon configurations, making it a straightforward purchase in all 50 states. Its .410 chambering and 28-inch barrels position it as a refined choice for specific game, not a general-purpose workhorse.
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II .410 used for?
The Citori Hunter .410 is designed exclusively for upland bird hunting on game like quail, dove, and woodcock over pointing dogs. Its 28-inch barrels provide a 42.5-inch overall length, generating a smooth, traditional swing ideal for flushing birds in open cover, while the light .410 bore produces minimal meat damage on small game. This is not a trap, skeet, or waterfowl gun; the low pellet count of .410 shells makes it ineffective for those disciplines.
How does it compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Browning Citori is a mechanically superior and more durable firearm than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410, though it costs over $1,500 more. The Citori’s single selective inertia trigger system and automatic ejectors offer faster, more reliable cycling, while its chromed chambers resist corrosion far better than the Stevens’s bare steel. For a beginner on a tight budget, the Stevens is functional, but for a dedicated hunter who shoots 500+ rounds a season, the Browning’s longevity and smoother action justify the investment.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6 pounds 11 ounces, with a 14 5/8-inch length of pull and 1 1/2-inch drop at comb. The 28-inch barrels contribute to a 42.5-inch overall length and a balance point approximately 4 inches in front of the hinge pin, which gives the gun a slightly muzzle-forward feel that aids in maintaining swing momentum. The 3-inch chamber accepts both 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 shells, offering flexibility with payloads up to 11/16 oz.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a first-time shooter, a waterfowl hunter, or someone seeking a high-capacity defensive firearm. The .410 bore’s limited range and pellet count make it a poor choice for ducks, geese, or turkey beyond 30 yards, and the two-round capacity is irrelevant for home defense compared to a semi-auto like the Stevens 334 rifle. It is also a poor fit for heavy-handed shooters; the Grade II walnut, while durable, will show handling marks faster than a synthetic-stocked beater gun.
What's in the box?
The factory box contains the complete shotgun, three flush-mounted Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a plastic choke tube wrench, and the owner's manual. You will not find a hard case—Browning ships these in a cardboard box with foam inserts—so plan on $80-$150 for a quality aftermarket takedown case. The manual includes specific torque specifications for the stock bolt (35 in-lbs) and forend iron screw (15 in-lbs), which any competent owner should note.
Is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II worth it at $2,367.99?
Yes, if you are an experienced upland hunter who appreciates fine mechanics and plans to use this as a primary gun for a decade or more. You are paying for the Citori’s proven action geometry, corrosion-resistant internal parts, and the hand-fitted walnut-to-metal interface that cheaper Turkish imports lack. At this price point, you are buying a tool that will not hold you back technically and will maintain roughly 60-70% of its value if kept in good condition, unlike many sub-$1,000 shotguns which depreciate rapidly.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614744702 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018259913 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 36.9000 |
| package height | 3.3 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| sights | Silver Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard .410 bore ammunition?
- Yes, it accepts all standard 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 bore shells, both lead and steel shot. The chromed chambers are rated for all commercial pressures, but I recommend avoiding ultra-high-velocity loads above 1,300 fps for prolonged action life. Always check choke tube markings for steel shot compatibility—the included Invector-Plus tubes are all steel-shot rated.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- No, you will need a case designed for takedown shotguns with an overall length of at least 44 inches when broken down. The barrels measure 28 inches, and the stock adds another significant length; a typical rectangular case like a Plano All-Weather 42-inch model will be too short. Measure the longest component (barrels plus forend) which is approximately 30.5 inches.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock items within 1 business day, with transit times of 2-5 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground, depending on your location relative to our warehouse. The total timeline from order to your selected FFL is typically 3-7 business days, not including the FFL's own processing time for the 4473 form, which can add another day.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days, but the firearm must be unfired and in original packaging. For post-purchase mechanical issues, Browning's warranty requires direct shipment to their service center in Arnold, Missouri; expect a 4-6 week turnaround for repair. Always inspect the firearm at your FFL before completing the transfer to note any shipping damage immediately.
- Does this work with a Briley extended choke tube system?
- No, the Citori Hunter uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus choke threads, which are not compatible with Briley's aftermarket thin-wall systems. You can purchase additional Invector-Plus tubes from Browning or brands like Carlson's that license the thread pattern. Installing a non-Invector-Plus tube can damage the barrel threads and void the warranty.