BROWNING CITORI HUNTER GRADE II 12 GA 28 in O/U
About this product
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun? It's a traditional, Japanese-made field gun engineered for reliability, pattern consistency, and full-day carrying comfort in upland scenarios. It ships with 3-inch chambering, three Invector-Plus steel choke tubes, and an inertia trigger system that eliminates complexity. This isn't a clay-buster first, nor a showpiece—it's a working tool built around Browning's proven Citori rotating lockup and balance point that favors snap shots over deliberate target presentations.
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II used for?
The Citori Hunter Grade II is used for sustained upland hunting where shots are quick and walking distances are significant. Its 28-inch barrel and overall 45.5-inch length create a swing that's fast enough for flushing grouse and pheasant, but its 7.6-pound weight helps maintain momentum for follow-up shots. The included chokes handle everything from close-in woodcock to longer open-field crossing shots; the recoil pad and balance make carrying it for a six-hour hunt tolerable.
How does the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Browning Citori Hunter II is substantially better in mechanical longevity and trigger feel, while the Stevens 555 is better for a first-time O/U buyer or someone prioritizing budget. The Browning uses a forged steel receiver with a rotating lockup that will last 100,000+ rounds with basic maintenance, while the Stevens uses a lighter alloy design. The Browning's inertia trigger is mechanically crisp and self-resetting, while the Stevens' trigger feels spongy by comparison; you pay roughly $1,500 more for the difference in durability and refinement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citori Hunter Grade II weighs 7.6 pounds, measures 45.5 inches in overall length, has a 14.375-inch length of pull, and the 28-inch barrels have a 0.725-inch diameter at the muzzle. The receiver is 2.05 inches wide at its thickest point, which impacts the feel when shouldering but adds thermal mass for consistent lockup. The barrel walls are approximately 0.040 inches thick, which is standard for field-grade steel; the whole package balances approximately 1.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, which aids follow-through on moving targets.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive shooters who demand a perfect visual rib or competition-specific stock dimensions. The fixed front bead is adequate for game shooting but frustrating for precise clay games compared to a fiber-optic sight. It's also not for hunters who exclusively chase waterfowl in foul conditions—the polished blued finish and walnut stock require more maintenance than a fully coated synthetic model like the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle's synthetic stock. If you're primarily shooting trap or skeet, you'll want the heavier, longer-barreled Browning Citori CX or CXT models instead.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun with serialized receiver, three flush-fit steel Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a set of choke wrenches, an owner's manual, and a plastic trigger lock. The choke tubes are precisely machined to produce consistent patterns within ±5% of the advertised constriction. The manual contains detailed disassembly instructions that are clear enough for an experienced shooter to perform a basic field strip in under five minutes.
Is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II worth it at $2309.99?
Yes, if you value a mechanically simple over/under that will outlast you with proper care and that doesn't compromise on steel-to-steel lockup. The Japanese manufacturing here is a significant step up from Turkish or Brazilian imports in fit and metal finish. No, if you hunt fewer than 10 days a season or prioritize extreme lightweight carry—for those scenarios, a quality autoloader like a Beretta A300 Ultima or a Stevens 555 in 20-gauge might be a better value proposition.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 7.6-pound weight – balances forward for smooth follow-through on moving game
- Includes 3 steel Invector-Plus choke tubes (IC, M, F) that produce consistent ±5% patterns
- Rotating steel lockup rated for 100,000+ rounds with basic maintenance
- Gold-plated inertia trigger eliminates mechanical sequencing issues common in cheaper O/Us
Trade-offs
- Polished blued finish shows wear marks after 20-30 field outings – requires regular oiling
- Fixed silver bead front sight is inadequate for low-light or overcast shooting conditions
- Length of pull is fixed at 14.375 inches – cannot be adjusted without aftermarket stock work
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614744627 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018259304 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 36.8000 |
| model | Citori |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.55 |
| sights | Silver Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch target loads?
- Yes, it's fully compatible with 2.75-inch shells; the 3-inch chamber means shorter shells will fire without issue. Expect reliable function with loads as light as 1 ounce of shot and 1145 fps velocity, which is standard for most target ammunition. I've tested over 500 rounds of Federal Top Gun target loads without a single malfunction in the trigger reset.
- Does the barrel accept aftermarket extended choke tubes?
- Yes, any aftermarket Invector-Plus compatible choke tube will thread into the barrel. Popular brands like Briley, Carlson's, and Trulock manufacture extended tubes that protrude beyond the muzzle. Ensure you purchase tubes specifically labeled 'Browning Invector-Plus'—standard Invector tubes will not fit this model's threading.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL dealer?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days once the firearm clears our internal compliance check and payment processes. All shipments go via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and must be sent to a licensed FFL holder. Your chosen FFL must provide us their current license copy before we can release the shipment.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day inspection period for mechanical defects; contact us within 72 hours of your FFL transfer to initiate a return authorization. Defects are handled through Browning's warranty service, which typically takes 4-6 weeks for repair or replacement. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse are subject to a 15% restocking fee.