Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 20 Gauge 26″ 3″
About this product
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 20 Gauge? It is a traditionally constructed, field-ready over/under shotgun engineered for reliability and straightforward handling in upland and general sport shooting applications over a 45-inch overall length. Its core appeal lies in a mechanical inertia system and a 6.8-pound weight profile designed for carry, not competition-level adjustments. This specific 20-gauge variant with a 26-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber occupies a deliberate niche between lightweight compact models and heavier 12-gauge platforms.
What is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is used for dynamic, walk-up upland hunting and general field shooting where a balanced, reliable point-and-shoot dynamic is paramount. I deploy it most effectively for ruffed grouse and woodcock in dense cover, where the short 26-inch barrel facilitates quick swings and the 6.8-pound weight is manageable for all-day carry. The Invector-Plus flush choke system allows for immediate patterning from Improved Cylinder for close flushes to Modified for crossing shots at 25-30 yards, without the snag hazard of extended chokes.
How does the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Browning Citori is mechanically superior in trigger feel and long-term durability of its inertia-driven, selective single trigger system, but the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is significantly more cost-effective for a new shooter. The Stevens 555 uses a simpler mechanical trigger and lighter, less dense Turkish walnut, resulting in a more pronounced 'clack' on the sear release and a balance point roughly ¾ of an inch further forward on its comparable 30-inch barrel model. The Browning’s chrome-lined, hand-fitted action and Grade II American walnut stock justify its $1,900+ premium for a shooter who prioritizes a smoother break and a heirloom-quality build over pure budget.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6 pounds, 12.8 ounces (6.8 lbs / 3.08 kg) and measures 45 inches in overall length with a 26-inch barrel. The grip-to-trigger distance, a critical ergonomic measurement for handling, is approximately 14.25 inches from the front trigger to the center of the wrist. With a 3-inch chamber and a 2.75-inch shell loaded, the overall forend-to-butt length adds another 0.15 inches, a negligible difference in handling but crucial for gauging proper shell fit in the magazine.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a clay target competitor seeking a dedicated adjustable-rib, target-specific gun or a suppressor host requiring barrel threading. The fixed, non-adjustable comb and beavertail forend, while excellent for field acquisition, lack the precise, repeatable cheek weld demanded for serious trap or skeet. It is also not for the shooter who exclusively favors synthetic stocks and modular components; the Browning’s value is locked in its traditional walnut-and-steel construction, which offers zero aftermarket rail or accessory mounting points without gunsmithing.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun, three Invector-Plus flush choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a set of Browning-compatible choke wrenches, and a basic polymer hard case with foam inserts. You will not find a detailed owner's manual covering full disassembly for deep cleaning—Browning assumes a competent user or gunsmith for that—nor will you receive lubricant or snap caps, both of which are necessary purchases for proper break-in and dry-fire practice. The included case provides adequate transport protection but is not a long-term, humidity-controlled storage solution like a dedicated safe.
Is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade II worth it at $2359.99?
At $2359.99, it is worth it for the experienced hunter who demands a field-proven, no-compromise mechanical action and appreciates the heirloom-quality materials, but it is a poor value for a first-time shotgun buyer or a budget-conscious recreational shooter. The price point buys you a meticulously hand-fitted action with a smoother opening/closing cycle than any Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge and materials that will develop a superior patina over decades. However, that same capital could purchase a high-quality semi-automatic like a Beretta A300 Outlander with significant ammunition savings left over, making the Citori an investment in tradition and tactile satisfaction over pure utility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Hand-fitted action with a lockup tolerance under 0.002 inches — eliminates the 'bank vault' feel of mass-produced guns.
- Weighs 6.8 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge Citori, reducing carry fatigue over 5+ mile hunts.
- Inertia trigger system cycles 100% with loads from 7/8 oz to 1 1/4 oz without adjustment — no gas system to foul.
Trade-offs
- No adjustable comb or rib — requires a custom stock job ($300-$500) for a precise, repeatable competition cheek weld.
- Chrome-lined chambers can cause extraction stiffness with certain low-brass steel-shot hulls during the initial 200-round break-in.
- Fixed, non-swappable trigger shoe — shooters preferring a flat or wide trigger face must seek aftermarket gunsmithing.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614744658 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018259605 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Silver |
| model | Citori |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.35 |
| sights | Silver Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2 ¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber is fully compatible with standard 2 ¾-inch target and field loads. The inertia trigger system is specifically tuned to cycle reliably with loads as light as 7/8 ounce, a common 20-gauge target load. Use of 2 ¾-inch shells does not affect pattern or point of impact compared to 3-inch shells.
- Does this fit in a standard 48-inch rifle safe case?
- With the barrels detached, yes; as a complete unit, no. The assembled shotgun is 45 inches long, which will fit diagonally in many safes but requires careful planning. For transport in a dedicated 48-inch hard case, you will have approximately 3 inches of clearance lengthwise, but the beavertail forend may require a case with cut foam to avoid compression.
- How long does shipping to an FFL typically take?
- For in-stock items, shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer typically takes 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx Adult Signature Required service. All shipments require a verified, active FFL on file before processing, which can add 24-48 hours to the initial order timeline. Delivery to Alaska, Hawaii, or territories may extend to 7-10 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit or I don't like the trigger?
- No, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, barring a verified manufacturer defect. We strongly recommend handling a Citori at a local dealer to assess fit, length of pull (approximately 14.25 inches), and trigger pull weight (typically 4.5-5.5 lbs) before purchasing. Returns are only accepted for unfulfilled orders prior to shipment.
- Does this work with Carlson's or Briley aftermarket choke tubes?
- It works with any choke tube manufactured to Browning's Invector-Plus thread pattern and length specification. Carlson's Sporting Clays series and Briley Extended chokes in 20-gauge Invector-Plus are direct, drop-in replacements. Do not attempt to use standard Invector (non-Plus) tubes, as they are shorter and will not seat properly, causing a dangerous constriction.