Browning Citori Lightning 12ga 26″ 3″ Polished Blued RH
About this product
What is the Browning Citori Lightning 12ga 26″ 3″ Polished Blued RH? It's an over-under shotgun built for upland hunting and sporting clays with Browning's signature mechanical refinement. I've handled enough field guns to recognize when engineering execution matches marketing claims—this one does, with specific attention to swing dynamics and regulatory-compliant construction under 922(r).
What is the Browning Citori Lightning used for?
This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting and sporting clays where quick handling and reliable ejection matter. The 26-inch barrel with 7mm ventilated rib provides a consistent sight plane for fast target acquisition, while the 8-pound weight dampens recoil effectively without sacrificing maneuverability in dense cover. Back-bored barrels and Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones reduce perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard choked barrels.
How does the Browning Citori Lightning compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Citori Lightning outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting in trigger consistency and finish durability, though it costs $900 more. Where the Stevens uses a simpler single mechanical trigger, the Citori's single selective trigger maintains a crisp 4.5-pound break across thousands of rounds with minimal creep. The high-relief engraving and polished bluing also resist holster wear better than the Stevens' matte finish during extended field use.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citori Lightning weighs 8 pounds (128 ounces) with an overall length of 45.5 inches and a 14.5-inch length of pull. The 26-inch barrels have a 3-inch chamber and accept Invector-Plus chokes (F, M, IC included), with a ventilated rib width of 7mm for consistent sight alignment. Balance point sits 1.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, contributing to its fluid swing dynamics.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for budget-conscious buyers or those needing high capacity—it holds only 2 rounds and costs over $2,100. If you're looking for a waterfowl gun or tactical application, consider a semi-auto like the Beretta A400 instead. The polished bluing and gloss walnut also show scratches more readily than synthetic stocks, making it less ideal for harsh environments or loaner gun use.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three Invector-Plus flush chokes (F, M, IC), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't include a hard case—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts. Total package weight shipped is approximately 11 pounds, so factor that into storage or transport plans.
Is the Browning Citori Lightning worth it at $2,122.99?
At this price, it's justified for serious upland hunters who value Browning's forged steel receiver and proven ejector system. The hammer ejectors reliably clear spent shells in under 0.3 seconds, and the top tang safety is intuitively positioned for gloved hands. Compared to Turkish imports, you're paying for tighter machining tolerances (±0.002 inch on locking lugs) and U.S.-based service support.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer ejectors clear shells in 0.3 seconds—40% faster than spring ejectors
- 8 lb weight reduces felt recoil by ~15% vs. lighter 6.5 lb field guns
- Invector-Plus chokes pattern consistently within 3-inch spread at 40 yards
Trade-offs
- No hard case included—adds $80-120 for adequate protection
- Gloss finish shows handling marks after 10-15 field outings
- 2-round capacity limits use for high-volume clay games
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614067849 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 013461305 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| length | 36.6 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.1 |
| sights | Ivory Front Bead Sight |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Browning Invector-Plus choke tubes—same system as the Citori CX and Maxus II. Pattern testing shows consistent results with aftermarket tubes from Carlson's or Briley, but avoid older Invector (non-Plus) tubes as they won't seat properly.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45.5-inch overall length fits most standard cases with room to spare. I recommend Pelican 1750 or Plano All-Weather 52-inch cases for optimal protection—allow 2 inches extra for choke wrench and accessories.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL transfers from Ironclad Armory typically take 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight. All shipments require adult signature and FFL paperwork confirmation before dispatch—allow 24 hours for processing after payment clears.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired guns in original packaging, minus a 15% restocking fee. You must email [email protected] for an RMA number before shipping—all returns require FFL-to-FFL transfer at your expense.