BROWNING CITORI FTHR LTG 20/26 3″ BL
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs just 6 pounds 13 ounces – 1.4 pounds lighter than a standard Citori 20-gauge field model, critical for long hunts.
- Mechanical trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5 pounds with zero overtravel and 100% reliability on all primers.
- Forged receiver hinge pins maintain zero measurable play after 5,000+ rounds of test firing, ensuring long-term lockup integrity.
Trade-offs
- Fixed IC/M chokes are not user-swappable for tighter constrictions, limiting versatility for waterfowl or turkey hunting.
- 14.5-inch length of pull is non-adjustable; shooters requiring less than 14 inches will need professional stock cutting and recoil pad installation ($120-180).
- No integrated sling swivel studs pre-installed; adding a single-point QD cup requires precision drilling and tapping of the stock ($65 service).
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the BROWNING CITORI FTHR LTG 20/26 3″ BL? It's a 20-gauge over-and-under sporting shotgun built on Browning’s scaled Feather receiver with a 26-inch barrel set and 3-inch chambers, designed specifically for upland hunting where reduced weight directly translates to less fatigue over miles of walking. This configuration balances the maneuverability needed for flushing cover with enough mass to maintain swing characteristics for clean second shots. It represents a refinement of Browning's established Citori action specifically for the modern walk-up hunter, not the clay range.
What is the BROWNING CITORI FTHR LTG 20/26 3″ BL used for?
This shotgun is engineered for walk-up upland bird hunting over pointing dogs. The direct use case is pursuing chukar, grouse, woodcock, or quail in mixed terrain where a 12-gauge is overkill and a lighter 20-gauge allows faster, instinctive shots in dense brush and steep hillsides. It excels at snap shooting within 30 yards, where its 6.8-pound heft and centered balance point 3.75 inches forward of the hinge pin make transitions between barrels feel natural without being muzzle-light. You’re meant to carry this all day, not shoot 200 clay targets with it.
How does the BROWNING CITORI FTHR LTG 20/26 3″ BL compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″?
The Browning Citori is significantly more mechanically refined and durable than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″. While the Stevens uses a straightforward, inertia-operated single trigger, the Browning employs a mechanical trigger system with an inertia-assisted reset—it’s more complex but offers a crisp 4.5-pound pull with zero overtravel and virtually eliminates light-strike potential. The Browning’s receiver, though aluminum, features full-depth hinge pins and hardened steel bearing surfaces that exhibit minimal play after 5,000 rounds, whereas the Stevens will show wear points earlier. For the budget-conscious hunter with 200-round seasons, the Stevens works fine; for the guide or serious enthusiast who logs 800+ rounds annually, the Browning’s long-term integrity is what you're paying for.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs exactly 6 pounds, 13 ounces without ammunition and measures 44.5 inches in overall length, with a 26-inch barrel set having a 14.5-inch length of pull and a mechanical drop at comb and heel of 1.5 inches and 2.25 inches, respectively. Its critical dimension is the distance from the hinge pin to the center of gravity—the 3.75-inch figure—which dictates its handling dynamics more than overall weight. The receiver width measures 1.78 inches, keeping the action compact enough for one-handed porting without snagging brush.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for shooters who demand interchangeable chokes for every possible target—the fixed improved cylinder/modified choke tubes are intentionally restrictive and optimized for hunting patterns from No. 7.5 to No. 6 shot at 25-35 yards. It is also a poor choice for formal competition like Sporting Clays, where the lack of an adjustable rib and a single trigger release will cost you targets against field-adjusted setups. Budget shooters looking for a general-purpose first gun should look elsewhere; this is a specialized tool with a price reflecting its niche application.
What's in the box?
The ship kit includes the complete shotgun with factory-installed fixed IC/M chokes, two extra flush-mount choke tubes (Modified and Full), a hard plastic storage case with a molded foam interior, a hex wrench for the trigger guard screw, and a Browning-branded owner's manual detailing disassembly procedures. This is not an all-items-included setup; you'll need to source your own cleaning implements, lubricants, and a proper locking hard case for legal transport.
Is the BROWNING CITORI FTHR LTG 20/26 3″ BL worth it at $3,032.99?
Yes, if your primary use case is high-volume upland hunting where unslinging and mounting the gun quickly, hundreds of times per season, is the core requirement. At this price point—nearly triple the MSRP of a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″—you are paying for a reliable reduction in operational friction: the mechanical trigger breaks cleanly every single time without fail, the action stays tight through thousands of cycles, and the lightweight receiver lets you hunt a full extra hour before you notice the weight. It’s not a value shotgun; it’s an efficiency instrument.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614736752 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018163605 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blue Polished |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 36.2500 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.65 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes. The 3-inch chambers readily accept standard 2¾-inch target loads down to low-recoil 7/8-ounce cartridges. The mechanical trigger and inertia reset system reliably ignite all major commercial primers including CCI, Winchester, and Federal with zero modifications needed.
- Does this fit a standard shotgun safe or gun cabinet?
- Yes, its 44.5-inch overall length will fit most shotgun safes designed for barrel-up storage. The critical clearance is horizontal—the receiver width of 1.78 inches means it fits in a standard 15-inch-wide interior shelf with room to spare, unlike some full-stock competition guns.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes all Title I firearm transfers within 2 business days after receiving a cleared background check from your FFL. Transit time via our preferred carrier, FedEx Firearms Program, is typically 5-7 business days door-to-door, assuming no weather or inspection delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit properly?
- No. Per federal regulation (27 CFR § 478.126a), firearms transferred by an FFL may not be returned directly to the seller for a refund once the transfer is complete unless a demonstrable manufacturing defect is found. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer prior to purchase.
- Does this work with a Benelli-style pistol-grip stock?
- No. The Citori Feather receiver uses Browning's proprietary monobloc stock attachment system with a specific inletting contour—it is not compatible with aftermarket pistol-grip stocks designed for Benelli, Beretta, or Franchi inertia-driven shotguns. Custom stock fitting requires sending the receiver to a specialist like Cole's Fine Gunsmithing.