Browning Citori Gran Lightning .410 Bore 28-inch Over/Under
About this product
The Browning Citori Gran Lightning .410 Bore 28-inch Over/Under is a premium over/under shotgun designed for upland hunting and sporting clays with traditional aesthetics and mechanical precision. It features a high-polish blued engraved receiver, Grade V/VI American black walnut furniture, and 28-inch back-bored vent rib barrels with 3-inch chambers. This model includes three Invector Midas choke tubes for patterning flexibility across common field loads.
What is the Browning Citori Gran Lightning .410 Bore 28-inch Over/Under used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland bird hunting and sporting clays where light recoil and precise patterning matter. Its 7-pound weight balances well for extended carries in the field, while the .410 bore delivers manageable recoil for shooters transitioning from larger gauges. The 28-inch barrels provide smooth swing dynamics ideal for crossing targets and fast-acquisition shots.
How does the Browning Citori Gran Lightning compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in?
The Browning outperforms the Stevens 555 in fit, finish, and choke system precision, with its Invector Midas tubes offering tighter constriction control than the Stevens' flush chokes. However, the Stevens 555 costs $1,200 less, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious shooters who still want a reliable .410 over/under. For engraving quality, walnut grade, and long-term durability, the Browning justifies its higher price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds exactly unloaded and measures 45 inches in overall length with 28-inch barrels. The stock length of pull is 14 ⅜ inches, and the chambers are 3 inches long—critical for handling standard .410 shells without modification. The back-bored barrel diameter is 0.410 inches, which reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to non-back-bored alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for waterfowl hunters requiring steel shot compatibility or high-volume shooters needing quick barrel cooling. The .410 bore lacks the energy for consistent clean kills beyond 35 yards, making it ineffective for turkey or deer hunting in most states. Additionally, the high-polish finish and engraved receiver require meticulous maintenance to prevent corrosion in wet environments.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Invector Midas choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a Browning-branded hard case, and owner's manual. The chokes are threaded for easy swaps and include a wrench—unlike some competitors that ship only one tube. The case interior is foam-lined with cutouts for the disassembled firearm, ensuring protection during transport.
Is the Browning Citori Gran Lightning worth it at $3,683.99?
Yes, if you value heirloom-quality craftsmanship, precise choke systems, and reduced recoil for extended shooting sessions. The investment buys you a lifetime-grade firearm with resale value retention superior to mass-produced models like the Stevens 555. For casual shooters or those on a tight budget, consider our guide on selecting your first over/under for alternatives under $2,000.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lbs 0 oz—1.5 lbs lighter than most 12-gauge over/unders for reduced fatigue
- Includes 3 Invector Midas choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) for instant patterning flexibility
- 28-inch back-bored barrels reduce recoil by 15% compared to standard .410 bores
- Grade V/VI walnut stock resists warping in humidity up to 80% RH
Trade-offs
- High-polish blued finish requires waxing every 20 rounds to prevent fingerprint corrosion
- .410 bore limits effective range to 35 yards—inadequate for turkey or deer in most regions
- No sling swivels pre-installed—adds $40 for professional mounting and threading
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614737520 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018117913 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 38.4000 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | Ivory Bead Front/Mid-Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.5-inch .410 shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chambers safely fire 2.5-inch shells without issues. Expect slightly reduced velocity—around 1,050 fps versus 1,200 fps with 3-inch loads—but patterning remains consistent within 25 yards.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No, the overall length of 45 inches requires a case with internal dimensions of at least 46 inches to accommodate disassembly. We recommend Browning's proprietary case or a Pelican 1750 for optimal protection.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process within 3 business days after documentation verification. Shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight adds 1 day, so expect delivery in 4-5 business days total from order confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final due to ATF regulations, unless the item is defective. We recommend consulting our stock fit guide or visiting a local FFL for handling before purchase.
- Does this work with Carlson's Cremator chokes?
- No, it only accepts Browning Invector Midas chokes. Aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson require Invector-Plus threading, which isn't compatible with this model's choke system.