RARE! Browning Citori Lightning, Grade 3, 20 GA 26″ O/U Shotgun MFD 1992
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
WOA#: WY240415EH250
Make: Browning, Mfg. by Miroku
Model: Citori Lightning Grade 3, 863 Code.
Serial Number: 23047NY863
Year of Manufacture: 1992 NY date code. (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/citori-over-under-shotgun.html)
Caliber: 20 Gauge 2 3/4” and 3” Shells
Action Type: Over Under Shotgun, with Single Selective Inertial Trigger & Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. The left of the monoblock is marked “23047 3 M / INVECTOR”. The bottom of the monoblock is marked with “NP SP 3 5”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 20GA-2 3/4” AND 3”-26””. The inside of the forend iron is marked “23047” and the inside of the forend is stamped “B23047”. The top tang, under the lever, is marked with “23047NY863” and “S U O”. The receiver is fully engraved with fowl scenes and floral patterns. The buttpad is marked “Decelerator”.
Barrel Length: 26” Vent-Rib.
Choke: This Shotgun uses Browning Invector 20 Gauge interchangeable chokes. Currently installed Modified over Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver bead at the front of the rib with a smaller ivory mid bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for the purpose of reducing glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock and forend are a two piece checkered Grade 3 walnut furniture set. The stock is a prince of wales grip, fluted straight comb, with a brown Decelerator buttpad. The stock wood shows some scattered minor lines and marks, the belly of the stock has several small depressions. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14.75” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has very minor wear. The forend is a checkered, rounded, traditional style forend, there is extremely minor wear present on the forend that is only visible in the right lighting with one small depression on the nose. The wood rates in Very Good+ to Excellent overall condition and has a very thin, extremely comfortable wrist and a beautiful High Gloss finish.
Type of Finish: Blued barrels, Coin receiver & Gold Toned Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are perfectly mirror bright with no erosion or lines from use. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 10/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows some rub wear from the forend that is covered when assembled. The balance of the finish shows almost no marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and the pins are clean. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a single selective trigger and ejectors. The barrels lock up solidly. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when engaged manually. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Browning Citori Lightning Grade 3 in 20 gauge with 26-inch barrels is a highly-regarded over/under shotgun, celebrated for its craftsmanship, reliability, and aesthetic appeal. This model is part of the Citori line, which has a reputation for combining traditional design with modern performance features, making it a popular choice among hunters and sport shooters. The Citori Lightning Grade 3 is distinguished by its sleek and elegant design, featuring a coin finished and full engraved steel receiver and blued barrels, which not only enhance its appearance but also provide durability and resistance to the elements. The barrels, measuring 26 inches, offer a balanced feel and are well-suited for a variety of shooting activities, including upland game hunting and clay target sports. One of the key features of the Citori Lightning grade 3 is its high-quality prince of wales style walnut stock and forend. The wood is finely checkered and finished to a high gloss. The Citori Lightning features a single selective trigger, which allows the shooter to choose which barrel to fire first, offering flexibility in different shooting scenarios. The trigger system is crisp and responsive, contributing to the shotgun’s overall accuracy and performance. This model comes equipped with Invector choke tubes, allowing shooters to easily modify the shot pattern to suit various types of game and shooting conditions. Overall, the Browning Citori Lightning Grade 3 in 20 gauge with 26-inch barrels is a versatile and elegant shotgun that offers a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern performance. Its high-quality materials, reliable operation, and well-balanced design make it a favorite among hunters and sport shooters who appreciate both form and function in their firearms. Whether used for hunting upland game or breaking clays at the range, the Citori Lightning delivers consistent performance and a pleasurable shooting experience. As this writer is fond of saying about high end shotguns, this is not just a shotgun but a work of art that happens to break clays! Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
