1st Year Browning Model Citori GTI G.T.I. Grade I, Blue 28″ Over / Under, Selective Barrel Shotgun, MFD 1989
LSB#: 151215FB13
Make: Miroku in Japan for Browning
Model: Citori GTI
Serial Number: 55717PNP13
Year of Manufacture: 1989 (Blue Book of Gun Values, 28th Edition, Page 412)
Gauge: 12, 2 ¾” Chambers
Action Type: Over / Under, Selective Barrel, Top Break Ejector Shotgun with Removable Chokes
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”, the right side is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 12 GA – 2 ¾ 28”, the left side of the receiver is marked “Gt” with red “I”, the bottom and right side are marked “BROWNING / GTI”, the trigger guard has a red Browning Buck Mark. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “55717 / INVECTOR”, the underside is marked “H” in dotted circle, “SP” in bomb and “NP”. The inside of the forearm wood is marked “55717”, the inside of the metal plate is marked “55717”. The upper tang, covered by the lever, is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 28”, Vented Barrel Set and Rib
Choke: This shotgun comes with two Browning chokes marked “IMP CYL” and “FULL”.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a white bead, screwed into the full length vented rib with a mid-rib white bead. The rib is 0.51” wide with vertical and horizontal serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece matte walnut set. The forend has deeply fluted flanks and checkering on the sides; the forend has scratches and compression marks that are light to moderate depth with some areas of compressed and flattened checkers. The butt stock has checkering on the flanks of the wrist and a strait, fluted comb with smooth flanks. The butt stock has clusters of moderate depth compression marks on the belly and flanks, the wood to metal fit is a tad off at the receiver and there are compressed checkers. The drop at comb is 1 3/8”, the drop at heel is 2 1/8”. The LOP measures 14 3/8” from the front of the checkered gold-colored trigger to the back of the black rubber recoil pad; the pad has a black spacer, both items showing scuffs and indentations. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright with minor scuff wear. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows scuffs and shallow scratches in scattered portions of the metal. There is some thinning on the rib, trigger guard and edges of the frame with expected wear marks from normal use. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition and would rate higher but for the marks in the stocks.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The shotgun features a tang mounted barrel selector and very strong ejectors. The trigger is adjustable fore to aft and provides a wide checkered face for traction. The action closes with the classic Browning solidity one would expect, with no wobble or play in full lockup. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The shotgun comes with two chokes mentioned above in “Chokes”.
Our Assessment: This is a balanced, exceptionally well made first year of production Browning Citori GTI. These shotguns are coveted by owners and feared by competitors for their point of aim and smooth trigger. The 0.51” wide rib has a front and mid rib bead for quick alignment and the action closes with no play. The stocks have compression and scratch marks, the metal finish remains at about 93% and the bores are bright with minimal wear. The current configuration is perfect for upland hunting or sporting clays. Please see our pictures and good luck!
