Browning Citori Target Grade III Skeet .410 O/U 28″ Over/Under Target Shotgun & Case, MFD 1986

Sold For: $1,758.00

LSB#: 170228DD01

Make: Miroku in Japan for Browning

Model: Citori, Grade III Target Long Tang with Fixed Skeet Chokes

Serial Number: 10012PT3F3

Year of Manufacture: 1986

Gauge: .410 Gauge, 2 1/2” Shells

Action Type: Over Under O/U, Top Break, Single Selective Trigger Shotgun with Ejectors

Markings: The left side of the upper barrel is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN JAPAN”. Both chambers are marked “**$” for Skeet, the lower edge has “10012”. The underside of the barrel lug has three Japanese proofs, the right of the upper barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL .410 GAUGE-2 1/2″-28”. The top of the forend bracket is marked “10012”. The flanks of the receiver have beautiful flying game scenes amid fancy scroll engraving, seen again on the forend bracket and receiver components have nice scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 28”, with 0.39″ Wide Ventilated Rib.

Choke: Skeet / Skeet (0.412″)

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red fiber optic in a black base, screw set into the barrel’s rib; the top of the rib is finely matted for glare reduction with a smaller white mid-rib bead.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are Grade III extra fancy burl walnut with a gloss and checkered finish. The beavertail forend shows several dings and mild scrapes. The butt stock has a fluted comb and semi-pistol grip. There is deep marks on the right of the wrist, several gouges are on the comb, a scratch is on the butt of the grip; a few other minor marks are seen in our photographs. The drop at comb is 1 1/2”, the drop at heel is 2”. The LOP measures 14 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the ventilated shotgun-style brown rubber recoil pad. The pad is semi-supple with a few minor marks, it rates in Very Good condition. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue & Satin Gray Coin with Gold Plated & Checkered Wide Trigger

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 90+% of its metal finish. The trigger has indexing rub wear past the gold plating, the underside of the barrel set lug has scrapes. The barrel has a few spots of rubbing and small dings. The rib has thinning to bare metal at some edge portions. The receiver has a few small dings, the metal to metal fit is flush with exacting craftsmanship evident in its build quality. The screw heads are strait. The markings are crisp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun has a single selective trigger and ejectors. The action closes with a satisfying ‘clunk’ indicative of Browning’s products. The shotgun weighs 7lbs 5oz. 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: A beautiful Browning hard case is provided, with faux leather on the exterior, sporting metal corner caps, brown plastic edge liners and white stitching. The exterior has mild marks and scrapes, the metal has patina, the inside is brown faux fur showing compression from storing the shotgun. The case is in about Fine to Excellent condition.

Our Assessment: Browning’s original over/under was the Superposed series, some of the finest hand crafting the world had ever seen was to flow through the factory gates. In 1976 Browning turned to Miroku in Japan to replace Fabrique Nationale as the manufacturer for their Citori line, which, of course is HUGE shoes to fill. We believe their work is on par with any top end gun maker, the wood selection, fine engraved details and stupendous metal fit catches your eye and doesn’t let go. Most of us at the shop have a Citori or three for weekend club matches and taking game in the woods. This is a Grade III Citori, made in 1986, in about Fine Plus condition. Its condition is still high enough to earn it a spot in retirement, but with Skeet over Skeet fixed chokes, it will be hard to keep it away from clays. The hard case will store this gun securely for generations if treated right. One of the best investments you can make is a well-made shotgun, the applications it can cover do not end at the range, you could always defend yourself with it or teach a new shooter how to aim, especially in .410 2 ½”.