Browning Miroku Citori Grade 3 20 GA 28″ O/U Shotgun, MFD 1980
SOLD FOR: $1,900
WOA#: WY240229MD002
Make: Browning, Mfg. by Miroku
Model: Citori Grade 3
Serial Number: 08083PM163
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (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 “08083” along with 1 star over 2 stars. The bottom of the monoblock is marked with “NP SP I”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 20GA-2 3/4” AND 3”-28”. The right side of the lower barrel is stamped “3” and the top is stamped “1”. The right side of the monoblock is stamped “NP”. The inside of the forend iron is marked “08083” and the inside of the forend is stamped “B8083”. The top tang, under the lever, is marked with “08083PM163”. The receiver is engraved with Geese on the left side, a pointer and a ruffed grouse are on the bottom of the receiver, and a pheasant on the right side. The trigger guard, lower tang, trigger guard and lever are also engraved.
Barrel Length: 28” Vent-Rib
Choke: This shotgun has fixed chokes, Full over Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an open top orange fiber optic sight with a white mid bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for the purpose of reducing glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock and fore grip are a two piece configured checkered walnut . The stock is a thin wrist, long tang, pistol grip, fluted straight comb, with a black Decelerator buttpad. The forend is a checkered full finger groove forend. The stock shows some very fine lines, some very small depressions and one small dent on the right side. The forend has too small dents towards the left front side of the rip. The LOP measures approximately 14.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has almost no wear. The checkering is not worn down. The stocks rate in about Very Good to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Coin finished receiver and forend metal, Blued barrels & Gold Toned Trigger.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion and almost no lines. In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There is finish loss where the handguard rubs the bottom barrel. There is a small scratch on the right side of the lower barrel. There is also some rubbing under the safety selector. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear and the pins are clean. Overall, this gun rates in about 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 is a revered line of over-and-under shotguns celebrated for their reliability, durability, and elegant design. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Citori series embodies Browning’s commitment to quality and innovation, making it a popular choice among discerning shooters and collectors alike. The Browning Citori 20 gauge grade 3, represents a versatile shotgun suitable for a variety of shooting disciplines, including upland bird hunting, clay target shooting, and sport shooting. With its 28″ fixed choke barrels, featuring Full over modified constriction, this shotgun offers a balanced combination of tight patterns for longer-range shots and slightly less constriction for closer-range targets. The engraved coin finish receiver adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the shotgun’s appearance. Browning is renowned for its intricate and tasteful engraving work, and the grade 3 is no exception adorned with delicate scrollwork and hunting scenes. This shotgun’s aesthetic appeal sets it apart as a fine example of craftsmanship. Beyond its visual appeal, the Browning Citori grade 3 is built for performance and reliability. The over-and-under configuration provides a low-profile design, facilitating quick and instinctive target acquisition. The shotgun’s boxlock action ensures robustness and durability, while the tang-mounted safety allows for easy operation without compromising shooting dynamics. The 20 gauge chambering of the Citori grade 3 offers reduced recoil compared to larger gauges, making it suitable for shooters of all skill levels and physical statures. Whether used for hunting upland game birds, breaking clay targets on the skeet range, or simply admired for its beauty, the Browning Citori grade 3 exemplifies the marriage of form and function in a high-quality shotgun. In summary, the Browning Citori 20 gauge grade 3 with 28″ fixed choke barrels, full over Modified constriction, and an engraved coin finish receiver, represents a fine example of Browning’s legacy of excellence in shotgun craftsmanship. With its versatile performance, timeless design, and exquisite detailing, it continues to be cherished by shooters and collectors alike.Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
