Rare! Browning Citori Superlight Grade 3, 28 GA 26” O/U Shotgun MFD 1996
SOLD FOR: $3,220.00
WOA#: WY240415EH238
Make: Browning, Mfg. by Miroku
Model: Citori Superlight Grade 3, M73 Code.
Serial Number: 34730NYM73
Year of Manufacture: 1996 NT date code. (https://www.browning.com/support/date-your-firearm/citori-over-under-shotgun.html)
Caliber: 28 Gauge 2 3/4” 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 “34730 M / INVECTOR 26””. The bottom of the monoblock is marked with “NP SP 2 ¾ C”. The right side of the top barrel is marked “SPECIAL STEEL 28GA-2 3/4””. The inside of the forend iron is marked “34730” and the inside of the forend is stamped “B34730”. The top tang, under the lever, is marked with “34730NYM73” and “S U O”. The receiver is fully engraved with fowl scenes and floral patterns. The buttpad is marked “BROWNING”.
Barrel Length: 26” Vent-Rib.
Choke: This Shotgun uses Browning Invector 28 Gauge interchangeable chokes. Currently installed Skeet over Skeet. Also includes Modified, Full, and Improved Cylinder.
Sights / Optics: There is a silver bead at the front of the rib. 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 thin wrist, straight handed grip, straight comb, with a black plastic Browning buttpad. The stock wood shows some scattered minor lines that are only visible at the right angle and a small depression by the upper right side of the receiver. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has very minor wear. The forend is a checkered, rounded, Schnabel style forend, there is no visible wear on the forend. The wood rates in about Excellent overall condition and has a very thin, extremely comfortable wrist and straight grip that comes up very naturally. The furniture also has a beautiful High Gloss finish with extremely attractive wood grain.
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: This shotgun includes, the choke set with wrench, two 28 gauge snap caps, manual, paperwork, and the original box.
Our Assessment: The Browning Citori Superlight with a straight hand stock, Grade Three, in 28 gauge is a finely crafted over/under shotgun. This model is part of Browning’s prestigious Citori line, which is renowned for its quality, reliability, and elegant design. The Citori Superlight is aptly named due to its lightweight construction, which makes it an ideal choice for upland game hunting and extended field use. The reduction in weight is achieved through several design choices, including a slimmer receiver and a narrower, straight hand stock. This not only makes the shotgun easier to carry for long periods but also enhances its maneuverability, allowing for quicker target acquisition and more responsive handling. One of the defining features of this model is its straight hand stock. Unlike the more common pistol grip stock, the straight hand stock offers a more traditional appearance and promotes a more instinctive shooting style. This type of stock is favored by many shooters for its classic look and the ease with which it can be mounted and swung. The stock is crafted from high-grade walnut, known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain patterns. The Grade Three designation indicates a higher quality of wood with more intricate and appealing grain, adding to the overall elegance of the shotgun. The wood is finely checkered to ensure a secure grip and finished to a high gloss, enhancing both its beauty and protection against the elements. The 28 gauge chambering is another highlight of the Citori Superlight. The 28 gauge is revered for its light recoil and excellent balance between power and shot pattern density, making it a favorite among upland bird hunters and sport shooters. It offers sufficient stopping power for small to medium game birds while being gentle on the shoulder, which is particularly beneficial during long shooting sessions. The barrels of the Citori Superlight are 26 inches in length, providing a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy. These barrels are fitted with Browning’s Invector choke system, which allows for easy changing of choke tubes to suit different hunting and shooting conditions. In terms of aesthetics, the Citori Superlight is a work of art. The combination of the beautifully finished walnut stock and the engraved receiver makes this shotgun not only a high-performing tool but also a collector’s item. Whether in the field or on display, the Citori Superlight stands out as a testament to Browning’s legacy of excellence. As this writer is fond of saying about high end shotguns, this is not just a shotgun but truly a work of art that happens to break clays! Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
