Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this ABSOLUTELY IMMACULATE over-and-under shotgun for a penny-start auction; this is the Browning Citori Hunter Grade I!
This Browning Citori is an Early Production Model, manufactured in 1976, within the first five years of production. It is a Citori Hunter Grade I and comes with a unique set of features, including two interchangeable barrels that bear matching serial numbers. The 12-gauge barrels are chambered for both 2 ¾" and 3" shells (serial number 14132A), while the 20-gauge barrels are also chambered for 2 ¾" and 3" shells (serial number 14132B). This early model Citori showcases Browning's commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making it a collectible and highly sought-after piece for enthusiasts.
According to the owner, this Browning Citori is in NEW OLD STOCK (NOS) condition, and upon inspection, there is no evidence to suggest otherwise. The shotgun appears to be in pristine, unused condition, with its original finish and no signs of wear or handling. The owner also mentions that he purchased this shotgun new in the 1970s, and it has been kept in a safe, virtually untouched, ever since. This "safe queen" status adds to its desirability as a rare and well-preserved example from an early production run, making it a highly sought-after collectible.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Browning
Model: Citori Hunter Grade I
Serial: 14132RTJ54
Date of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 ¾" & 3" Chambered with Interchangeable 20 Gauge 2 ¾" & 3" Chambered Barrel
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 30" (12ga Barrel) with Full(Top)/Improved Modified(Bottom) Choke Bore & 28" (20ga Barrel) with Improved Modified(Top & Bottom) Choke Bore Ventilated Ribbed Barrel
Optics/Sights: Silver Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut
Action: Over-and-Under, Top lever Break Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The development of the over-under (O-U) shotgun we know today has had a complex and often contentious history. Prior to the 1950s, double guns were almost exclusively side-by-sides, and the O-U was considered by many to be a novelty or an unproven design. Famous shotgun writers of the era, such as Major Sir Gerald Burrard (author of The Modern Shotgun), dismissed the O-U as a sales gimmick pushed by manufacturers looking for something new. Others criticized the O-U for being more expensive to produce and thought it lacked the desirable handling qualities of the traditional side-by-side. However, by the 1960s, the stack-barrel design began to gain traction, particularly in skeet shooting and game fields. It was during this period that the Browning Superposed, a revolutionary O-U design, put the concept of the over-under on the map. Designed by John M. Browning, the Superposed was Browning’s second shotgun design (the first being the semi-automatic Auto 5), and it became his last invention, worked on throughout the 1920s. Produced from 1927 until 1976, the Superposed’s superior handling qualities and innovative design helped cement the O-U's place in shooting history.
Model: Citori Hunter Grade I
Serial: 14132RTJ54
Date of Manufacture: 1976
Caliber: 12 Gauge 2 ¾" & 3" Chambered with Interchangeable 20 Gauge 2 ¾" & 3" Chambered Barrel
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 30" (12ga Barrel) with Full(Top)/Improved Modified(Bottom) Choke Bore & 28" (20ga Barrel) with Improved Modified(Top & Bottom) Choke Bore Ventilated Ribbed Barrel
Optics/Sights: Silver Bead Front
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut
Action: Over-and-Under, Top lever Break Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The development of the over-under (O-U) shotgun we know today has had a complex and often contentious history. Prior to the 1950s, double guns were almost exclusively side-by-sides, and the O-U was considered by many to be a novelty or an unproven design. Famous shotgun writers of the era, such as Major Sir Gerald Burrard (author of The Modern Shotgun), dismissed the O-U as a sales gimmick pushed by manufacturers looking for something new. Others criticized the O-U for being more expensive to produce and thought it lacked the desirable handling qualities of the traditional side-by-side. However, by the 1960s, the stack-barrel design began to gain traction, particularly in skeet shooting and game fields. It was during this period that the Browning Superposed, a revolutionary O-U design, put the concept of the over-under on the map. Designed by John M. Browning, the Superposed was Browning’s second shotgun design (the first being the semi-automatic Auto 5), and it became his last invention, worked on throughout the 1920s. Produced from 1927 until 1976, the Superposed’s superior handling qualities and innovative design helped cement the O-U's place in shooting history.
Following the discontinuation of the Superposed, Browning faced a gap in their product line, which they sought to fill in 1973 with the launch of the Citori O-U. The Citori was initially described as a “comparatively inexpensive replacement” for the Superposed, but this description hardly does it justice. The Citori was a well-crafted, solid performer in its own right, with high-quality manufacturing standards and a reasonable price that made it immensely popular among enthusiasts. While it was not produced in Belgium like the Superposed, the Citori was built by Miroku Firearms Manufacturing Company in Kochi, Japan, a company well-regarded for its gun-making craftsmanship. Despite initial skepticism about the "Made in Japan" label, the Citori’s quality, features, and performance quickly won over shooters. While the Citori has never been considered "inexpensive," it offers excellent value for money, making it one of the most popular and respected O-U shotguns on the market today. Its wide range of available models continues to serve as a testament to Browning’s legacy and the ongoing appeal of the over-under design.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original America's Finest Browning Sports Equipment two-barrel case and all other original contents as pictured above!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
