The Browning Citori Hunter represents the quintessential “working man’s” over-and-under shotgun, stripping away excessive ornamentation in favor of robust reliability and field-proven performance. While it belongs to the legendary Citori family—a line that has defined the over-and-under market since 1973—the Hunter grade is specifically designed for the upland enthusiast and waterfowl hunter who demands a high-performance tool that can withstand the rigors of the marsh and the brush.
The Foundation of the Citori Action
At the heart of the Hunter is the world-renowned Citori action. Unlike many modern over-and-unders that use a trunnion-style hinge, the Citori utilizes a full-width transverse hinge pin and a tapered locking bolt.
- Self-Tuning Wear: As the gun is shot over thousands of rounds, the tapered locking bolt seats deeper into the recess. This design ensures that the action actually stays “tight” over decades of use, a hallmark of Browning engineering.
- Chrome-Plated Chambers: To resist the corrosive effects of moisture and carbon, the chambers are chrome-plated, ensuring smooth ejection and long-term durability in wet hunting environments.
Field-Ready Features
The Citori Hunter is distinct from its “Sporting” counterparts due to its streamlined profile and hunt-specific specifications:
- Satin Finish Walnut: The stock and forearm are crafted from Grade I Turkish Walnut with a low-glare satin finish. This prevents sun glint from spooking game while providing a classic, rugged aesthetic.
- Invector-Plus Choke System: The Hunter utilizes the long-tapered Invector-Plus choke tube system. Combined with back-bored barrels, this system reduces shot deformation and produces incredibly consistent, uniform patterns.
- Silver Bead Front Sight: Eschewing bulky fiber optics, the Hunter uses a traditional silver bead that provides a clean, unobstructed sight picture for fast-moving birds.
- Transverse Safety/Selector: The tang-mounted safety also acts as the barrel selector, allowing the hunter to instantly choose which barrel (and which choke) to fire first as a bird flushes.
Weight and Handling
Available in 12, 20, 28 gauge, and .410 bore, the Citori Hunter is balanced to “swing through” targets with natural fluid motion.
- Steel Receiver: The receiver is machined from a solid block of steel and features a blued finish. This provides enough weight to help soak up the recoil of heavy 3-inch magnum hunting loads.
- Inflex Recoil Pad: Browning includes their specialized Inflex recoil pad, which is designed to directionalize the “comb drop” away from the shooter’s face during recoil, significantly increasing comfort during high-volume dove or waterfowl hunts.
Why Choose the Citori Hunter?
The Citori Hunter is the bridge between a delicate heirloom and a rugged field tool. It offers the same mechanical precision as the high-end Citori 725 or Special Sporting models but at a more accessible price point and with a finish meant to be used. For the Canadian hunter seeking an over-and-under that is as reliable in a layout blind as it is in a pheasant field, the Citori Hunter remains the industry benchmark.
