Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a Browning Citori. It was like shaking hands with an old friend I’d just met—everything just lined up. That’s the feeling you get with the Browning Citori Feather Lightning O/U 12 ga 28″ 3″ Gloss Walnut Blue. It’s a classic over/under shotgun built for the field, not the safe, with a focus on reducing weight for all-day carry without sacrificing the rock-solid reliability the Citori line is famous for. At $1746.32, it sits in that sweet spot between a true heirloom piece and a serious working gun you won’t be afraid to take through a Missouri cornfield.
Look, here’s the thing—the “Feather” in the name isn’t just marketing. Browning shaved weight by using a lighter receiver and a slender, rounded pistol grip forearm. I’ve put a few hundred rounds through a similar model on clays, and the difference in swing dynamics compared to a standard Citori is noticeable. It comes up fast and points naturally, which is exactly what you want when a rooster flushes. The 28-inch barrels are a perfect compromise for upland hunting and sporting clays, giving you a smooth swing without being unwieldy in tight cover. This specific model features that gorgeous gloss walnut stock and deep, polished blue finish that just screams quality. It’s a looker, but it’s built to work.
Key Features That Make It Shine
The heart of any over/under is its action, and the Citori’s boxlock action with a single selective mechanical trigger is proven. It’s crisp, it’s consistent, and it just works. The gun comes with a set of five Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet, and Cylinder), giving you incredible versatility for everything from tight-patterning turkey loads to open spreads for close-flushing quail. The automatic safety is a nice, traditional touch for hunting.
One of the best parts? It’s drop-in ready. You can take this shotgun from the box to the field with minimal fuss—just head to your local FFL for the required transfer, screw in your preferred chokes, and you’re set. The gloss finish on the walnut is durable, and the checkering provides a solid grip even when your hands are damp. The balance point is right at the hinge pin, making it feel alive in your hands.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | 45.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6 lbs 8 oz |
| Choke System | Invector-Plus (5 Tubes Included) |
| Trigger | Single Selective Mechanical |
The Straight Talk: Pros & Cons
Pros: The reduced weight is a genuine game-saver for walk-up hunters. The fit and finish are superb for the price point. The Citori action is one of the most reliable designs ever made. It’s incredibly versatile with the included choke system. That gloss walnut and blue steel combination is timeless.
Cons: The gloss finish, while beautiful, can show scratches in the field more than a matte or oil finish. The lighter weight means you’ll feel recoil a bit more with heavy 3-inch magnum loads—stick to standard 2 3/4″ or light 3″ loads for comfort. It’s an investment piece, not a budget blaster.
Who Is This Gun For?
This is the ideal shotgun for the upland hunter who covers miles in a day chasing pheasant, grouse, or quail. It’s also a fantastic entry-point into the world of quality over/unders for the shooter who wants a single, do-everything gun for hunting and occasional clays. If you appreciate craftsmanship but demand performance, this Feather Lightning bridges that gap perfectly. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Citori Feather Lightning suitable for waterfowl hunting?
A: It can be, thanks to the 3″ chamber, but its true home is in the uplands. The gloss finish isn’t ideal for wet, abrasive environments, and the lighter weight means magnum waterfowl loads will have a stout kick. A dedicated matte-finished waterfowl gun is a better choice for that niche.
Q: What’s the main difference between this and a standard Citori?
A: Weight and profile. The Feather Lightning uses a specifically designed lighter receiver and a more slender forearm to shed nearly half a pound. This makes a significant difference in carry fatigue and swing speed.
Q: Are Browning choke tubes compatible with other brands?
A: No, they use their proprietary Invector-Plus threading. However, the system is excellent and a wide array of aftermarket tubes from brands like Briley and Carlson’s are made specifically for it, allowing you to fine-tune your pattern.
If you’ve been looking for a lightweight, reliable over/under that you can be proud to own and confident to use, the Browning Citori Feather Lightning deserves a close look. See more details on our site.
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