Description
You’ve been hunting for years, maybe with a trusty pump or a semi-auto that’s served you well. But you’re tired of the weight, the bulk, the feeling of lugging a club through the woods. You want something that feels like an extension of your arms—responsive, quick, and light enough that you forget you’re carrying it until a bird flushes. That’s the specific itch the Browning Citori Feather Superlight, Over-Under 16 Ga, 28″, 2.75″, 2rd, Grade III Walnut is designed to scratch. It’s a premium-grade shotgun built for the hunter who prioritizes agility and handling over raw firepower, offering a distinct middle ground between the popular 12 and 20 gauges.
The Browning Citori Feather Superlight is a premium, lightweight over-under shotgun chambered in 16 gauge. It features a 28-inch barrel, handles 2.75-inch shells, has a two-round capacity, and is dressed in a high-grade Grade III walnut stock. Designed for fast handling in the field, it balances reduced weight with the proven reliability of the Citori action.
Let’s talk about the core value proposition. At a price point of $2189.25, this isn’t an impulse buy—it’s an investment in a specific hunting experience. You’re paying for Browning’s legendary fit and finish, but more importantly, you’re buying into the 16-gauge’s unique ballistics and the Feather Superlight’s specific construction. The 16-gauge throws a payload that splits the difference between a 20 and a 12, offering more punch than the former with less recoil and weight than the latter. It’s the classic “goldilocks” gauge, and this gun is built to showcase its advantages.
The “Feather Superlight” name isn’t just marketing. Browning shaves weight through a carefully sculpted receiver and lighter-weight components. When you pick it up, the difference is immediate compared to a standard 12-gauge over-under. This translates directly to less fatigue on long walks and a faster, more instinctual swing on crossing shots. The 28-inch barrel length is the sweet spot for this gauge, providing a smooth swing plane without becoming unwieldy in thick cover. The Grade III walnut stock isn’t just for show; it provides a durable and handsome foundation that fits out of the box for most shooters, requiring no immediate gunsmithing for a proper fit and mount.
Here’s the thing—you’re getting the robust, time-tested Citori action. This isn’t a simplified budget action; it’s the same core design found on models costing thousands more. It features a full-width hinge pin, a locking system that engages at the bite of the monoblock, and selective mechanical triggers. This reliability is non-negotiable. The gun comes with a set of Invector-Plus choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder and Modified), giving you flexibility for different game and ranges without needing to buy aftermarket tubes from brands like Briley or Carlson’s right away.
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Chamber | 2.75″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Stock | Grade III Walnut |
| Chokes | Invector-Plus (IC & Mod Included) |
Pros: Exceptional weight-to-reliability ratio. The 16-gauge offers a fantastic balance of power and shootability. You get high-grade wood and proven Browning craftsmanship at a price below many comparable custom-grade guns. The handling is swift and intuitive, perfect for upland birds.
Cons: Ammunition cost and variety for 16 gauge is higher and less common than for 12 or 20 gauge, though still readily available online and at larger retailers. The two-shell capacity is a legal and design standard for over-unders but a limitation for some high-volume shooters. It’s a specialized tool, not a do-everything shotgun.
So who is this for? It’s for the dedicated upland hunter—the pheasant, grouse, or woodcock enthusiast—who covers miles of ground and values a fast, lively gun above all else. It’s for the shooter who appreciates the nostalgia and performance of the 16-gauge and wants a modern, high-quality platform for it. It’s also a brilliant choice for a smaller-framed shooter or anyone sensitive to recoil who still wants effective field performance. This gun is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 16-gauge ammo hard to find?
A: Not really, but you need to plan ahead. You won’t find the same wall of options as 12-gauge at a small-town gas station, but major sporting goods stores, farm co-ops, and online retailers consistently stock target, field, and hunting loads. It’s more available than you might think.
Q: How much lighter is it than a standard Citori?
A: While exact weights vary, the Feather Superlight models are typically 6.5 to 7.5 pounds, compared to a standard 12-gauge Citori which can be over 8 pounds. That 0.5 to 1.5 pound difference is very noticeable after carrying it all day and during quick mount-and-shoot scenarios.
Q: Can this gun handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: Yes, but with important caveats. The Invector-Plus choke tubes are steel-shot rated. However, the 2.75″ chamber and 16-gauge payload make it less than ideal for modern waterfowl hunting where longer shots and high-volume 3″ magnum loads are common. It’s legally compliant for waterfowl with non-toxic shot, but it’s truly designed as an upland and field gun.
If a lightweight, fast-handling over-under that doesn’t sacrifice build quality for its reduced weight sounds like the missing piece in your gear collection, this Browning Citori Feather Superlight deserves a close look. Check current availability and pricing.
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