Description
Picture this: you’re walking a cut soybean field in late October, the sun just starting to warm the air. A covey of quail flushes, not as a tight group, but scattered and fast. You pick one bird, swing through, and the shot feels… effortless. The gun comes up like an extension of your thought, not a piece of machinery. That’s the experience the Browning Citori Lightning Feather Combo O/U 20/28ga 27″ Walnut Blued is built for. It’s not just a shotgun; it’s a specific tool for a specific, refined kind of shooting pleasure.
So, what is it? The Browning Citori Lightning Feather Combo is a premium, dual-gauge over/under shotgun set. You get two complete barrel sets—a 20-gauge and a 28-gauge—both 27 inches long, mated to a single, scaled receiver and walnut stock. This setup, priced at $2872.07, delivers the versatility of two specialized guns with the consistent fit and feel of one. It’s the answer for the shooter who values a light, fast-handling field gun for everything from doves and quail to late-season woodcock.
I’ve put a few flats of shells through various Citori Feather models, and the first thing you notice is the balance. Browning didn’t just make a light gun; they made a balanced light gun. The scaled receiver, specific to these smaller gauges, shaves weight where it matters most—right between your hands. The 27-inch barrels keep the swing smooth and prevent the gun from feeling whippy. The result is a pointing instrument that feels alive in your hands, not a club you have to muscle onto target. The satin-finished walnut stock is typically well-fitted, with decent figure for a production gun, and it fits out of the box for a vast majority of shooters. No gunsmithing required to start breaking clays or chasing birds.
The heart of any Citori is its action. The Lightning Feather uses Browning’s proven single selective mechanical trigger and automatic ejectors. The action locks up tight with that satisfying click Browning is known for. The 28-gauge tubes, in particular, are a joy. They throw a dense, effective pattern with modern loads, making them brutally efficient on small game while offering incredibly mild recoil. Here’s the thing—swapping barrels is a simple, one-wrench operation. You go from a 20-gauge for early-season doves over sunflowers to a 28-gauge for tight-cover grouse in under a minute, all while maintaining an identical mount and sight picture.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 & 28 (Dual Barrel Set) |
| Barrel Length | 27″ (Both Sets) |
| Chokes | Invector-DS (Includes 5 Chokes Total) |
| Overall Length | Approx. 44.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6 lbs 2 oz (28ga) / 6 lbs 6 oz (20ga) |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Satin Walnut Stock |
Pros & Cons
The Good: Exceptional versatility in one package. The scaled frame and 27-inch barrels create near-perfect field balance. Fit and finish are top-tier for its price point. Recoil is minimal, especially with the 28-gauge. The single trigger and ejectors are reliable and smooth.
The Considerations: It’s an investment—this is a premium field tool. The 28-gauge ammunition, while more available than ever, still costs more than 20-gauge target loads. It’s a pure hunting gun; competitive clay shooters might want longer barrels or a different rib.
Who is this for? This combo is for the discerning upland hunter or casual clay shooter who prioritizes handling over raw firepower. It’s for the Missouri hunter chasing preserves quail or Iowa roosters who wants a lighter carry by afternoon. It’s also an ideal introduction to small-gauge shooting—the 28-gauge barrel teaches precision without punishing your shoulder. If your shotgun safe needs a versatile, heirloom-quality field gun that covers 90% of non-waterfowl hunting, this is a compelling candidate. This specific model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the receiver truly smaller than a standard 20-gauge Citori?
A: Yes. Browning uses a specific, scaled-down receiver for the 20/28-gauge Feather models. This isn’t a 12-gauge frame bored out; it’s designed from the start to be lighter and better balanced for the smaller gauges, which is a key part of its magic.
Q: What chokes are included?
A: The combo typically includes a set of Invector-DS choke tubes. You’ll usually get Improved Cylinder and Modified for the 20-gauge, and Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full for the 28-gauge. This covers every realistic field and sporting clays scenario for these gauges.
Q: Can I use 3-inch shells in the 20-gauge barrel?
A: No. The Lightning Feather 20-gauge barrel is chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells only. This is a deliberate choice to keep the barrel walls strong yet light, and it aligns with the gun’s purpose as a fast-handling gun for standard field loads. For longer chambers, you’d look at a different Citori model.
If the idea of a single, exquisitely balanced shotgun that transforms between two of the sweetest-shooting gauges available speaks to you, we should talk. You can find the full details on this Browning Citori Lightning Feather Combo on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.