The Browning Citori Gran Lightning 12 Gauge 28in 3in Chamber is a field-ready over/under that blends classic looks with modern mechanical upgrades. This shotgun pairs a polished blued finish and engraved receiver with a Grade V/VI American walnut stock, delivering refined handling and reliable function for upland hunting and clay sports.
| Manufacturer | Browning |
|---|---|
| Model | Citori Gran Lightning |
| Material | Grade V/VI American walnut stock, blued steel receiver and barrels |
| Compatibility | 12-gauge shells up to 3-inch (76mm) chamber |
| Finish | Polished blued barrels, high-polish blued receiver with engraving |
| Weight | Approximately 6 lbs 14 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Full-width tapered locking bolt — Why it matters: This transverse-mounted bolt locks the barrels into the receiver with zero play, keeping your point of impact consistent shot after shot, even after heavy use in the field.
- Back-bored, chrome-plated barrels — Why it matters: Back-boring reduces felt recoil and patterns more uniformly, while chrome plating protects the chambers from corrosion and eases cleanup after a wet day in the marsh.
- Mechanical hammer ejectors — Why it matters: Unlike inertia-driven ejectors, these fire positively every time you break the action, tossing empties clear regardless of shell length or load pressure.
- Lightning-style field stock — Why it matters: The slim, rounded pistol grip and straight comb let you mount the gun faster on flushing birds, and the Grade V/VI walnut with deep cut checkering gives you a secure hold in gloved hands.
- Vented rib with front bead — Why it matters: The 28-inch barrels with a ventilated rib reduce mirage and provide a clear sight picture, making it easier to track crossing targets.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the shooter who wants a lightweight, fast-handling over/under for upland hunting, but also appreciates the refined feel of a high-grade stock and engraved receiver. It’s ideal for the tech-savvy early adopter who values traditional craftsmanship with modern reliability upgrades like chrome chambers and back-boring.
Pros/Cons
- Pro: At 6 lbs 14 oz, it’s one of the lightest 28-inch over/unders in its class, reducing fatigue on long walks behind a dog.
- Pro: The chrome-plated chambers and back-bored barrels extend service life and improve pattern consistency with modern steel shot loads.
- Con: The high-polish blued finish requires more careful handling and storage than a matte or Cerakote finish to avoid scratches and rust in wet conditions.
Comparison
| Feature | Browning Citori Gran Lightning | Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I | Winchester 101 Field Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~6 lbs 14 oz | ~6 lbs 10 oz | ~7 lbs 2 oz |
| Chamber | 3-inch | 3-inch | 3-inch |
| Stock Wood Grade | Grade V/VI American walnut | Grade I European walnut | Grade II Turkish walnut |
| Receiver Finish | High-polish blued with engraving | Silver nitride with minimal engraving | Blued with scroll engraving |
| Ejectors | Mechanical hammer ejectors | Inertia-driven ejectors | Inertia-driven ejectors |
| Back-bored Barrels | Yes | No | No |
| Price | $3,529.99 | $2,299.00 | $1,799.00 |
The Gran Lightning sits above the Beretta 686 and Winchester 101 in wood grade and barrel technology, but at a higher price. If you prioritize a lighter swing and mechanical ejectors, the Browning is the better bet. According to Browning specs, the full-width locking bolt system has been proven in field use for over 40 years, with over 1 million Citori shotguns produced since 1973.
FAQ
What chokes come with the Browning Citori Gran Lightning 12 Gauge 28in 3in Chamber?
This model ships with Invector-DS chokes: typically Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Skeet. The Invector-DS system uses a longer tube for consistent patterns and is compatible with steel shot up to full choke.
Does the Citori Gran Lightning have a tang safety?
Yes, it features a manual tang-mounted safety selector that also serves as the barrel selector. Pushing it to the left fires the bottom barrel first; to the right fires the top barrel first. Center position is safe.
Can I use steel shot in the back-bored barrels?
Yes. Per Browning, the chrome-plated chambers and back-bored barrels are fully compatible with steel shot, provided you use the included Invector-DS chokes rated for steel (Full is okay, but avoid extra-full constrictions for steel).
What is the length of pull on the stock?
The standard length of pull is 14 3/8 inches, with a drop at comb of 1 1/2 inches and drop at heel of 2 1/4 inches. The stock includes a thin buttpad for fit adjustment.
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Browse more: Over Under Shotguns | Browning Shotguns | Field Shotguns
Last updated: April 2026
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