Home Forums Reloading 16 Gauge Society 2021 Browning O/U 16s _ Updated

Got a heads-up that Browning will be offering the White Lightning and Gran Lightning as SHOT Show Special Firearms. If so, and you can't see yourself living without one, you might want to give your LGS a shout and get one ordered.

Added: Also models called the Citori Hunter Grade I and Grade II will be offered in 16ga. My understanding is that these models are similar in every respect but lack the round knob on the pistol grip. The Grade I will be a blued receiver with the word "Hunter" in gold inlay on it; the Grade II will be the silver nitride finished receiver with the same "Hunter" gold inlay.

How about this: STRAIGHT INTO MY VEINS

https://browning.com/products/firea...gh-grade-hunter-maple-sweet-sixteen.html

Or This: https://browning.com/products/firea...lability/a5-lightning-sweet-sixteen.html

I'm going to have to call a doctor...this will take more than four hours. Beautiful shotguns

I gotta have one !

Browning rep was at the LGS. My Citori Hunter Gr I, 16ga is on order.

I have laid awake deciding between maple and the Prince of Wales grip...why do i have to choose?

Did he give you a time frame ?

Get both !!
Your welcome !!!

16ga's aren't shipping until the 3rd quarter of 2021 (Hunter, White Lightning, or Gran Lightning). Not sure what the shipping schedule is for the others.

I ordered one from Bud's in Feb 2018. Had the butt plate cut to a straight line and added a 1" pad to it. Now fits me much better and I actually do pretty good on clays with it. Mine is the white lightning and got lucky on some nice wood. I'll probably carry it a bit more next year for birds. At that time with a $200 rebate I got it for $1446. 28" barrels.

How much are they going for? I’m interested.

MSRP is 1999, street price will likely be in the $1800 ballpark. 28ga and 410, slightly higher.

As much as I wanted browning to come out with a auto, it must be on its own frame or a 20 ga frame. That's where Remington screws up.. friend bought on when Remington came back out with it. On a 12 frame. Like shooting a bench rest heavy bl on moving squirrels.
Never cared for the humpback races either..

I bought one new, a 16 ga. Superlight (steel receiver) with 28” barrels, in 2015. Really like the gun, truly scaled to the 16 ga.

Like all Browning guns I know of today, it is made my Miroku. They do superb work.

New Browning O/U's are little more than old stock in a new suit.....Citori A, Citori AB, Citori XS.....They reinvent the Citori on an almost annual basis..... I'll look at Browning when they come out with a decent SxS that isn't more fitting for a boat anchor....Until then they have nothing that interests me..

GF1:

What does your Superlight weigh? I'm looking for a modern 16 gauge double or O/U, but I want it to come in under 6-1/2 pounds.

Thanks.

Rem

GF1:

What does your Superlight weigh? I'm looking for a modern 16 gauge double or O/U, but I want it to come in under 6-1/2 pounds.

Thanks.

Rem

Rem, my Superlight weighs 6# 12 oz, with Browning’s flush choke tubes. In some of the previous runs of these guns, they made some with alloy receivers, designated “Feather” along with the model. These are significantly lighter, but I find the dynamics atrocious.

I find the dynamics of this gun suits me just right, slight weight forward bias.

If you need a 16 gauge that comes in at 6 1/2#, consider a field grade Winchester Model 12 with plain barrel. Mine, with 28” modified choke barrel weighs 6 1/2# on the nose. It’s my favorite chukar gun.

Double: 6 pounds 4 ounces...and AyA is recognized world wide for quality.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...s/aya-4-53-16-gauge.cfm?gun_id=101526759

Forgot about the Feathers....Have handled a couple Browning Feathers and found them well balanced

Then there is the Browning...still hand made in Belgium offerings....where for a price you can pretty much get what you want.

WiFowler, any updates on shipping of your Browning Boatanchor (per Battue)? I ordered one but my shop can’t give me any idea what the shipping date is.

I checked out Battue’s AYA referenced SxS, it was really nice but just a little too speedy. I also saw a Winchester model 21 in GunsAmerica that was a beauty for a mere $6,995. I’ll stick to my Browning when it comes.

On the Browning 16s, the chokes I have and those in the hands of others I know are significantly mismarked. For example, mine measure: I/C = .006” (about right); M = .010” (pretty loose); F = .042” (way over choked).

Performance of the more open chokes is about what I expect from those constrictions. Briley and others will happily sell you others to fill in the gaps.

Misread what I meant....the boatancher comment was in reference to a SxS, if they ever make another..Their discontinued SxS Sidelock was a jewel....the BSS Models unnecessarily heavy...although they did make a European market only BSS that was much better...

I find little wrong with most Browning O/U...with the exception I don’t need one and they do little with the Citori than to put it into a different suit on a regular basis.

Really like the 20 Gauges, the Superposed and a well made B25...friend has a Belgium made Browning O/U 12 gauge that is a saber as far as weight and balance.

I was told "shipping 3rd quarter". I'd hope it would be sooner. But, as my late grandmother always said, "good things come to those that wait."

My 20 gauge BSS boat anchor (28”) at 6.5 pounds weighs about 1/2 pound less than the 16 gauge Citori I had. In reality, neither are boat anchors.

Mine was a 12Gauge, 26inch and was much closer to 8 pounds than 7. Also had a 12 28 inch BSS made for the European market that was lighter. Nor did I say the 16 Citori was a boat anchor...

I’ve read somewhere that the early Browning o/u’s were blocky and not very ergonomic, but they improved over time. I hope the new Citoris aren’t like my buddies Baikal.

I'll have to agree that early Citoris were 'blocky'. Not having handled one in some time, that was a major concern before I ordered the new Citori Hunter. Had hoped to handle one at SHOT, but that didn't happen. Spoke at length with a couple of Browning factory reps before I ordered and expressed this concern. I was told multiple times that the Hunter is not like the "old Citoriis". I was told to expect a stock with a feel very much like the 725 Field but w/o a palm swell, or a Lightning w/o the round knob. I was told to expect a forend very similar to the 725 Field (sans Schnobel) or the current White Lightning. The reps were very confident in their assessment and description, which lead me to order the Citoir Hunter Grade I, 16ga. We'll see if everything plays out when I get it in my hands later this year (shipping 3qtr).

Update: As luck would have it, the LGS received a Gr I Hunter and Gr II Hunter, both in 12ga, today. Took the opportunity to handle/fondle both (1, 26", the other 28"). In short I'll say this, the new Hunter is somewhere between an old, blocky Citori and a Lightning. The grip area of the stock and forend are a tad thicker than the Lightning. The forend, for sure, is nowhere near as bulky as the old Citoris. I'm on the fence as to whether I like the stock or not. All this said, these were 12ga models. Potentially the 16ga stock and forend will be slightly trimmer.

In the FWIW column, the Gr I was priced at $1709; the Gr II at $1879.

The heading said 2021 Browning O/U. To bad. I was hoping for a pic of a 2021 o/u 16 ga.

I had a 16 ga Citori Grand Lightning. 28" barrels, beautiful blueing and wood. I shot it well but did not like to carry it for a hunting gun as it was bulky and a tad heavy. My AYA #2 RA (rounded action) with twin triggers, straight grip stock and 28" barrels carries so much better and is likely near a half a pound lighter than the Browning...but don't have specs on the Browning around anymore. Anyway, bought the Browning used, but like brand new in box with several flats of 16 ga ammo. Shot all the ammo over the years and sold the Browning to Cabelas when I moved to Canada for $600 more than I paid for the gun with the ammo several years earlier.

I have an original 16 citori 1987 . First year they came out lightning grip 26 inch barrels beautiful wood 6 lbs 8 ounces on the money. Went through 2 labs and a bu ch of pheasants gun has been from. iowa to Montana. Lots of memory in that gun. Reflex memory is automatic I shot that gun so much

Talked to the LGS yesterday. My 16ga Grade 1 Hunter is scheduled to ship on/about Aug 29.

LGS called today and said the Citori Hunter, Gr I, 16ga I had ordered came in.

First impression - nice wood, physically a little heavier than expected (7# 2oz vs the advertised 6# 13oz), but the balance is pretty decent the added weight isn't that noticeable - to me. Grip/wrist is thinner than the 'standard' Citori's, but not as thin as the Lightning versions - new and old. I was hoping for a Lightning-like grip/wrist . . . .

Had the chance to compare the Browning to a F.A.I.R SLX600 16ga that was on the shelf. The F.A.I.R. was a easily a pound lighter and the grip/wrist a little thinner. Overall, the gun felt a little 'whippy', if you will. F.A.I.R. was about $120 less than the Citori Hunter. I pondered for a while, a primary concern being support/repair options should it be needed down the road, and the availability of additional chokes. Browning and Briley both offer additional 16ga Invector chokes ranging from ~$25-$75. On the other hand, Briley offers F.A.I.R chokes but on a special order basis (you send a choke in and they copy it) to the tune of ~$100 a choke. If I have a problem with the gun Browning will service it. Not sure who services F.A.I.R. - pretty sure it's not the conglomerate that imports them and other Italian guns.

In the end, I plunked my money down ($1700) and took the Citori home with me. Hopefully I'll get a chance to shoot it at some hand-thrown targets this weekend and get a feel for it.

No word from my LGS about my Citori. It’s been a long wait time!!

My Citori Hunter model still not in yet!! Getting inpatient now.

Major Charles Askins, Sr. would have approved. He had a 12 ga Super because Browning didn't make a 16 ga. Super.

He was a 16 ga. fan.

DF

Well how do you like your new Citori? I’m still waiting on mine.

Well , Wifowler your the 1 man jury what's the verdict( on the Citori hunter 16 ga.? Mb

Was hoping to get a low down from WiFowler on his new Citori hunter in 16 ga. He's hunting or something. My local LGS got in one of the shot show special Citori White Lightenings .16ga 28" barrels, silver nitride finish, grade 3/4 wood. Big thing though is it has a receiver scaled to the 16.. They listed for 2739.99 ended up getting it for 2295 and tax . Comes up perfect for me and it is nice. First new shotgun for me in a long time. Mb

Bob,

Here's the comments I provided to one of the members via PM, when asked about the Citori Hunter 16ga.....
" A little on the heavy side. I was hoping the stock would be a closer to that of the Lightning. It's a little thick in the wrist to my way of thinking. The Lightnings (Gran and White) weight the same, but the difference in the grip/wrist seems to make them feel lighter, or better balanced. Chokes don't even come close to what they are marked. Briley chokes solved that. Had I to do it over again, I'd have ordered the Gran Lightning or searched around for an older Lightning."

From what can tell, you acquired a White Lightning. I think you'll be happy with it. I stayed away from the "new" Lightnings simply because of asthetics. Don't care for the 'gaudy' receiver embellishments on either. I'll continue to look for an older Lightning. In the mean time, with the chokes upgraded, the new Hunter has tallied a handful of pheasants so far this year.

Wifowler I know where their is a last Generation Gran Lightning for sale it is a new gun but shelf worn 1 nasty dent above the toe about 2" it has 26" barrels they had 2699 on it but now marked at 2195( dent?). If interested send me a pm. Mb

Added my full choke measures .628 " with a .662" bore that is .034" constriction my modified tube measures .640" that's .022" constriction and the ic measures .650" .012" constriction. I'll let the clay targets and live birds tell me what else I need. I am all ready thinking atleast 1 open skeet tube and 1 a little tighter for a improved skeet. Shells wise I have more than all the stores in town from slugs to 9 's. Really looking forward to this. Yeah I would have chosen a unadorned receiver finish in silver nitride or blue but the pow grip and round knob at the top of my list with 28" barrels. Mb

Bob, very interesting notes on your factory chokes. Mine are quite different (factory chokes). My IC has .006” constriction, M is .008”, full .038”. I was shocked at the measurements, and the patterns bear out the constrictions. The full choke tube is significantly over choked. My gun is a 2014 model, Superlight with 28” barrels, steel receiver.

Got a couple of rounds of trap in with it sunday afternoon 1 oz of 8's shot a few with the IC and got weak breaks so I went to the top barrel and Mod choke. Mod choke gave me solid breaks. I've got a huge pile of 48"×44" pieces of card board just paint a ctr in them and weave in my smooth wire fence with 20,30,& 40 yard lines to use on pattern tests. I'll get those chokes confirmed and figured out before trusting them. Mb

PS gf1 my chokes that came with the gun are the extended tube Midas chokes not the flush mount invectors of my miroku A-5 Sweet Sixteen.

Get this, my Citori 16 Gauge, special order this january, still hasn’t been shipped to my LGS. Maybe I’ll get by 2024.

Old Ornry sorry to hear that. The gun I bought a White Lightning was called the Shot show special not a regular item maybe. Mb

Congrats on the new gun, MB

Thanks BK I haven't bought a new shotgun for quite awhile. Soon as deer hunting is over I'll go east and find some roosters. Mb

My Hunter Citori arrives at my local gun shop on Monday, ordered thru Reeds in Minnesota.

Got to shoot it today at 5 stand using ic and mod and if handled beautifully . Very solid breaks , fit and finish very nice, really pleased.

Found this after a few years of off-and-on looking. They didn’t make very many. Should have any day now. 16 ga. Should be around 6 lbs 4 oz. 26” tubes.

https://www.browning.com/content/da..._jcr_content/renditions/original.img.jpg

My gun is that one, save a blued receiver and 28” barrels, weighs 6#14 oz. My gun was made in 2013, bought new from Kones Korner in 2015. It’s a very nice gun.

However, like most of the “H” pattern safety/barrel selector guns, when the bottom barrel is selected and I quickly move the safety from safe to fire (such as a bird flushing), I frequently shove the safety inadvertently to the center. This is no man’s land, safety still engaged. What I do on this gun and most others with this arrangement is select the top barrel to shoot first so that I always get the safety off. It’s easier with screw in chokes, simply put the open choke in the top barrel. This way I get along quite happily with this Citori.

Kones Korner has a couple 16`s.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/view/_973328778.aspx
https://www.gunsamerica.com/classifieds/view/_950587676.aspx

Wood on the Gran is pretty weak for a gran, in my view.

Ha! My Hunter Grade 2 finally came in. I’ll pick it up next week, pending my free time. It looks ok, not awesome wood, but I’ve seen worse. I hardly looked at the workmanship details, but hoping for decent workmanship.

I probably wont be able to take it to shoot skeet for a few weeks.

I waited just short of a year for it.

Way I understood it the Grans were supposed to have grade 5/6 wood. That gun in the picture doesn't t look any higher grade than what's on my White Lightening with 3/4 grade wood. For 3100 bucks you'd think they could do better.. I looked at one the other day that was no better than the pictured one...mb

I'm thinking of selling my NIB Citori Hunter Grade 2. It's a little on the heavy side. I may pick up a Stevens 555 in 16 gauge and use that instead.

FYI: Selling my NIB Citori Hunter Grade 2 16 gauge: https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbt...3/new-citori-hunter-grade-2#Post17014793

Cabela's has the 16 gauge Citori Hunter in both grades in stock as of this posting.

I ordered a Grade 1, 28" to my local Cabela's.

Looking forward to trying something new. My main shotguns thus far has been a BPS 12, 26" and a Winchester 101 XTR Lightweight 20, 27"