GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The Citori is a two barreled shotgun with the barrels aligned one over the other. It has two separate barrels that allow a rapid second shot when needed. The trigger is a single selective style, and only one barrel will be fired with each pull of the trigger. After one barrel has been fired, the trigger shifts itself into position to fire the second barrel when the trigger is pulled for the second shot.

Highly skilled techniques of hand-fitting and polishing are used to accomplish the precise fitting of metal parts on this shotgun. These painstaking operations are necessary to prevent looseness, even after long use. You may consider the action of your new shotgun to be slightly stiff. This close fitting assures you of lasting dependability. 

IMPORTANT: This owner’s manual pertains to all Citori shotguns except Citori 725 models. If you have a Citori 725 and need an  owner’s manual, please contact our Customer Service Department at (801) 876-2711 or download one online at browning.com 

NOMENCLATURE

In conventional firearm terminology the position and movement of firearm parts are described as they occur with the firearm horizontal and in normal firing position: i.e., the muzzles are forward or in front; the buttstock is rearward or to the rear; the trigger is downward or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts nomenclature, refer to Figure 1. For specific parts names related to disassembly, refer to Figure 2. All figures in this owner’s manual apply to Citori shotguns in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge, and .410 bore.

SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number of your Citori is found under the top lever. Record this number in the space provided at the front of this owner's manual for future reference.

Various exposed metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before assembling your shotgun, clean the anti-rust compound from the inside of the barrel, receiver and the action/chamber areas. A high-quality lightweight gun oil is ideal for removing this compound, and for giving your new firearm its first lubrication. Grease is recommended to lubricate the hinge pin, barrel lugs and forearm bracket to prevent possible galling. Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under the “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” section.

NOTICE: THE BROAD, POLISHED, FINELY FITTED SURFACES OF THE RECEIVER AND FOREARM MECHANISMS (BARREL LUGS, HINGE PIN AND FOREARM BRACKET) MUST ALWAYS BE COATED WITH A FILM OF HIGH QUALITY GREASE.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. VISUALLY CHECK YOUR “SAFETY” TO BE CERTAIN IT IS IN THE ON SAFE POSITION BEFORE LOADING. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

“SAFETY”

The Citori incorporates a tang-mounted, manual thumb-operated “safety.” The complete action (both barrels) can be put on safe by drawing the thumb “safety” rearward (Figure 3). In the on safe position an “S” appears directly in front of the “safety. ” To put the “safety” in the off safe position the “safety” is moved forward (Figure 4). 

The thumb-operated “safety” also allows you to choose the firing order of the barrels. Barrel selection can be made only when the “safety” is in the on safe position. Sliding the barrel selector to the left reveals an “O” that indicates the top barrel (over) will fire first. Sliding the barrel selector to the right reveals a “U” that indicates the bottom barrel (under) will fire first. 

The top lever operates the locking bolt, which is hand fitted to the barrel lugs. Moving the top lever to the right unlocks the action and allows the shotgun to be loaded and unloaded. 

It is not necessary that the top lever return to a completely centered position, nor should it be hanging over the right side or edge of the receiver tang as you look down on it. Upon closing your gun, let the top lever snap into position to allow the top lever spring to return the top lever mechanism to the locked position. Do not retard its action with your thumb. Many shooters lightly push the top lever to the left after closing the breech. This operation is a quick method of assuring yourself that foreign matter has not interfered with the complete closure of the breech. 

Always keep the polished breech surfaces clean and lightly lubricated. The breech is so carefully hand fitted that accumulated debris, sand, etc. may prohibit complete closing. If this should occur the action will not close. Open the gun and unload it. Carefully examine the action surfaces and remove any foreign matter. Additionally, provision is made for the gradual wear of locking surfaces to keep the breech of the gun tight. 

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBERS TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The Citori shotgun is delivered in the box with the barrels removed and the forearm attached to the barrels. It is important to follow the exact sequence for assembly in order to properly assemble your shotgun. 

1. Remove the forearm from the barrels by pulling outward on the forearm latch and pivoting the front of the forearm down and away from the barrels (Figure 5). 

2. After carefully cleaning exposed metal areas, apply a film of grease to surfaces shown in Figure 6: (A) Hinge pin recess of forward locking lug; (B) Both sides of the locking lug; (C) Both sides of the forearm bracket; (D) Apply a drop of oil to the tab.

NOTICE: THE BROAD, POLISHED, FINELY FITTED SURFACES OF THE RECEIVER AND FOREARM MECHANISMS (BARREL LUGS, HINGE PIN AND FOREARM BRACKET) MUST ALWAYS BE COATED WITH A FILM OF  HIGH QUALITY GREASE.

3. Attach the barrels to the action by grasping the buttstock’s grip with your right hand and anchoring the buttstock between your right forearm and right side. With the thumb of your right hand, move and hold the top lever sideways to the extreme right. Grasp the barrels in the left hand and engage the barrel lug’s circular hinge pin recess (A) with the action’s (B) hinge pin (Figure 7).

4. While keeping pressure on the barrels to keep the hinge pin aligned in the barrel lug’s circular recess, rotate the barrels upward, fully closing the action (Figure 8). Release the top lever. It should snap back into place.

5. Place the rear of the buttstock against your upper leg and slide the projecting steel tab on the rear of the forearm bracket into the opposing recess in the receiver bottom (Figure 9, page 16). Pivot the forearm up to the barrels. This will cause the forearm to engage onto the barrels. You should hear an audible “click” which signifies that the forearm is properly attached (Figure 10).

NOTICE: WHEN ASSEMBLING YOUR SHOTGUN, DO NOT USE UNDUE FORCE WHEN CLOSING THE ACTION. IF THE TOP LEVER IS NOT TO THE RIGHT OR THE ACTION AND BARRELS ARE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED UNDUE FORCE WILL ONLY CAUSE THEM TO GRIND TOGETHER AND SCORE OR MAR THE FINELY FITTED SURFACES. IF THERE APPEARS TO BE INTERFERENCE, START OVER AT STEP 3, BEING CAREFUL TO PROPERLY MATE AND ALIGN THE BARREL LUG’S HINGE PIN RECESS AND THE RECEIVER HINGE PIN.

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. BEFORE STARTING DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURES, OPEN THE ACTION AND VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBERS TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

1. Close the action, anchor the buttstock against your upper leg and lift outward on the forearm takedown latch. At the same time, grasp the forearm and pivot the forearm away from the barrels, removing the forearm. 
2. Open the action. Carefully disengage the barrel lug from the hinge pin and lift the barrels upward and out of the action. 

If you are disassembling for storage, reinstall the forearm on the barrels. You will then have two compact units: The barrels and forearm and the receiver and buttstock.

WARNING: DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS OR HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE. 

CITORI SHOTGUNS ARE AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF GAUGES AND  .410 BORE AND CHAMBER LENGTHS. USE ONLY SHELLS OF THE CORRECT GAUGE AND LENGTH. THE GAUGE OR BORE AND LENGTH OF THE CHAMBER IS INSCRIBED ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL. DO NOT USE AMMUNITION OTHER THAN WHAT IS INSCRIBED ON THE SIDE OF THE BARREL. EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR SHOTGUN. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN. 

USE SHELLS OF THE CORRECT LENGTH. DO NOT USE 3" OR 3½" SHELLS IN A BARREL WITH A 2¾" OR 2½" CHAMBER, OR 3½" SHELLS IN A BARREL WITH A 3" CHAMBER. DOING SO CAN RESULT IN A BUILDUP OF DANGEROUSLY HIGH PRESSURES. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN. 

DO NOT PUT A 16 OR 20 GAUGE SHELL IN A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN. DO NOT PUT A 28 GAUGE SHELL IN A 20 GAUGE SHOTGUN. DO NOT PUT A .410 BORE SHELL IN A 28 GAUGE SHOTGUN. NEVER PUT METALLIC CARTRIDGES OF ANY KIND IN A SHOTGUN. SPECIFICALLY, NEVER PUT CENTERFIRE RIFLE OR PISTOL CARTRIDGES IN A SHOTGUN CHAMBERED FOR .410 BORE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN. 

The most certain way to bulge or rupture a shotgun barrel is to load  a smaller gauge shell into a larger gauge chamber. The smaller gauge shell will not fall completely through the barrel; its rim is caught by the front of a larger gauge chamber or at the larger gauge’s choke. Your shotgun will misfire (with the chamber appearing to be empty). It is then possible to load the correct gauge shell behind the smaller gauge shell. If the shotgun is then fired, the result will be a so-called “12-16, 12-20, 20-28 or 28-.410 burst” which can cause extensive damage to your shotgun and possible serious injury to you and others.

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with safety margins over the pressures established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) for Service Cartridges. However, we assume no responsibility for incidents which occur through the use of cartridges of nonstandard dimension or those developing pressures in excess of SAAMI established standards.

WARNING: WHEN LOADING YOUR SHOTGUN ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

1. Move the top lever to the right and open the breech. 
2. Check the chambers and bores to be certain they are clear of obstructions.
3. Insert a shell in each chamber, or in the chamber you intend to fire, and close the breech.

WARNING: NEVER LOAD A SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER OR PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE OFF SAFE POSITION UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. 

1. Set the barrel selector to the barrel you wish to fire first. By sliding the barrel selector to the right a “U” will appear signifying that the under barrel will fire first. If you slide the barrel selector button to the left an “O” will appear signifying that the over barrel will fire first. Barrel selection can be made only when the “safety”/selector is in the rearward, on safe position. 
2. When shooting is imminent, slide the “safety”/selector forward to the off safe position.
3. Take aim and, when ready, squeeze the trigger to fire. After firing one barrel, it is not necessary to move the “safety”/selector to fire the second barrel. Simply release the trigger to its original forward position and pull it a second time. Be certain you fully release the trigger between shots. If the trigger is not permitted to return to its fully forward position, the firing mechanism will not reengage. The subsequent pull will fail to fire the gun. Proper execution of this maneuver is necessary with any single trigger gun. Failure to release the trigger often occurs with overly rapid firing or  gloved fingers.

WARNING: AFTER FIRING, OR WHEN SHOOTING IS NO LONGER IMMINENT, IMMEDIATELY PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WARNING: WHEN UNLOADING YOUR SHOTGUN ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION AND YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

ALWAYS INSPECT THE CHAMBERS AND BARRELS CAREFULLY AFTER UNLOADING TO BE SURE ALL LIVE SHELLS ARE CLEARED FROM THE FIREARM.

1. Using your thumb, move the top lever fully to the right to open the action. The action must be opened completely to reset the firing mechanism. Due to tight manufacturing tolerances, it may be necessary to pull downward slightly on the forearm to completely open the breech. For proper ejection, keep the receiver level and allow the barrels to completely drop. This keeps empty hulls in full contact with the ejectors. 
2. It is important to point the breech, by canting the shotgun to the right (left for left-handed shooters), so empty hulls eject clear of your body and face. Citori shotguns feature automatic ejectors. Fired shells will be thrown completely out of the gun upon opening the action; and unfired shells will be elevated above the chambers for unloading.

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO REMOVE OR INSTALL A CHOKE TUBE IN A LOADED FIREARM. WHENEVER REMOVING OR INSTALLING A CHOKE TUBE IN A SHOTGUN ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED, ALWAYS PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION AND KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER.  FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

CAUTION: BROWNING INVECTOR-DS, INVECTOR-PLUS AND STANDARD INVECTOR CHOKE TUBES ARE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE. DO NOT USE BROWNING INVECTOR-PLUS, STANDARD INVECTOR OR INVECTOR-DS CHOKE TUBES IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL NOT SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER CHOKING DEVICE IN ANY SHOTGUN BARREL SUPPLIED BY BROWNING. 

USE ONLY THE APPROPRIATE GAUGE OF INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE IN  THIS SHOTGUN. DO NOT FIRE THIS SHOTGUN WITHOUT THE CORRECT CHOKE TUBE INSTALLED. DAMAGE MAY RESULT TO THE THREADS INSIDE THE BARREL.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS INFORMATION COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO YOUR SHOTGUN OR POSSIBLE INJURY. 

NOTICE: USE ONLY THE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBE WRENCH SUPPLIED WITH YOUR SHOTGUN TO INSTALL AND REMOVE INVECTOR CHOKE TUBES. USING ANY OTHER WRENCH MAY DAMAGE THE THREADS IN THE BARREL.

CHOKE TUBE SELECTION

To help you choose the correct choke tube for each hunting and shooting situation, all Browning Invector choke tubes are inscribed on the side with the patterns they produce with both lead and steel shot. Each Invector tube also has notches in the top rim of the tube (Figure 12). 

These notches are a code to allow you to determine the choke designation while the tube is installed. Rim notches refer specifically to lead shot. You will need to use the chart below to cross-reference from lead to steel, and determine the appropriate tubes for your ammunition and hunting/shooting situation.

Several choke tubes are supplied with your shotgun. The choke tubes listed are also available as accessories. Remember that Invector-DS,  Invector-Plus and Standard Invector tubes are not interchangeable. Before removing or installing tubes, or reading the rim notch code, make sure your shotgun is completely unloaded and the “safety” is in the on safe position.

* Not for use with steel shot. Using an over-tight choke constriction with steel shot will result in an ineffective “blown” pattern.

** Extra Full Special, extended with ports. Do not use with steel shot.

¹  When more than one choke designation is listed for a given steel shot pattern, use the more open choke listed for high velocity, larger shot size steel loads.

NOTICE: FAILURE TO CLEAN AND OIL THE THREADS ON THE CHOKE TUBE COULD RESULT IN THE CHOKE TUBE SEIZING IN THE BARREL.

3. Using your fingers, screw the appropriate tube into the muzzle of the barrel, tapered end first, notched end outward. When it becomes finger-tight, use the choke tube wrench to firmly seat the tube (Figure 13).

NOTICE: THE CHOKE TUBE SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY CHECKED TO ASSURE THAT IT IS TIGHT AND FIRMLY SEATED. BEFORE CHECKING, FOLLOW ALL CHOKE TUBE REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION SAFETY GUIDELINES PREVIOUSLY OUTLINED.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING COMB ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES, PLACE THE  “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The buttstock of some Citori shotguns features a comb that can be adjusted for both cast and drop. These adjustments allow you to achieve a perfect fit of the stock against your face, and determines how correctly and consistently your dominant eye aligns with the sight plane along the barrel rib. Different adjustable comb systems have been offered. Use this section to identify the style of comb on your shotgun and follow the instructions in that subsection to make adjustments.

ADJUSTABLE COMB WITH HOLES IN THE BUTT STOCK

This section explains how to adjust the cast and comb height on models with holes in the right side of the buttstock (Figure 14). This comb features an approximate range of 1/4" of cast on or cast off adjustment and 5/8" of drop at comb adjustment.

CAST ADJUSTMENT

1. Open the action and make sure the shotgun is completely unloaded.

2. Remove the comb by inserting a 7/64" Allen wrench into the holes found on the right side of the buttstock. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the Allen screws. 

3. With the Allen screws loose, lift the comb from the stock. 

4. To adjust cast, loosen the two Allen screws located inside of the posts on the underside of the comb using a 7/64" Allen wrench (Figure 15).

5. Adjust the cast by sliding each post equally in the desired direction (Figure 16). Hash marks are stamped in the posts to aid in locating the posts on the comb. Each adjustment increment represents approximately 1/16".

• Move the posts to the right for more cast off. 
• Move the posts to the left for more cast on.

6. With the posts adjusted, carefully secure the Allen screws inside the two posts. If drop at comb has already been set to your desired height, return the comb to your shotgun and carefully secure it to the buttstock by tightening the two Allen screws in the side of the buttstock or comb. Do not overtighten the screws. If drop has not been set, proceed to “Drop at Comb Adjustment.”

IMPORTANT: The posts must be inserted into the comb or buttstock a minimum of 3/8".

DROP AT COMB ADJUSTMENT

1. Open the action and make sure the shotgun is completely unloaded.

2. Remove the comb by inserting a 7/64" Allen wrench into the holes found on the right side of the buttstock. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the Allen screws. 

3. With the Allen screws loose, lift the comb from the stock

4. Your shotgun included shims (20 were provided) to obtain the correct comb height. Add or remove an equal number of shims to each post to adjust drop at comb. A maximum of 10 (5/8" total height) of shims can be stacked per post.

5. Once the comb height is adjusted, return the comb to your shotgun and carefully secure it to the buttstock by tightening the two Allen screws in the side of the buttstock. Do not overtighten the screws. If cast has not been set, do not install the comb. Leave the Allen screws loose and read the directions under “Cast Adjustment.”

IMPORTANT: The posts must be inserted in the buttstock or comb a minimum of 3/8". 

DROP AT COMB ADJUSTMENT

The adjustable comb features a height adjustment range of 11 increments, 1/16" per increment, resulting in approximately 5/8" of total height adjustment. 

NOTICE: DO NOT GO BEYOND THE RANGE OF ADJUSTMENT INCREMENTS. SHOULD THIS OCCUR, THE COMB WILL NOT BE PROPERLY SECURED TO THE SHOTGUN AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE FIREARM.

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES OR CHANGING TRIGGER SHOES, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN THE CHAMBERS ARE UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Some Browning shotguns are equipped with an adjustable/interchangeable trigger shoe system that offers three length of pull adjustment settings. Two types are offered:

• Three Position Trigger that includes one trigger shoe. 
• Triple Trigger System that includes three interchangeable trigger shoes. 

WARNING: BEFORE PERFORMING CLEANING PROCEDURES, PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION. OPEN THE ACTION AND MAKE CERTAIN YOUR SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. KEEP THE MUZZLES POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN DISASSEMBLING AND CLEANING YOUR SHOTGUN TO PREVENT SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY.

KEEP ALL AMMUNITION AWAY FROM THE CLEANING AREA. NEVER TEST THE MECHANICAL FUNCTION OF YOUR SHOTGUN WITH LIVE AMMUNITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

NOTICE: SOME CLEANING SOLVENTS, LUBRICANTS AND OTHER STRONG  CHEMICALS SUCH AS THOSE FOUND IN DEET-CONTAINING INSECT REPELLENTS, SUNSCREENS, ETC. MAY DAMAGE THE FINISHES OF YOUR FIREARM. USE CARE TO PREVENT CHEMICALS FROM MAKING CONTACT WITH FINISHES WHEN CLEANING YOUR FIREARM. 

CLEANING PROCEDURES

Your Citori shotgun will function better and more reliably over a longer period of time if it is properly maintained and kept clean. You should clean your Citori after every day of shooting, and more often  if it becomes excessively dirty. A minimum cleaning includes wiping down the action and lubricating key parts. This can be accomplished with the barrels still attached. A full cleaning requires that you remove the barrels and forearm. Most regular maintenance will also include cleaning the barrels. If you encounter a function problem (tight action when closing, etc.) be sure to give your gun a thorough cleaning and lubrication as outlined in this owner’s manual to see if it solves the problem before seeking the services of a Browning Recommended Service Center or the Browning Service Department in Arnold, Missouri, or a qualified gunsmith. 

1. Place the “safety” in the rearward, on safe position. Open the action and inspect the chambers to make certain they do not contain any shells. Keep the muzzles pointed in a safe direction.

2. Remove the barrels and forearm from the receiver as explained under the “Disassembly” section.

3. Using a shotgun cleaning rod with a slotted tip or cleaning jag and a patch large enough for a snug fit in the bores, insert the rod and a lightly oiled patch in the breech end of the barrels and run back and forth several times in each barrel.

Browning offers a complete line of products to make cleaning your firearm fast and easy. Be sure to follow all instructions when using any product to clean your firearm.

4. Inspect the bores from both ends for leading and plastic residue that often remains in the bores from the shot cups in modern shotshells. Leading and plastic residue will appear as longitudinal streaks and are usually more predominant near the muzzles and just forward of the chambers. A normal amount of either is common and is not serious.

5. If leading or plastic residue seems excessive you can remove it by brushing the bores with a brass brush. Soak the brush or spray the bore with a powder solvent first. Scrub until clean. To prevent bristles from breaking off, push the brush fully through each time before pulling it back through.

WARNING: MOST SOLVENTS ARE HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. WEAR EYE PROTECTION AND PRACTICE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES WHEN WORKING WITH SOLVENTS TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY.

6. After all leading and plastic residues have been removed, run a clean, dry patch through the bore. Follow this with a final, lightly oiled patch.

7. Wipe all metal surfaces of the receiver, forearm and barrels with a clean rag. Then lightly lubricate your gun at the points described under the “Assembly” section. Regular lubrication is extremely important to the durability and reliable operation of your shotgun.

NOTICE: THE BROAD, POLISHED, FINELY FITTED SURFACES OF THE RECEIVER AND FOREARM MECHANISMS (BARREL LUGS, HINGE PIN AND FOREARM BRACKET) MUST ALWAYS BE COATED WITH A FILM OF HIGH QUALITY GREASE.

NOTICE: DO NOT PLACE LARGE QUANTITIES OF OIL INTO THE ACTION. EXCESS OIL WILL RUN BACK INTO THE WOOD OF THE STOCK AND SOFTEN THE WOOD, WITH CONSEQUENTIAL LOOSENING OF THE STOCK.

8. Inspect the barrels and chambers to be certain no patches have inadvertently been left in them. Remove any that remain.

9. The wood surfaces can also be wiped with a quality, lightweight gun oil or they can be polished with any quality furniture wax (but not both).

NOTICE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE CHAMBERS OF YOUR SHOTGUN BE CLEANED THOROUGHLY AND PROMPTLY AFTER SHOOTING PLASTIC SHOTSHELLS. DO NOT LEAVE DISCHARGED (EMPTY) SHELLS IN THE CHAMBERS FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME. THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MANY PLASTIC SHELLS CONTAINS MOISTURE WHICH CAN “SWEAT” OUT OF THE SHELL AND ONTO THE CHAMBERS’ SURFACES, AND POSSIBLY CAUSE CORROSION AND RUST.

NOTICE: NEVER ATTEMPT TO TAKE YOUR FIREARM APART FURTHER THAN EXPLAINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL. YOUR FIREARM IS A SPECIALIZED, FINELY FITTED MECHANISM. YOU MAY PERMANENTLY DAMAGE IT BY ATTEMPTING TO DISASSEMBLE THE INNER MECHANISM ASSEMBLIES. IF FURTHER DISASSEMBLY FOR SERVICE OR CLEANING IS REQUIRED, TAKE YOUR FIREARM TO A QUALIFIED GUNSMITH, OR CONTACT OUR ARNOLD, MISSOURI SERVICE DEPARTMENT AS EXPLAINED UNDER THE “SERVICE OR REPAIR.” SECTION.

Some Citori target models feature ported barrels that reduce recoil and muzzle jump. Reducing recoil not only increases comfort when shooting, but increases accuracy because it is easier to pick-up the second clay target faster due to decreased recovery time following the first shot. Carbon can build up in the ports after shooting. To clean them use a good quality powder solvent and pipe cleaners to scrub away debris. 

Keeping the oil-finished wood surfaces on your firearm looking their best requires only a small amount of maintenance. When the surfaces become spotted or dull, the affected area(s) can be treated using rubbing alcohol on a soft, lint free cloth and allowed to dry. A small amount of a linseed oil-based finish, such as Watco® Danish Oil Finish, Deft® Danish Oil Finish, or Formby’s® Tung Oil Finish should then be applied to the surface of the wood with a soft, lint free cloth according to the manufacturers’ instructions. To treat the checkering, a small amount of oil-based finish can be applied and then distributed evenly using a toothbrush or other soft bristled brush.

As with any gun, the only way to preserve its pristine condition and collector appeal is to never handle or fire it, which in turn would deprive you of much of the enjoyment that comes with owning a fine Browning firearm. 

While special finishes such as engraving and gold plating greatly enhance the aesthetic appeal of your shotgun, please be aware that  they are no more durable, and in some cases may even be slightly less durable than more common gun finishes. 

As you use your Browning shotgun, you can expect special finishes to wear in much the same manner as any other firearm finish. These marks are the honest product of the hours spent enjoying your firearm and each scuff and scratch will probably have a good story to go along with it.

If your firearm should require service or repairs, we suggest you first contact a local recommended Browning Firearms Service Center.  

To locate a service center visit browning.com, contact our Customer Service Department or your Browning firearms dealer for the address of the Service Center nearest you. Otherwise, you may send your firearm directly to our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri. 

Parts listings, Firearm Service Center lists, service procedures, service/repair form and general product information are also found on the internet at browning.com. For technical questions about your firearm or service, contact:

When returning your firearm for servicing, you must do the following:

1. Be sure it is completely unloaded.

2. Remove any optics, optic mounts or other accessories.

3. Package it securely in a cardboard container.

4. Enclose the service/repair form available at browning.com or a letter that clearly describes the trouble experienced, the ammunition used and the repairs desired. Also include your name, e-mail address (if possible) and a daytime phone number where you can be reached.

5. Never return ammunition with your firearm. It is against postal and most commerce regulations.

BROWNING.COM

US: Morgan, Utah 84050-9326

CANADA: Browning Canada Sports Ltd/Ltée, St-Laurent, Quebec H4S 1W6

INTL: Parc Industriel des Hauts-Sarts, B-4040 Herstal, Belgium