Make: Browning, Mfg. by Miroku

Model: Citori Grade 3 Lightning Field

Serial Number: 29012NP873

Year of Manufacture: 1998

Caliber: 28 Gauge 2.75" chambers. 

Action Type: Over Under Shotgun, with Single Selective Inertial Trigger & Ejectors

Markings: The left side of the upper barrel "BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. MADE IN JAPAN”. The left side of the monoblock "29012 / INVECTOR / 26””. The bottom of the monoblock "NP SP 2 3/4 C”. The right side of the top barrel "SPECIAL STEEL 28GA-2 ¾"". The inside of the forend iron "29012” and the inside of the forend "B 29012”. The top tang, under the lever "29012NP873” and "S U O”. The butt plate "BROWNING”. 

Barrel Length: 26” Vent-Rib.  

Choke: This Shotgun uses Browning Invector chokes. Currently installed SKEET/SKEET. Also includes a Full. 3 chokes total.    

Sights / Optics: There is a silver bead at the front of the rib. The top of the rib is finely checkered for the purpose of reducing glare.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock and forend are a two piece checkered walnut furniture set. The stock is a prince of Wales grip, fluted straight comb, with a black plastic Browning butt plate. The forend is the rounded profile Lightning style forend. The LOP measures approximately 14.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The drop at comb is 1.5” and the drop at heel is just over 2”. The shotgun weighs 6lbs 7oz. The wood shows scattered scratches, and compressions. The two most notable are located on the left cheek and grip of the stock. The butt plate has a chip in the toe and one in the heel. The butt plate also shows some rub marks around the edges. There is a very small crack at the wrist coming from the right side of the lower tang. Overall the wood is in Good+ condition.   

Type of Finish: Blued barrels, gold toned trigger and coin receiver. 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no pitting or erosion. The bores show some minor lines from use with some minor plastic fouling. The bottom barrel shows more use than the top barrel. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 9.25/10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains 98% of its metal finish. The trigger shows some finish loss. The barrel set shows some rub wear from the forend that is concealed when assembled and some minor scattered marks. There is a very small spot of surface rust on the muzzle of the lower barrel. The markings are clear and the screw heads are sharp. Overall this shotgun is in Very Good condition.  

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up with no play. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when set manually. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This shotgun includes its serialized box, owner’s manual, paperwork, accessory box, 3 chokes, choke wrench and tube.   

Our Assessment: The Browning Citori Grade III Lightning Field is a refined small-bore over-under that blends classic styling with excellent handling. This 1998 example is chambered in 28 gauge with 2.75" chambers and fitted with 26" blued barrels threaded for Invector chokes, offering versatility while maintaining the light, responsive feel shooters expect from a 28-gauge Citori. Weighing just 6 lbs 7 oz, it balances beautifully and carries easily in the field.

Visually, the Lightning Grade III stands apart with its coin-finished receiver engraved with detailed grouse scenes, complemented by the deep blue of the barrels. The Prince of Wales stock adds both elegance and practical ergonomics, enhancing control while preserving traditional lines. This shotgun represents an ideal blend of upscale finish and field-ready performance, making it an excellent choice for upland hunters and small-gauge enthusiasts alike.