Make: Browning
Model: Grade VI Citori Lightning 973 code
Serial Number: 36448NW973, All serialized parts match
Year of Manufacture: 1994 NW date code.
Caliber: 28 Gauge 2.75" Shells
Action Type: Over under shotgun, with single selective inertial trigger & ejectors
Barrel Length: 26" Vent-Rib.
Choke: The shotgun is threaded for Invector chokes. None included.
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the rib. There is also a smaller white mid bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for the purpose of reducing glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture set is a two piece checkered Grade 6 walnut with round profile forend and Prince of Wales Lightning stock that has a fluted straight comb and a rubber butt pad. The length of pull is 14 3/8ths, the drop at comb is 1 3/8ths, and the drop at heel is 2.25". The shotgun weighs 6lbs 12oz. The wood shows very minor surface level lines typical with this high gloss finish. The gloss finish also shows a few small scattered compressions with the most notable to the right side rear edge of the forend, the right flank of the butt, and about mid way down the comb. There are no chips or cracks. The rubber butt pad shows only very minor wear. Overall the wood is in Fine+ condition.
Type of Finish: Blued barrels, Blue and gold receiver with a Gold Toned Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The smooth bores are mirror bright with no erosion. There is some minor plastic fouling fouling in the bores. In this writer's opinion the bores rate 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows some rub wear from the forend that is covered when assembled. The balance of the finish shows very minimal handling marks. The trigger shows some very minor finish loss. The screw heads are sharp. The tang shows the signature rub mark from the safety. The markings are clear and the pins are clean. Overall, this gun rates in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock up solidly with no play. The safety does not engage automatically when the action is opened but does function properly when engaged 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: None.
Our Assessment: This Browning Citori Grade VI Lightning, manufactured in 1994, is a beautifully finished 28 gauge over-under shotgun featuring 26-inch barrels threaded for Browning Invector choke tubes. Built on the highly respected Citori platform, the Grade VI Lightning models represented some of the finest production sporting shotguns offered by Browning during the period. The lightweight and responsive handling characteristics of the 28 gauge paired with the compact 26-inch barrels make this an exceptionally lively and enjoyable shotgun for upland hunting or sub-gauge sporting clays competition.
This example features a blued finish and an engraved receiver accented with gold game scenes depicting a pointer, pheasants, and three ducks. The Grade VI walnut furniture displays beautiful grain and is configured with a Prince of Wales style stock that complements the shotgun's elegant lines and fast handling characteristics. Combining refined aesthetics, excellent craftsmanship, and the smooth shooting qualities of the 28 gauge, this is a particularly attractive Citori well suited for both serious use and collecting.
