The Browning Citori: A Legacy of Excellence
History of the Browning Citori
The crisp autumn air, the rustle of leaves underfoot, the anticipation of a successful hunt – these are moments etched in the memories of sportsmen and women worldwide. But success in the field, or at the range, is rarely a matter of chance. It’s a culmination of skill, preparation, and, perhaps most importantly, the right equipment. Among the tools that elevate the experience, the Browning Citori shotgun stands as a beacon of excellence, a testament to over a century of firearm innovation. This article will delve into the heart of the Citori, exploring its legendary design, its exceptional performance, and its intimate relationship with the Invector Plus choke system. We will uncover the benefits this system provides and how it works with the shotgun.
The Browning Citori is more than just a shotgun; it is a symbol of quality and craftsmanship. Its heritage is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Browning Arms Company, a name synonymous with innovation and reliability in the world of firearms. The Citori, born from the renowned over-and-under design, wasn’t an overnight sensation. It evolved over time, perfected through meticulous engineering and a relentless pursuit of performance.
The story of the Citori begins with a need. The shooting sports, particularly clay target shooting, demanded a shotgun that could handle a high volume of rounds, deliver consistent patterns, and offer exceptional handling. The Browning Superposed, the Citori’s predecessor, laid the groundwork, but the Citori improved and refined upon it. The result was a shotgun that quickly found favor among both competitive shooters and hunters.
Key Features and Design
The Citori’s enduring popularity stems from its superb balance, its reliability, and its inherent accuracy. It’s a shotgun that feels good in the hands, swings smoothly, and points naturally. The over-and-under design, with its low profile and excellent sight picture, allows for quick target acquisition, a crucial advantage in both sporting clays and hunting scenarios. The Citori is built to withstand the rigors of constant use, from the punishing demands of high-volume clay shooting to the challenging environments of waterfowl hunting.
Beyond its functional attributes, the Citori also boasts aesthetic appeal. The fine wood stocks, often adorned with intricate checkering and a rich, polished finish, add to its overall allure. The blued steel receiver, meticulously engraved with tasteful designs, further enhances its elegance. The Citori is a shotgun that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to shoot. It is a firearm that represents a blend of form and function, where the design elements elevate performance.
Invector Plus Choke System: Precision and Versatility
Introduction to Invector Plus
A shotgun’s performance isn’t solely determined by its action or its stock; it is also dependent on the choke system. The choke is the constriction at the muzzle of the barrel that controls the spread of the shot pellets as they leave the barrel. The role of the choke is paramount. A well-chosen choke optimizes the shot pattern for the target distance and type of game. The Invector Plus system, a Browning innovation, is a key component of the Citori’s exceptional performance.
The Invector Plus choke system is a design that optimizes the performance. It is an extended choke tube system, meaning the choke tubes extend beyond the muzzle of the barrel. This construction offers several advantages. The longer choke tubes and the larger internal bore diameter provide a more gradual transition from the barrel to the constriction. This minimizes pellet deformation, leading to more uniform shot patterns.
Benefits of Invector Plus
The Invector Plus design further enhances the shotgun’s performance. The internal design is specifically engineered to minimize the friction of pellets against the choke walls. The result? Pellets maintain their shape, and the pattern stays intact, providing a tighter and more consistent grouping. It reduces the “flyers”, those stray pellets that often rob a shot of its effectiveness.
The Invector Plus system significantly enhances the versatility of the Citori. Different chokes, each designed for a specific purpose, allow the shooter to tailor the shotgun to a wide range of applications, from close-range upland bird hunting to long-range waterfowl shooting and sporting clays. Choosing the right choke for the task at hand is paramount.
Compatibility and Choke Variations
Compatibility of Invector Plus chokes with Citori models
The beauty of the Invector Plus system lies not only in its performance but also in its compatibility. Many Browning Citori models are equipped with Invector Plus chokes, making it easy for shooters to find the right fit. It’s a system built to seamlessly integrate with the Citori’s design and deliver maximum performance.
Different Choke Variations
When it comes to chokes, shooters have a range of choices, each tailored to specific shooting scenarios. The versatility of the Invector Plus system provides shooters with the ability to adapt.
- Cylinder: The Cylinder choke has minimal constriction, producing the widest shot pattern. It is ideal for extremely close-range shots, such as in close-quarters bird hunting.
- Skeet: This choke has a slight constriction, offering a slightly tighter pattern than Cylinder. It’s perfect for close-range clay targets in skeet shooting.
- Improved Cylinder: This choke provides a more controlled pattern than Skeet, suitable for upland bird hunting or close-to-medium-range clay targets.
- Modified: A more constricted choke that tightens the pattern further. It’s a good choice for medium-range targets or hunting.
- Full: This choke has the tightest constriction, providing the most dense and focused pattern. It excels at longer-range shots, whether in waterfowl hunting or hitting clay targets.
The ability to swap chokes quickly and easily allows shooters to adapt to different situations and maximize their success. Whether you are hunting pheasant in dense cover or competing in a sporting clays event, the Invector Plus system gives you the tools you need.
Using the Browning Citori with Invector Plus
Loading and Handling the Citori
The Browning Citori is a pleasure to handle. Its balance, smooth action, and reliable performance make it a joy to shoot. However, like any firearm, it requires proper handling and care to ensure safe and effective operation.
Begin with safe gun-handling practices. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Know your target and what is beyond it. Never place your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Follow all safety protocols and guidelines.
Loading the Citori is straightforward. Ensure the gun is open, with the barrels pointing in a safe direction. Place the shotshells into the chambers. Close the action firmly. Always make sure the gun is closed fully before shooting. Unloading is just as crucial. Open the action, point the muzzle in a safe direction, and remove the shells. Double-check the chambers to confirm that the gun is empty.
Choosing the Right Ammunition
Choosing the right ammunition is also critical for optimal performance. The Invector Plus system is designed to work with a variety of ammunition types, but selecting the right shell depends on the target and range. Consider the shot size and load for your intended purpose. Consult with experienced shooters or ballistics resources to determine the best ammunition for your application.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining the Browning Citori and its Invector Plus chokes is vital to preserving their functionality and longevity. Regular cleaning is crucial. After each shooting session, clean the barrels to remove any powder residue or fouling. Lubricate the action to ensure smooth operation. Inspect the choke tubes for any damage or wear. Periodically check the tightness of the chokes to prevent them from coming loose during shooting. Proper maintenance extends the life of the shotgun and maintains its peak performance.
Conclusion
The Browning Citori, armed with the Invector Plus choke system, represents the pinnacle of shotgun design and performance. The Citori’s over-and-under action, combined with the precision of the Invector Plus chokes, gives the shooter the ability to achieve superior patterns, extended ranges, and ultimately, greater success. The versatility of this system caters to both the serious competitor and the avid hunter.
From its storied history to its outstanding engineering, the Browning Citori with Invector Plus chokes is a testament to a legacy of excellence. It is a firearm built to last, engineered to perform, and designed to thrill.
If you’re considering a new shotgun, or looking to upgrade your current setup, the Browning Citori with Invector Plus chokes deserves serious consideration.
Remember to always prioritize safety, practice proper gun handling, and familiarize yourself with all aspects of the firearm before use.
