16ga.com ~ View topic - Differences in dimension of Browing receivers

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2159 Location: Central ND

I did a search for a thread about any size differences between a 16 ga. and 20 ga. Browning Citori receivers. I could have sworn I saw that thread on 16ga.com.

Probably a couple of years ago. I am looking for a stock for my 16 ga. Citori Grade l and folks (not here) keep insisting that the 20 gauge is the same size......that's not how I remember it. Vintage of my Citori is 2001, with the short tang.

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1515 Location: Western WA

The Google AI search turned up this, which appears to be extracted from https://forum.ultimatepheasanthunting.com. I make no claims on the veracity of the material.

“Regarding Browning Citori receivers, here's a comparison of the size differences between 16 and 20 gauge models:
Modified 20 Gauge Frame: Browning Citori 16 gauge models are built on a modified 20 gauge frame.
Wider Barrel Block: The receiver of the 16 gauge Citori is widened by approximately 0.100" to accommodate the wider barrel block needed for the slightly larger 16 gauge chambers.
Same Height: The height of the 16 gauge receiver is the same as the 20 gauge receiver, as the 16 gauge chambers fit vertically within the available space.
Marginally Lighter: Standard 16 gauge Citori Lightning models are marginally lighter overall than the 20 gauge versions. The primary factor contributing to this is a lighter barrel block area due to the bigger chambers.
In summary, the key difference lies in the width of the receiver, which is increased on the 16 gauge to accommodate the larger barrel block. While the overall height is the same, the 16 gauge receiver is slightly wider than the 20 gauge.”

If true, it might explain why the 16 gauge Citori is such a well handling gun. But it suggests a 20 ga stock might not fit a 16 ga Citori.

B.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2159 Location: Central ND

Thanks Brewster11

Member Joined: 06 Oct 2007 Posts: 2529 Location: West MI

FWIW, My Citori 16ga Upland; Wood At Action Body 1.520x2.050" Metal At Same 1.454x2.040".

Wife' Citori 20ga Micro; WAAB 1.506x2.040", MAS 1.440x2.025"

Albeit, a bunch of tangential curves and flats at these moments + some (one can assume) manufacturing allowances...

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

from my post in your "Wanted" post

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2159 Location: Central ND

Thanks for the replies, it's a big help.

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2159 Location: Central ND

That would be great, but no rush. Whenever you get to it, is soon enough.

Joined: 09 Feb 2015 Posts: 927

Just call Weings, thay can tell you.

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

I just measured 2 16ga 525 stocks and 1 20ga 525 stock. The 16's were .030 wider on the outside, or .015 on a side. After my errands today, I will measure the 20ga stock that is on the 16ga gun and the 16ga stock that is on the 20ga gun.

Then I will compare how much wood sticks up proud on the sides of the receivers.

As far as Wenigs goes, they don't have any LISTED patterns for Browning O/U's, regardless of gauge. I went and looked. They have a listing of their patterns.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2159 Location: Central ND

Thank you drcook

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

I pulled the guns out of the safe in between errands and this is what I found.

16ga stock on a 20ga gun, wood stands up very proud, which is what I found in the measurements above. Without getting depth mics out (which I didn't have time today)
it feels like the .015 difference, with individual differences between stocks

20ga stock on a 16ga gun, wood stands up a little proud. You could get away with a refinish if all you did was strip and restain/re-oil it. Indicative of the differences in width. I would not want to do any sanding on a 20ga being used on a 16ga gun. The rest of the inletting is fine, it is just the flats on the sides.

Joined: 08 Feb 2009 Posts: 1515 Location: Western WA

Brilliant finding.

B.

Joined: 04 Mar 2019 Posts: 2159 Location: Central ND

Thanks drcook.

So my memory was good, on this. (Don't ask me where I left my reading glasses.) I knew the 16 gauge receiver wasn't much bigger than the 20 gauge but I was quite sure there was a difference.

Joined: 09 Dec 2012 Posts: 909

The 16 frame is just the 20 frame tweaked a little, and then the 20,28 and 410 are the same frame

guns are my bad habit. I just got a 20ga 525 to match the 12ga 525 I shoot trap with. We also have a 28ga White Satin that we bought used (hardly if at all). I am going to put the 20ga 525 stock on it and get a 525 28ga forend.

I have to have the tighter grip curve of the 525 stock due to a hand injury. I costs a bit to buy the stock and matching forend, but if I want to be able to shoot, I have to do this.

Then we have a Hunter Grd 1 that I bought new. I stole it (legally of course) for some reason Bud's had it listed at not much over 15 for a brand new one. Free shipping, had to pay the tax and $25.00 transfer fee. We are putting a White Lightning stock on it, and I will cut it for my wife. Then we will have matching sets

I have to keep the original stocks in case I sell the guns and people want the original stocks or I would have had an extra 16. Still might, so if you don't find something, ask me every once in a while.