16ga.com ~ View topic

I'm a bit baffled Brian. I own at least 6 Browning Citori 16 ga guns, none of which come ported. All have low, vented ribs that do what a rib is supposed to do, stay on the gun and help direct the eye down the approximate center line of the barrel. I see no big distinction there as long as both rib and barrels have a straight and true center line. Fundamentally, this is what makes a shotgun barrel accurate and effective--a straight, round bore and the straighter and rounder, the better.

As for getting its head out of the sand, I think Browning has continuously lead the industry with its 16 gauge gun production in a number of models, types, and styles. They are now making the BPS pump in 16 on a 20 ga frame. We asked for it, and they are making it. Who else responds to their customers like this.

Browning re-introduced the 16 ga back to America in 1987. They did it with both the A-5 and a 16 gauge O/U gun built on a slightly modified 20 ga frame. They did it at a time when most gun writers were tolling the bell for the dead 16 gauge gun. (Some of these folks still are. Talk about head in sand. There is a good example.) This bold move on Browning's part started the 16 gauge ball rolling again, and since then, it has not stopped. They broke new ground for companies like Rizzini to plow in with thei own 16 gauge models.

Some folks might not care for Browning Citori O/U guns. There are some models I don't particularly care for. But to say the company can't get its corporate head out of the sand might be at least as short sighted in and of itself. I would not make that claim. I've watched Browning and Miroku improve the basic Citori both quality wise and functionally for over 4 decades now. I've watched them adapt the gun to market demand year after year with a string of successes. I'd say that takes a willingness to listen to the customers desires and criticism. That successful responce could not have been done if their corporate head was in the sand.

Talk about staying power. Not many sporting models stay in production near as long, so I'd have to say that quite a few folks really like them for a wide range of uses from basic hunting pieces to top quality target guns at a very decent price. That makes it a very hard gun to beat in the mid-priced O/U gun market. Many have tried. A few have measured up. Most have failed and disappeared over these last 40 years. If some folks find it frustratiing, well that's understandable. the Citori is one tough act to follow.

Member Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 524

Brian - My brother has the 525 and is gaw-gaw over it too - thats why it may have to be my next acquisition - maybe in .410. Sure love this ultra xs 28GA too. Its really cool with its 30"bbls and so light and quick to me.
Absolutely no recoil - I'm a recoil thug anyway and the only time I've ever been bothered by it was with a 16GA sterlingworth with too much drop and comb at cheek sharp as a knife - hurts just thinking about it. It would slap me right in the root of my eye tooth -or canine. Never had a gun do that before in my life. It actually pissed me off. I would describe my anger as much the same it would be to stand there and get hit in the face by someone and be unable to retaliate. Of course I was always raised to believ that striking a women was worse than death. The difference being the gun was an inanimate unfeeling object that i couldnt hit back. Then, she left me for another man to boot who loves her and lives in a cooler place than me and even has a job!!! Dang her!! Even sent her off to the beauty salon. Oh well, i replaced her a$$ with another Browning.

MGF-Yeah they are over priced and I agree maybe 2500 tops tax included.

Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 265

16GG,

I am talking about the last offering where Browning offered the 30 and 32" barrel 16 gauge 525 with porting. I really wanted one but why did they port them? My conversation with the importer lead me to believe Browning ported the barrels despite his request to have them non-ported

Member Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 524

MGF - and when i think about it:

And what 1500 bucks just bought me yesterday (ultra XS 28GA) the FAIr prices are even more absurd. Not only will this Browning last the rest of my life and perform great (looks great too) but it will perform excellent both in the field and at the clay range too. Versatility in this case, came at a discount. *I wouldnt take two of those FAIRS for this gun.

*Unless of course I would be able to sell them at 2799-3000 and by four more of these xs's.

Well, Brian, you probably have already picked up on the fact that I was totally underwhealmed by this 16 ga. 525 target model anyway. To me, only me, and nobody else but me (personal taste disclaimer--if you like what I don't like, then frankly my dear, I don't give a damn. I'm sure there are guns I love that you hate,. and again, frankly, I don't give a damn there either. Laughing

) that model was like designing a bicycle for fish. I will always wonder WHY? Wink

Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Posts: 265

16gg,

I saw that 32" 16 bore as the quintessential dove gun. The gun felt nice, it had a great balance, lively and disciplined at the same time. The 30" gun felt the same. Both 525 16 gauges weighed 7 pounds. Perfect for a guy who is going to take more than 5 shots in an afternoon. Then I notice the extra holes drilled into the barrels Crying or Very sad

The 16 gauge lightning Browning is a great walk up /rough shooter's gun. I think the gun would be better with 30" barrels for pass shooting.

I use a 16 gauge regularly on dove and sporting clays. It helps me keep my cost down when I only have to load for a single gauge. Sometimes I fish with a bike Wink

Member Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 524

Why would anybody even want a 525 target model in 16GA??????
They don't even recognize the 16GA in sporting events. Plus, you can get a 525 field gun in 16GA with no ports and it aint as heavy either!!!!! But shoots oh so sweet!!! and I dare say, performs pretty good on the clay range too. But if I wanted shoot clays with the 16GA in a sporting specific clays model, i'd just tube a 12GA. I mean really, whats the point?

Its silly really, to entertain a claygun in 16GA - why??? just shoot a field model or tube a 12.

Guest

Jig,
The 400s and 500s were decent enough deals. The 900s ... pretty much for guys willing to pay for fancy walnut and a little bit of hand-done Bulino engraving ... are too darned high.
I bought one, after a lot of agonizing, because the Citoris just aren't an option for me,
Did I overpay: Yes. Am I sad: No. The thing is pretty, but far more importantly: It fits like it was made for me and, oh, did I shoot some pheasant this year.
And, hey, you forgot to congratulate me on my first stock refinishing job. Straighten up jig ... or I'll sneak up behind you and give you a wedgie with your Buckmark skivvies. Laughing

By the way the Veronas .... also by FAIR ... are a hell of a deal, but very hard to find in 16.
I'll have a report for you boys nex week on how the latest acquisition (the Model 42) handles.
Peace out, brothers.
Mark

Member Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 743

I'm going to stick my nose in here. I know nothing about the Rizinnis and almost nothing about the citori's. I am a browning man. A-5 16 gauge although I do have 12 gauges as well. This worrying about warranties and crooked barrells does not do anybody any good. Everybody on this forum has their preferences about what they want. I for one am a browning guy but would not have a citori if I won it. I found through my experiences that citori owners are snobs. Wow this is fun. I have bought every Browning auto there is. I have used my browning 16 gauge for over 30 years. I have Brownings that have only been used once and just sit on the wall. But not a citori. And I could buy one. I bought three shotguns in the last month. Two 16's and one 12. And I'm going to order another one tomorrow. Not a CITORI. 16guageguy you made my position clearer. I have nothing against anybody persoannally. 16gaugeguy if you want to come up to northern Minnesota for a grouse hunt or even a hunt at the local pheasant run, come on up. I don't know why I'm aiming at you? Maybe I think you'd be the most fun to hunt with. You'd have to understand that I'm one of those that just enjoy's you missing and then I can knock down the bird. I guess I've said it all. Have fun everybody. I'll be up hunting this weekend.

Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 98 Location: Illinois

Oldhunter, i just might take you up on that. The way I see it, is if you wait for me to shoot, you are going to save on a lot of hunting ammo, 'cause that bird will most likely be dead in the air. Wink

So just pack a camera and leave your gun at home. Laughing

Member Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 743

Guy, if the rest of us can keep it straight that the Browning Citori comes from Miroku in Japan and the Browning Superposed comes from Belgium, it shouldn't be that hard--as many times as we've discussed Rizzini--to remember which is which. At least two or three times previously, that I recall, we've been down the road about the LL Bean/Sig guns, and every time they've been clearly identified as B. Rizzinis.

Maybe put a sticky note on your computer screen or something?? Smile

Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 47

Just to throw in a vote for Browning...I have zero experience with Rizzini guns, but 5 years ago I found a Browning Lightning Superposed new in the box that fits like a dream...the stock had more comb height than the typical Browning Superposed 12 ga and has been with me on some of my best hunts. it does a great job when I do mine.

But the clincher was that the original owners life time guarantee was still with the gun. The gun was built in 1960 with the beautiful long tang round knob config, 28" barrels choked Mod/IC!! I had the wild idea to send in the life time guarantee to see if Browning would still honor it.

Browning promptly replied and honored the guarantee. Un durn believable. Such integrity is over the top in my humble opinion. What a great company.