Gentlemen, I'm looking to buy a Browning Citori 16 gage this year, sooner rather than later, w/28" barrels; any thoughts/recommendations/first hand experience on the different models? I like the Feather Lightning as it is 6# (chukar hunting), but I've also heard that this is too light...

Any input would be greatly appreciated

Regards,
Craig Nolan

Inexpensive 16s, whether break-open or repeater, tend to be built on 12 ga frames. Inevitably, they are as heavy (or heavier) than 12s. If the 16 ga Citori floats your boat, fine.

But the 16 is an upland gauge, IMO. The good news is that there are many nice, light 16 ga doubles on the secondary market. There are also new mfg 16 ga field guns at the next higher price point (eg. Merkel). You might also consider repeaters such as Ithaca M37s and Winchester M12s. M12 16s are the bomb b/c they make for the lightest small-frame M12s.

Sam

Samuel, thanks for the input; I'm reasonably certain that the 16 ga Citori is built on a smaller 16 ga frame and not the 12 ga frame. Agreed on the 16 being an upland gauge, hence my desire to own one I'm set on an O/U as I've already got all other gauges and configurations of shotguns, with the exception of a 16 O/U, so I NEED one

Thanks again,
Craig

Craig,

I consider 6# to be about the perfect upland weight. My field guns range from 5# even to 6.5#. FWIW, when I use a typical heavy, forward weighted target gun in the field I just can't get the thing going and miss behind. Others handle heavy guns well. If you use the lightweights on the target range you'll do well in the field.

I understand "need" all too well. One of the guys at our club has a 16 Citori and likes it, but I don't think it's a 6# lightweight. He's had zero problems with his. The Feather sounds like what I'd want in a new O/U.

Sam

Craig, I've been buying the Citori 16's and they are built on a true 16ga frame. My latest is a 28" Superlight with english stock. My other is a 26" Whitelighting. My next will either be a 26" 525 or 28" Lightning Feather. They are great upland guns, especially on pheasant and quail. They should fit right in on your chukar hunting. Either barrel length you can't go wrong.

Sam and Tx, thank you both for your input, sounds like I'm on the right track, now I've just got to fine one!!!

Thanks again
Craig Nolan

The only other affordable option I can think of for a 16 bore OU on a 16 Bore frame is an I. Rizzini (F.A.I.R.). These are decent little guns at a reasonable price - should be less than the Browning. Weigh just on 6# with multi chokes.

If you happen to have $70K to spare there is always David McKay-Brown.

Craig Nolan,

check out this website and read the Browning section.

WWW.BILLHANUSBIRDGUNS.COM

You might also go to Gunbroker.Com or Guns America. If you have access to someones FFL like I do, this is the way to go. You can get about any model for your budget. Hard to beat a Citori Lightning or White Lightning.

My father uses an ou 16 gauge custom made here ,for partrige ducks and doves with great results ,is a very good caliber.Juan

Since you originally started the thread I have acquired two more Citori 16's. I picked up a 525 26" and a Gran Lightning 28". Haven't shot the GL yet but the 525 will be my new pheasant gun. It is pretty wicked busting clays, points really well. Got the 525 from Guns America and the GL searching the Internet.

Tx6BR
I still haven't bought one yet!! there have been several on Gunbroker and Gunsamerica I've seen, I'm still trying to decide between the Feather Lightning and the Superlight Feather. I've got several O/U, all with the standard stock, but the english type stock on the Superlight is intriguing.... any thoughts??

Regards,
Craig Nolan

I have a Superlight 16 and it is SWEEEEEEEEEET!!
I hate to shoot it anymore though, I've heard they ony made 130-150 of them. Shooting 100% on quail with it and almost the same on pheasant. Probably never shoot it again. I really like my White Lightning. It is light enough to carry all day with 26" tubes. Been thinking on the Feather lightning with 28" tubes but I'll probably hold off. Four 16's should be enough.
I've been building up my collection of Gran Lightnings and have them all except for the 410. It should finish me off on O/U's.

I don't know how many Superlight 16's were built, but they are common on Gunbroker / Gunsamerica, and can still be purchased on Bill Hanus' website. I believe Browning makes a run of them every year....

What would your preference be, rarity aside, between a Superlight and a Feather Lightning???

Thank you,
Craig Nolan

I don't know if Browning makes a run every year, but they have the last 2 years. I got a 525 Field from Bill Hanus and it is a great gun. I paid extra to get the stock bent for cast on since I am a leftie. It makes the 12 ga. seem big and clumsy.

Jelmore4

thanks for the info; did you also pay extra to have that extra layer of gloss taken off of the stock? just curious....

Regards,
Craig Nolan

The Superlight handles better for me. I saw where the same dealer is selling them pretty reasonable on GA and GB. I never thought I'd like the English stock but it handles quick. The Feather Lightning would handle the same as my White Lightning as far as stock fit. The FL would be just a tad lighter.
The 525 is heavier than the other two but points the best for me. My 525 12ga is awesome on pheasant, few survive. Really looking forward to the new 16 525 this season.

Craig,

The 525 came with the oil finish, which is one of the reasons I got this model. I originally got a White Lightning that has the gloss. When I heard the rumor of a 525 coming out, I stuck the White Lightning in the gun case and have yet to shoot it. It's beautiful and points well too.

Get that White Lightining out, it is a great gun and probably one of Brownings more popular 16's. It was my 1st 16 O/U and has busted many a quail and pheasant. After opening pheasant season using the 525, the White Lightning will take a back seat to the 525. Although the 525 is a tad heavier it is still comfortable for me to carry all day in the field. It just feels good.

Get a 20 Gauge and you will have a lighter, trimmer more dynamic gun to hunt with, with nearly equal ranging qualities. You will also be able to carry more shells up those steep hills at less weigh and the 20s are much easier to find, and probably a little cheaper to buy as well. Shells and components will be easier to find and also cost less with the 20...Rusty.

I have plenty of 20's but prefer the 16 on pheasant. I have killed lots of pheasant with my Citori 20 and is a pleasure to carry. I haven't had any problems at all finding 16 ammo. The 16 is back and manufactures are puttng out lots of 16 shells. Pheasant ammo cost the same unless you go to a 28ga.