Browning Citori Upland Special

[Ahsan Ahmed]

Question - I noticed that on the 20ga model (24inch bbls), the muzzles flare considerably to accomodate the choke tubes. Assuming this is just the way it was designed? Admittedly, I never paid close attention to Brownings as I personally feel those shotguns as portly/heavy.

Somehow, I was under the impression that Browning quality dealt with shotgun bbl finish (like the Beretta) so as not to leave that kind of "bulge" like muzzle end. The bbl shape looks no different than the lower priced ones like CZ Bobwhites 20 or 28ga.

 

[sherlockbonez]

My 20ga hunter doesn't have a bulge. I have yet to see a 20 upland special.

 

[jimmyjazz]

I think....from what I remember, the Upland Special is 2 3/4" chambers only, the barrel walls are thinner than the other Citori's to keep the weight down.

Therefore in order to accomodate the choke tubes they have to flare the barrels.
I am only going by memory on this, I maybe way off but what the hell.

JJ

 

[Claybuster]

I owned a 20 gauge Citori Featherlight XS for a few years and it had the muzzle bulge. It's not uncommon among other makes either even the higher end guns. Next time you're at the range check out a Krieghoff.

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

Thanks folks!

This 20ga is light enough and could potentially be physically abusive on a Skeet field . Due to its slimmer profile, the English stock doesn't really feel out of place on the o/u.

Overall, given the partridge hunting conditions in the close confines of the Ontario bush, I trust that the shotgun with it's shorter bbls should work quite well.

 

[8ball]

Ahsan, I think that new screw-in chokes installed by a gunsmith would produce such bulge on a shortened gun only. My 24" Upland Special is effectively chambered for 2¾". I use it for woodcock, partridges and for hare a few times. I rarely use loads over 1 ounce. Winchester Super-X 7/8oz of 7½ is my favorite load for these critters. There is no bulge at all on it and I could not tell you how much hundreds times I did fired it since 17 years I own it. Here's some actual pics...

No bulge here...

No bulge here either

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

I maybe off track on the images......appears to be a 12ga, is it so?

Many months back I came across one at Le Barons and if memory serves (I believe) that 12ga also didn't have the flared muzzles. BTW, very nicely maintained shotgun.

 

[8ball]

It is the small frame 20 gauge with 2¾" chambers. Thanks for your appreciation.

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

It is the small frame 20 gauge with 2¾" chambers. Thanks for your appreciation.

I kinda figured in view of the load that you prefer to use. The bbls on mine do have the same stamp as yours. Thanks for sharing the images.

 

[Grouser]

Had one in 12ga once -- I recall that after I shot 3 rounds of skeet, I took it back the next day and traded it. Made my shoulder bleed thru my shirt.

 

[8ball]

I think that any Upland Special are better suited as hunting guns than Skeet guns. Personnaly I prefer the 30" 12 ga. Citori 625 Sporting for Skeet. My 2¢.