Browning 12 ga O/U

timbroman

September 20, 2002 10:12

Last spring one of the drivers who's in and out of our plant two or three times a month offered me a 12 ga Belgian Browning Citori for $700.00...I thought it was a fair deal at the time but I was and still am totally uninformed on the Browning O/U...I told him that I'd think about it and meant to do some research on it so as to make a better-informed decision, but as I am one of the world's greatest procrastinators I thought little more about it...in August the guy had it in his pickup, said he'd take $500.00 for it so I bought it without knowing much more about that Browning line than I had before. But I was certain I had made a good buy for the very clean shotgun, and the seller was happy as well. Now the more I look to identify the gun, the more confused I get. I never was around guys who shot O/U's, no uncles, cousins, buddies, etc. and none of the fellas I hunt with now know anything about them, they only say how nice it is. I shot doves with it the second weekend of the first split this month and I did pretty well...the gun shoots fine and I'm getting used to it. We shot some clay targets Saturday morning before the hunt and I shot the O/U and did okay...I have no problem with the gun's performance and feel, I would just like to know what to call it (especially in the event I'm ever around someone who does know what it is) Browning seems to call their O/U doubles a variety of names: Superposed, Citori, Liege, etc. How can I describe the shotgun to the forum for some help in identification? What prompted this posting is that I'd still be calling it a "Citori" until I saw the gunbroker.com auction lot # 5423167 where the seller calls it a "Liege" and opens bidding at $350.00. This gun appears identical to mine, even choked the same: modified and improved. Now my $500.00 buy doesn't seem like a huge bargain, but I'm not bitching about the money...I like the gun and I'd buy it again today for $500.00. I'd just like to know what to call this rascal. Thanks for all the help...MikeWiskey, if you read this please let me know your thoughts. Thanks all. Best, Jim

timbroman@aol.com

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  Rembrandt

  September 20, 2002 11:47

  Probably need a serial number to know what you really have...the term "Superposed" is derived from the French term superpose or to place one over the other. This was the name given to one of John Moses Brownings greatest shotgun designs. About the early 70's Browning began looking for cheaper ways to produce the Superposed and compete with the lower end market for over-unders. From 1973-1975 they introduced the "Leige" model, (named after the firearm engraving capitol of Europe). These were the predecessor to what is now the Citori. It is also known as the B-26 model, still made and available outside the U.S. I have one of the High Grades and they are very nice!....
  
  I'd like to be able to help more, but I am just leaving for a business trip for about a week....hopefully someone can check your serial number and tell what you have. All Leige models were made in Belgium, all Citori's were made in Japan. Either way, you got a good buy....unless it's really beat up.

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  Alpine

  September 20, 2002 12:05

  With the serial number you can go to the Browning website and find out a little more about the shotgun. One of the telling features of an o/u is where the lever (that opens the gun) sits. If it is passed 6 o'clock position it is worn out and will feel loose on lockup. If lever is before 6 o'clock position the gun still has a lot of life left in it.
  
  "If you ain't got pictures, I wasn't there."

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  punchie

  September 20, 2002 12:10

  Sounds like Rembrandt nailed it on the head. If it is like the auction you mentioned I would call it a Leige definetly not a Citori. Don't go by the 'opening bid' price of a gun with a reserve on it when comparing.
  
  AN ARMED SOCIETY IS A POLITE SOCIETY

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  thunderbolt

  September 20, 2002 12:16

  You got a bargain if the gun is solid with most of it's original finish. If you get tired of it, list it on GunBroker and someone will be happy to take it off your hands.

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  MIKE WISKEY

  September 21, 2002 07:30

  THE ABOVE POSTS PRETTY WELL COVERED THIS, IF IT IS MADE IN BELGIUM IT'S A SUPERPOSED, IF IT'S MADE IN JAPAN IT'S A CITORI. BOTH VERY GOOD GUNS AND WORTH OVER $500.

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