Determining the grade of your Browning Citori stock involves a careful examination of several factors. Citori shotguns, known for their quality and reliability, come in various grades reflected in the wood quality, finish, and overall craftsmanship. Understanding these distinctions can help you assess the value and desirability of your firearm. This guide will walk you through the process of identifying the grade of your Citori stock.
Understanding Citori Stock Grades
Browning doesn't explicitly label Citori stocks with grade designations like "Grade 1," "Grade 2," etc., in the same way some other manufacturers do. Instead, the grade is implicitly determined by the wood's quality, figure (grain pattern), and overall finish. Generally, higher-grade Citoris feature:
- Superior Wood: Higher grades utilize wood with more desirable figure, such as highly figured walnut with prominent swirls, flames, or other attractive patterns. Lower grades often use less visually appealing wood with simpler grain.
- Finer Finish: High-grade stocks receive a more meticulous finish, resulting in a smoother, more polished surface. The oil finish will be more even and lustrous. Lower grades may show more imperfections in the finish.
- Intricate Checkering: The checkering (the diamond pattern on the grip and forearm) is more finely cut and consistently spaced in higher-grade guns. Lower grades might have coarser or less consistent checkering.
- Overall Craftsmanship: Higher-grade Citoris generally exhibit superior overall craftsmanship, with tighter tolerances and more attention to detail throughout the entire gun.
Key Factors to Examine
To determine the grade of your Citori stock, meticulously examine these aspects:
1. Wood Type and Figure
- Walnut: Most Citoris utilize walnut, but the quality and figure vary greatly. Look for tight, even grain with attractive patterns like flame, fiddleback, or tiger stripe. These patterns command higher value.
- Grain Density: Dense wood is generally more durable and desirable. Tap the stock gently; a higher-grade stock will have a solid, resonant sound.
- Color and Tone: The color can range from light to dark, with darker wood often considered more desirable. However, the overall beauty and figure are more important than simply the color itself.
2. Finish Quality
- Smoothness: Run your hand across the stock. A high-grade stock will feel incredibly smooth, with an even, polished finish.
- Evenness: Check for inconsistencies in the finish, such as drips, runs, or uneven gloss. High-grade stocks are meticulously finished.
- Luster: High-grade stocks possess a deep, rich luster. The oil finish should be deep and even.
3. Checkering
- Cut Depth and Consistency: Examine the checkering carefully. Higher grades exhibit consistently cut diamonds with even depth and spacing.
- Sharpness: The points of the checkering should be sharp and well-defined. Blunt or poorly cut checkering indicates a lower grade.
- Pattern: The pattern itself can be a factor. Some patterns are more intricate and time-consuming to create, increasing the value.
4. Overall Craftsmanship
- Fit and Finish: Check how well the stock fits the receiver and forearm. A tight, well-fitting stock indicates superior craftsmanship.
- Hardware Quality: Examine the screws, hinges, and other metal parts. High-grade stocks will have high-quality hardware that complements the wood.
- Inlet Work: The inlet work is where the wood meets the metal. A clean, precise inlet shows better craftsmanship.
Comparing Your Citori to Examples
Finding photos of known high-grade and lower-grade Citori stocks online can be very helpful in visually comparing. Search for "Browning Citori high-grade stock" or "Browning Citori grade wood" to find examples. Pay close attention to the subtle differences in wood figure, finish, and checkering.
Conclusion: Grading Your Citori Stock
While Browning doesn't provide specific grade designations, you can confidently assess the grade of your Citori stock by carefully examining the wood quality, finish, checkering, and overall craftsmanship. Remember to consider the entire gun and its condition when assessing value, as other factors like barrel condition and engraving significantly influence the overall worth. If you are unsure, consulting a qualified firearms appraiser is always recommended for a definitive assessment.