The production of the Citori over/under shotgun began in 1973. It has gone through many configurations in the years and is currently still in production.

The information below is critical must have knowledge necessary for ordering parts, wood, and barrels for your Browning BT-100

Manufacture "Configuration Types" of the Citori

  • Pre Type 1: Manufactured 1973 through 1976
  • Type 1: Manufactured 1977 Only
  • Type 2: Manufactured 1978 through 1982
  • Type 3: Manufactured 1983 through present
  • 525/625: Manufactured 2002 through 2015

What "Configuration Type", "Tang Style", and "Forearm Bracket" is your Citori?

  1. Locating your serial number

    The true complete serial number of the Citori can only be found underneath of the TOP LEVER. All other numbers represent production sequence only and are used by the factory to denote what barrel set is paired with an individual receiver. See figure 1-A to locate the top lever on your firearm.


    Figure 1-A

  2. Reading Your Serial Number

    Below use the chart to determine the manufacture year of your Citori.

    Historic Information Serial Number Info
    1973-75

    In 1969 Browning started using two digits for the date of manufacture which was followed by on of the following codes:

    H=12 ga.
    N=20ga.

    Later the code was changed to J=both gauges

    This was then followed by the serial number beginning with 00001.

    Example: 00001H37 = A 1973 Citori 12 ga. shotgun with a serial number of 00001.

    H=12 ga.
    N=20 ga.
    Later the code was changed to J=both gauges
    1976-1997

    In 1975 Browning standardized its serial number identification which it follows to the present day.

    1. Production Sequence Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year.
    2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code:
      Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9, M=0

    Serial Number Example:

    1000RT153

    This would be a Citori manufactured in 1976 with the serial number 01001.
    1999

    In 1998 Browning redid the standardization of its serial number identifications to work with its new data base program, Oracle.

    1. Serial Number beginning with 01001 at the start of each year.
    2. Date of Manufacture is a two digit code:
      Z=1, Y=2, X=3, W=4, V=5, T=6, R=7, P=8, N=9, M=0
    3. Citori Type: 131=All Citori Shotguns

    Serial Number Example:

    1000NN131

    This would be a Citori Shotgun, manufactured in 1999 with the serial number 01001.

    Using the above chart you should now be able to distinguish if your Citori is Pre Type 1, Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3.

    • Pre Type 1 - Manufactured from 1973 - 1976

      Sorry, wood and/or mechanical parts are no longer available for this production era of the Citori.

    • Type 1 - Manufactured only in 1977

      Wood is still available, but in very limited quantities. All mechanical parts are obsolete.

    • Type 2 - Manufactured from 1978 through 1982

      Mechanical parts are still available and are the same as those used in the present manufactured Citori. The wood for this gun is still available, but in very limited quantities.

    • Type 3 - Manufactured from 1983 - Present

      Mechanical parts and wood are still in great supply. "Long Tang" butt stock production has ceased and the supply of these stocks are dwindling rapidly.

    • 525 / 625 - Manufactured from 2002 - 2015

      Mechanical parts are still in great supply. The wood for these gun is still available in limited quantities, and the supply of these stocks are dwindling rapidly.

  3. Determining Tang Style

    The Citori has been manufactured with 3 "Tang Styles"

    • Straight Tang
    • Long Tang
    • Short Tang

    Use figure 1-B to determine the "Tang Style" of your Citori.


    Figure 1-B

  4. Determining Receiver Configuration

    Use figure 1-C to determine the "Receiver Configuration" of your Citori.


    Figure 1-C

  5. Determining "Forearm Bracket" Type

    Two "Forearm Bracket" types have been used in the production of Citori's.

    • Short Field/Sporter 2 Hole Bracket
    • Long Target 3 Hole Bracket

    Use Figure 1-D to determine what "Forearm Bracket" your Citori uses. Starting in 1994 and continuing through the present all Citori shotguns have been manufactured with the "Short 2 Hole Bracket".

    Determining Forearm Bracket Type
    Figure 1-D


    6. Thank you very much for taking the time to review the above information. If you are in need of more assistance or you have found the above information a useful shopping tool please contact us at [email protected]