Got new gun...now what?

T

torch

New member
Well after a lot of searching and q&a, I am pulling the trigger on a new browning citori white lightning 12ga. My experience is minimal with one trip a year to S.D. but I now hope to get into pheasants even more as well as some trap or sporting clays.

My question is when I pick up the new toy, what should I do before shooting it for first time? How should I choke it for S.D. this year? This is my first o/u and I have only shot one once so I will have to learn a lot about the gun. Let's hope it can bag me a few pheasants in a couple of weeks.

Any advice is appreciated....I am very excited
 
Pull the barrels off and give it a thorough cleaning to take any of the factory grease off. Then give it a very light lube with some Rem Oil or Hoppes. Wipe that off as well and you should be good to go. There really isn't anything else you need to do regarding a "break in" (that I know of) aside from regular cleanings. Personally, I'd choke it Modified/Full but others may suggest a more open combo like improved cylinder/modified, especially for early season. Have fun with that gun, it's a nice one.
 
New gun chokes

Greetings,

New gun - congratulations!

Would assume the gun comes with an instruction booklet and tips for shooting and break-in advice. Also, there's a wealth on information on the web.

My gun is a 20 ga Bng auto . I use improved cyl. for sporting clays and 7.5 shot for pheasants. I don't take long shots so the 7.5 shot works well - more pellets in the shell and better pattern. Also, I'm hunting over a dog; lots of shots are fairly close.

Would suggest shooting at a range and get accustomed to the new gun before the hunt.

Good luck!
 
Congrats on the new gun, sounds like a beauty. I also would suggest a few rounds of Skeet or Trap after you clean it. It will really help you learn how to swing the gun to hit the birds.........Bob
 
you've bought a sweet O/U-

there isn't much to do actually, remove the front wood, barrels/metal, clean it with what you like- leave a light film if that's what you're used to- O/U just about fool proof

try some loads, pattern at the range you expect to be shooting-
never fear only two shots-

hope that Browning swings smoothly and fits you well- I've put away my Berretta auto for my Citori- nothing quite as nice handling as an O/U
 
Congratulations on the new gun! :cheers:

If it were mine I would give it a good cleaning (per instuction manual). Then take it for a few rounds of sporting clays.

I shoot IC/MOD in my SXS. Let us know what you think after you shoot it!!!
 
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Thanks for the advice guys and keep it coming. I will be out of town till next week and will hopefully shoot it later next week (though I gotta find a place around here to do it). I will let everyone know what I think of it.
Also, anybody have any advice on a case for the gun (think cheap).
 
For overall hunting in SD I would choke it IC/Mod. That combination will work best for most situations. Only if you are blocking a field and getting some long passing shots might you need tigher chokes. As for size of shot I would suggest #5 or #6. And I would buy Federal Premium Pheasant Forever loads with copperplated shot. You can get them for $12.97 per box at Walmart.

But before you head out on your hunt get out and shoot the gun and get comfortable with it. Then just have fun. You will like the White Lightning, I have one in 16 ga. Good luck on your hunt.
 
As was stated, the biggest issue as far as cleaning will be the factory cosmoline (grease) that comes on the gun from the factory. You may have to use a gun solvent to get it off completely. Be sure to lightly oil all metal surfaces afterwards as the solvent will strip all grease and oil from metal surfaces.
 
Well, the new gun is cleaned up and ready to shoot...Sunday will be it's first day of firing. In the meantime it is sitting in my living room because I can't stop looking at it.(my wife thinks I am crazy and cant wait till I leave for S.D. cause she knows I am anxious). The thing is sexy, the wood almost looks like it is a graded gun.

What do you guys recommend for storage when not in use? Should I just oil the outside? Do you use same oil on stock? I typically use rem oil...it has always worked for me but again I have never owned a gun this new and expensive(well for me it was expensive anyway).

I will let you guys my thoughts Sunday after the first shooting and next weekend it's off to S.D. Can't wait!!!!
 
torch said:
In the meantime it is sitting in my living room because I can't stop looking at it.(my wife thinks I am crazy and cant wait till I leave for S.D. cause she knows I am anxious). The thing is sexy, the wood almost looks like it is a graded gun.
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Been there done that !!:)

What do you guys recommend for storage when not in use? Should I just oil the outside? Do you use same oil on stock? I typically use rem oil...it has always worked for me but again I have never owned a gun this new and expensive(well for me it was expensive anyway).
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I wipe them down and store them in my gun safe. If you don't have a safe then a closet, cabnet etc.. where the open air can get to it. Last place I would store a gun is in it's soft case as that's how rust can start. Although if you can find one, they do make a gun sock that is silicone impregnated that is a good way as well.

I will let you guys my thoughts Sunday after the first shooting and next weekend it's off to S.D. Can't wait!!!!
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You better not miss too many or else you might not feel the same about it..:D:thumbsup:
 
Good Luck on the SD trip. I hope you get to shot at a lot of birds. I have some fond memories of trips like that. I hope you get some from this trip......Bob
 
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bobeyerite said:
Good Luck on the SD trip. I hope you get to shoot at a lot of birds. I have some fond memories of trips like that I hope you get some from this trip......Bo
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Ditto..have a great trip
 
I also have a Browning Citori, I have had it for about 15 years give or take a couple. If you are going to shoot Black Cloud like I do, you should pattern it. I use I/C for my first shot and Mod. for the second. These chokes pattern the best for my gun. Good luck.
 
Well I shot the new gun for the first time last night. I love it. I did not miss many clays after the first few shots and those misses we will chalk up to my lack of practice. It sure felt good having that o/u in my hand. I have it choked i/c in bottom for first shot mod in top for second. What a dream!!! Off to S.D. later this week. Thanks for all the advice!
 
Super!

Enjoy your trip and keep us posted on how the old girl shoots on your trip

Onpoint
 
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