Boristhedog Posted October 11, 2010 Report Share Posted October 11, 2010 Using previous topics in the ‘Guns and Equipment’ section of PW and the link to Browning’s ‘date your firearm’ website I think I’ve managed to understand that the serial number L13PR***** on my gun indicates it’s a Citori 802 ES made in 1987. If it’s of interest the 802 refers to the gun being available with 28, 30 and 32 inch barrels and the ES stands for Easy Swing. Mine has 28 inch. However, I seem to have hit the buffers as I understand that Citori guns were made in Japan whereas mine has ‘Made in Belgium - Fabrique Nationale Herstal’ stamped on the barrel. Just to add to my confusion the gun also has stamped in tiny letters on the action, where the metal curves under the wood just above the trigger (I hope that makes sense) J PIROTTE. I’ve found a link to PIROTTE, Jacques & Fils in Liege, Belgium. http://www.littlegun.be/arme%20belge/artis...irotte%20gb.htm Why would a Browning have such detail on it? I’d be really grateful if any of you could throw any light on this and the made in Japan/Belgium issue for me. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted October 11, 2010 Report Share Posted October 11, 2010 Phone/email/write to Browning? Too easy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boristhedog Posted October 11, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2010 (edited) Phone/email/write to Browning? Too easy? Of course it's easy but probably not too easy on a Monday evening. And I thought the idea of a forum like this was to seek views and opinion from other members. Edited October 17, 2010 by Boristhedog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted October 11, 2010 Report Share Posted October 11, 2010 (edited) Wow that's alot of info, I am no browning expert I cant even figure out what model mine is... (apart from it being a 525!) the new serial numbers dont give as much info. I thought all of the Citori and 325/425/525 (Citori US designation for 325/425/525? now 625?) were Japanese made, perhaps Pirotte deisnged the engraving for tha mass produced ones? Or it was made in japan engraved in belgium? The date your browning site seems to be more for the US market than european browning UK details arent easy to find but they will be out there somewhere. EDIT: YOur signature mentions a B26, assume that's not the Citori? Edited October 11, 2010 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boristhedog Posted October 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2010 Wow that's alot of info, I am no browning expert I cant even figure out what model mine is... (apart from it being a 525!) the new serial numbers dont give as much info. I thought all of the Citori and 325/425/525 (Citori US designation for 325/425/525? now 625?) were Japanese made, perhaps Pirotte deisnged the engraving for tha mass produced ones? Or it was made in japan engraved in belgium? The date your browning site seems to be more for the US market than european browning UK details arent easy to find but they will be out there somewhere. EDIT: YOur signature mentions a B26, assume that's not the Citori? It's the same gun! I was told it was a B26 but I cannot find any reference to that model, plenty on the B25 and B27 but no B26. The serial number seems to indicate the information given in the OP but I cannot seem to get any further. I've written to Browning but I expect any response will take a while. Still hoping someone on here might be able to add something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted October 17, 2010 Report Share Posted October 17, 2010 Borris got any pics? Have seen pics of the 802ES online (but only US) and plenty on the B26 First cataloged in 1980. Called the Grand Liege, it is not a Superposed, but, it was built in Belgium. http://www.pmulcahy.com/db_sb_shotguns/bel...sb_shotguns.htm Notes: This gun was designed in 1972 as a simpler, less expensive alternative to the B-25. (The true, real-world cost of the B-25 is very high, beyond the reach of many shooters.) This weapon was introduced with the name of "Liege," and made only for 12 gauge 2.75-inch shells. The Liege uses a box lock and has a single trigger, with no provision for barrel selection. In 1978, the production of the Liege switched over to the new B-26 model (known as the B-27 in the US, for reasons unknown). The B-26 was split into two other versions in 1979 – the B-26 Mk I (the trap and skeet version) and the B-26 Mk II Chasse (for hunting). These two guns have 3-inch chambers, with the Mk I using a 30-inch barrel and the Mk II using a 28-inch barrel. They have ventilated sighting ribs on top of the barrels, with clip-on wider ribs for use if desired. There are also several subtypes of these two guns: Mk II Chasse Luxe, Mk II Skeet, Mk II Trap, and several luxury versions, but the only one of note for game purposes is the B-26 Mk II Super Skeet. This version has an anatomical pistol grip stock, an adjustable butt plate with a rubber recoil pad and a shoulder rest; its barrel is 28 inches long. Production of the B-26 series stopped in 1980. Don't think the gun can be a B-26 and an 802ES http://www.browning.com/customerservice/da...etail.asp?id=32 should hep L13=12 ga. 2 3/4" 802 ES Sporter BTW where do you shoot (I'm in cardiff) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) Sorry to raise this OLD thread, I have my B25 B5.3 action (Pointers engraved by J Pirotte) as a backdrop and just on a whim Googled him/her. In short he/she was the engraver of just that aspect of the whole engraving. Others would have worked the scroll, acorns and or leaves etc. PS. You will get nowt out of Browning. Although I own ££££ of their guns they are most unhelpful with such info. Edited June 13, 2012 by B25Modelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fo5ter Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) Wasn't the B27 also a Belgian browning? Is it budget belgian or is it from the custom shop which is in Belgium? How about a Midas? Diana? Superposed? Put up a pic Edited June 13, 2012 by fo5ter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) Wasn't the B27 also a Belgian browning? Is it budget belgian or is it from the custom shop which is in Belgium? How about a Midas? Diana? Superposed? Put up a pic I believe it was their attempt to replace for the 'too expensive to produce' B25 model, but I am not sure where it was manufactured. All B25 models now come under the Custom range starting at the B2G as the lowest specification. My BIGGEST regret (I have 2) throwing away all the Browning catalogues from the early 90's which listed all the grades with pictures. Second regret....trading in an unused totally MINT boxed B25 A1 30" Special Sporting 1/2/full I located one back in the 80's with a German gun dealer and imported it Edited June 13, 2012 by B25Modelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaserF3 Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 I have an old 1981 Browning catalogue giving details of the B26 range which were available in 7 versions Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boristhedog Posted June 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 I have an old 1981 Browning catalogue giving details of the B26 range which were available in 7 versions If I cover the cost could you copy the relevant pages and post to me please? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaserF3 Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 Would you like the catalogue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boristhedog Posted June 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 Would you like the catalogue? I would! Even for a loan. Many thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaserF3 Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 OK pm sent. It's only gathering dust here I'd like it to go to a Browning owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) here's a pic of the other side with A Maloir's signiture...which I think is stamped. this is interesting...he was the ornament engraver Edited June 13, 2012 by B25Modelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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