Identifying a Browning Citori

[sumerpaul]

Hello all,

I have just come into possession of a Citori with a serial number that (the Browning website) says is a Type 3, 12 Ga 3 1/2'' Gr 1 Hunting. It has a straight tang, English stock and has fixed chokes * and **, so Full and Mod on a 28'' barrel. Manufacture date (according to the date code) is 1985.

Firstly, although this is meant to be a 3 1/2'' chamber, the info on the barrel says it is 2 3/4''. Is it normal for the actual barrels to be different than what is expected according to the serial number?

Secondly, can I use steel shot in this gun? The gun itself has been barely used despite being 30 yrs old, and when I look into the tubes, they appear to be chromed...at least, they are very shiny!

Any info about this gun would be most appreciated by this novice gun