I purchased the Browning Citori CXS in 20 gauge earlier this year. I have never had an over under fit me so well as the CXS. Nor have I been able to get such great shots on game birds as the CXS. As for recoil, there is virtually no recoil. Love the CXS.
Have the CX in 12 gauge! love this for sporting clays and 5 stand! I now have a Citori Field 725 and also love this gun for birds! Both are 28 inch 12 gauge and now my go to shotguns. My Silver Pigeon 20 gauge is now gathering dust in my safe!
I have a 1992 vintage Browning Citori Sporting Clays Lightning in 12 gauge. Purchased it as a spare for just 800 dollars in 2019 and proceeded to shoot my first 25 in Skeet with that gun. The gun was very well used when I got it and a previous owner had no idea at all that surfaces such as the stock should be flat sanded after stripping the old finish off with sandpaper. It was the waviest piece of wood I've ever seen. All that has been corrected so it now looks quite good with a genuine Oil Finish. It is also the easiest shotgun to operate I own, flip the release lever and it falls completely open. Some would call it "loose" but with the barrel mounted with the forearm removed there is no movement at all in the joint and the release lever is well to the right. What it feels like is a ball bearing action, something I consider perfect. I have never had one single fault with the gun. I'm told that someday I'll have to replace the lower firing pin but I've done some cleaning and lubrication on the actions and it's a well designed, easy to work on action. IMO this is truly a 100 year gun and I have no doubt the CXS will provide a similar lifetime.
I have the Citori Hunter Grade 1 and I got to finally put it to the test on opening day for dove. I originally purchased this because I liked the Silver Pigeon. I got to use it for a hunt and I loved the over under at that point. I ended up with the Citori because although I liked the Silver Pigeon, I wanted something different. I’m glad I did. The recoil on the 12ga is very little and it doesn’t give the recoil toward your face. It’s a “straight back” recoil. My buddy got a chance to hunt with the Citori and he fell in love with it. He actually tried to get me to trade my citori for his silver pigeon. They are both great over unders, however the silver pigeon is a tad lighter with the Citori weighing in at 7.1lbs but it wasn’t bothersome while hunting. They both have similarities but the one thing I disliked about the silver pigeon was the auto safety after shooting. The Citori does not have that. Overall, I am very happy with the Citori Hunter, and having put in over 3 hundred rounds with no issue, I have no complaints about it.
I purchased a 12ga 28" 525 field model brand new in1983 for $1000.00. I have used this gun from everything from pheasant hunting to sporting clays with trap shooting being the forte and I did have it custom fit to me. After many straights and decades of shooting I can say that I Have ran at least 100,000 rounds through this gun. It was my go to gun up to 4 years ago but now it is my back up. This is because the breech locking lug is worn, not broken. It can be repaired and go for a lot more but I have chosen to shoot newer, more modern custom fitted guns, 525s and 725s. This is by far the best $1000.00 I've ever spent.
I have the CX in 12 gage. Great gun. I use it in the field as well as trap/skeet. Super reliable and fun to shoot…….your review is spot on from the feel, looks, reliability, shoot ability and yes putting the barrel back together can be a bit tricky. Great review and all I can is say is “ditto” to all you said in the review. 👍🏻
We have a few of these CXS shotguns on my collegiate shooting club. A lot of the students really like how they shoot. We have put about 20,000 rounds through each of these guns and mechanically they have held up fine. I recall maybe one or two light primer strikes out of the 5 guns that are being used, and that could have been an ammo issue. The big complaint with these guns is the finish on the receiver and the finish on the stock. In the two years our club has had the guns, wear has started to show on the trigger guard and on the bottom of the receiver. The high gloss finish on the stocks looks nice but they seem to scratch very easily. Thanks for the review!
I have citori cxs white in 12 guage. Bought it used, previous owner had it for a year. I have about 3 thousand shells through it and it has been flawless. My first ou and I really enjoy shooting it. Great shotgun.
Francis E. Sell championed the 3 inch 20 gauge loaded with lead as all you need for large geese and sandhill crane on the wing to flushing quail on the other end.
Great to see you review this one! I own a CSX White in 20 gauge and it is a dream to shoot. It also has some of the prettiest wood I’ve seen on any shotgun in this price range. While I also own a Beretta Silver Pigeon in 20 gauge, and is a great shotgun, I still believe Browning makes the best over/under shotguns!
I shoot a 12 gauge CSX for my collegiate clay shooting team and have around 10k rounds through it this year. I’ve never had any issues but in reference to ease of assembly they typically wear in beautifully after a couple thousand rounds and it becomes second nature to manipulate the bar on the bottom. If you are used to O/Us without the full hinge pine it can seem pretty awkward at first. Great video!
Citori Lightening waterfowl edition in 12 gauge with 30" barrels, 3.5 chambers, coated in the mossy oak duck blind wrap. She's a 2007 I think. I've drug this old girl through the South Texas salt flats in search of diver ducks, carried over the inland fields for the fast flying dove, even dropped in our local lake on a near death experience... the ducks were safe that day. She's even been snatched out of my hands by my father at the local gun club, he always says, "I bought you that gun, I wanna shoot it." And always says it with a smile. Never ever have I had a misfire, never have I missed that third round, heck... she's still banging till this day. Problems with this gun... Shooting the top barrel first, the trigger release has a little sticky/fall off ledge feel to it, it feels ugly but still fires that under barrel no problem. Shooting the under barrel first, she fires quick and smooth. The wrap or dip coating has been completely been removed from the stock and for-end as it started to come off on its own and expose a bright white underneath. Now she has a more sexy appeal with her oiled finished wood and duck blind pattern colors over the barrel and receiver. I love this Browning so much that I'm now shopping for another one... another one for my son in hopes he will have same experience and joy that I have had.
I have the CXS in 12 guage, in the white with 32 inch barrels. I have put about 5,000 rounds through it with no problems at all. I love the gun and use it for Trap and Sporting Clays. It's a great gun.
I have had a CXS in 12 gauge with an adjustable comb and Briley chokes for close to a year. It was a step up from my old 325. With 5,200 rounds through it I have had one light-strike which may have been the ammo. I shoot what I can find and have run probably 6-7 different brands of shells through it. I clean it inside and out (not the interior of the receiver) after each use and keep it in a sock or case when it's not in my cart or being shot. Zero issues with wear or rust anywhere. At about 4,500 rounds (all target loads) I found that I needed to tighten the two mounting screws for the forend latch. Very happy with the gun. When/if the time comes it is easy and inexpensive to have serviced. Think I'll look for a canted trigger. I didn't know it was available.
I have the CXS w/adjustable comb, It really is a Beautiful Solid almost bomb proof Shotgun. I've been shooting trap for the last 3 years and hasn't loosened up at All .You get Absolutely No Recoil,I am glad I purchased it, glad I own it. The Rib is Wide and Flat you have to Stay Down on the rib with your eye and you will Do Well.shot my first 25 with this Gun.
I purchased a Browning Classic Lightning about 15 years ago. It had a habit of not firing the bottom barrel. I cured that by installing a J and P firing pin for the bottom barrel. Flawless ever since. I also have a Browning Hunter Grade I. Purchased 2 years ago. Flawless from the start.
I have a 28” 20 ga and a 30” in 12 ga. Love them both. No reliability issues and true browning style. Tha 20 will come to the dove field this coming September. Very good gun!
I’m running a CXS 12G with 30” barrels and an adjustable comb for trap primarily. Most of my background in shooting is with a rifle so the 50/50 poi was a breakthrough for me. For the price, this is an absolutely excellent gun.
It’s very reasonable. The real key to managing recoil is gun fit, but with it being an over/under, the extra weight will take up a considerable amount or recoil compared to a single.
Ive got an old sportsman 12 magnum (870). It came with screw in chokes, but id still put it at mid 80s production. Plain jane. Tough as nails. Many turkeys have been slayed with it.
I have a 725 with a 32” barrel love it shoot trap with it and thanks for the model break down alway wanted to know the differences can’t wait for the 725 vid Thanks again
There are a few things to take into account when it comes to Browning over under shotguns based on the original Superposed design. The lever on the bottom of the action has been designed that way since the inception of the Citori 40+ years ago. That lever is how the Citori is cocked and is a good durable design. The sliding part on the bottom of the barrels by the half moon hook that goes over the hinge pin is important to make sure free to travel. The one on my 725 was tight to the point of being sticky for the first few thousand rounds of ownership. If I remember correctly the instruction manual speaks to this. Citori shotguns especially when new are fitted to quite close tolerances so assembly will tend to show this as the gun is assembled. The ejectors on sub gauge guns from many manufacturers don't pitch the empty hulls as far as those on 12 gauge guns. This is due to the greater surface area and friction the smaller shell has against the chamber walls compared to the larger gauges. There are several CX and CXS shotguns in heavy use at my local club in 12, 20, and 28 gauge. They've all been very solid and one 12 gauge that's owned by a buddy has had a good amount of VERY heavy reloads run through it without missing a beat. A really nice thing about the Citori action as well as the Beretta 680/690 series actions is that they're about as reliable an action as any. The advantages of either is that due to their long popularity parts when needed are of good quality, easy to find, yet inexpensive. Finding someone that can work on them locally is also generally easy. Once you review the 725 do yourself a favor and borrow Superposed as a comparison. Keep it similar to the other target guns. Something along the lines of a common Lightning Trap with 30 inch barrels. Those and the 28 inch 12 gauge field guns are about as common a Superposed as you'll find. The result will be the gun won't be silly expensive.
I have the CXS 12 gauge with the 32” and white receiver. Put 40,000 rounds through it in 2 years. Replaced the firing pins once and the top lever spring. Wins tournaments.
Wow! My 3 inch 12 gauge Browning 725 Feather over under shotgun with 26 inch barrels weighs just 6 pounds and 7 ounces. I use Trulock blackened stainless steel ported extended chokes with one choked improved cylinder and one choked improved modified. My CXS style all around shotgun.
I own 2 citoris. 20 guage CSX 30 inch and a special sporting in 410 with 32 inch barrels. Probably around 5000 rounds with the 20g and maybe 2 light strikes on the primer. I reload so could be something with that. No problems with the 410. It's got less than 2000 through it and everything it sees is reloads. Good shooting and feels nice in the hands. Swings smooth and good follow up shots on the second bird. Two of the other guys in the squad have the three barrel sets in 20, 28 and 410. They have had no problems either. Except one of them traps the trigger occasionally. Well worth the money for a nice fairly budget minded gun.
Another great video Steve!! Can you please do a video comparing a Citori CXS & Citori CX (both in 12 gauge) for Sporting Clays & Skeet shooters trying to decide between the two? Thanks
So my understanding on left vs right handed shooter and an O/U shotgun; there is a difference not just in palm swell but what is called the cast. There is cast on and cast off. Lefties use a cast on and right handed shooters cast off. Here is a description I grabbed from a google search: "Simply put, cast refers to the deviation of the butt away from the center line of the gun." The cast move the barrel to be more centered with the shooters face.
Great gun on the sporting clay course and in the field. Great dove gun and quail. One of my favorite. 30 inch barrel works great just like all browning shotguns
I've owned a cx white for about a year now. The gun is a great shooter and the 60/40 poi seems perfect for sporting clays. It's a beautiful gun but don't expect it to stay that way if you actually plan to use it. Mine already has minor rust on the rib and the gloss finish on the stock and forend damage easily. Otherwise it has performed flawlessly.
Browning 525 Sporter I bought in 2006, this gun has 10's of thousands rounds through it and it has never failed. I did have new firing pins put in about 5 years ago. That's all I have done to it in 16 years. I'll shoot it until I die, and then pass it down to my grand son.
I have the CXS in 12ga with about 1500 rounds thru it. It’s been flawless thus far and always gets compliments at the shooting club. I think it to be a bit heavy for upland hunting.
Bought a new 12ga. Citori 725 and on the third outing of trap shooting, the entire vented rib just popped off and fell in the mud, leaving just the posts that support it sticking up from the top barrel. Sent the barrels and rib in for repair and received them back in about 3 mos. No problems since, but still, it appears to be a quality control problem at production. I don't think the rib was every brazed/silver soldered in place when the gun was made. Pretty underwhelming experience since this was my first ever purchase of a Citori (have always had cheap or hand-me-down shotguns) and was banking on the quality to go along with the name. Have been shooting skeet with a Tristar 28ga for the last year to see if I like the 28ga, and I love it. Am ready to upgrade to a better quality 28 now but am not sure I want to roll the dice on a Citori again.
I own a Citori CXS in 12ga and a CX in both 12 and 20. Personally I prefer the feel of the forend on the CXS and the 50/50 point of impact. The CX is 60/40 which isn’t that much different but it’s always a factor especially when a gun isn’t properly fitted. Most shooters don’t have guns fitted and compensate for improper cast, drop and LOP. This essentially guarantees that the mount will be inconsistent and so will target acquisition.
The CX white is the best Crossover for the money. 30 inch barrels is great for trap without a dedicated trap like the CXT. The CXS 50/50 isnt really ideal for trap.
Been trying to get my daughter set up in a nice gun. The weight and recoil is usually a problem. Good friend has a cutie cc'd 20/28g combo. It is set up so well the recoil comes straight back. She loves the gun. First round shooting the 28g barrel for me was 27 yard line. Never shot it before and once I figured out where to aim it was busting the clays as well as the 12g. Told the daughter of she doesn't buy it I will!😈
Hey can you please do a review on a very budget friendly o/u what I was thinking was the Tri-Star tt-15 Field I personally think it's the second best shotgun in my collection.
I wish you would first check trigger weight by lifting the gun by the trigger to see if it is heavier than the gun weight, then put a gauge on it. Quick, simple and gives the viewer a better understanding on the trigger weight.
Great video, on a classic gun ( Citori, not sure if the cross over is new). I’d really appreciate if you made a “budget over under” video. Say a comparison of over under guns that are under $800. Thanks!!
Browning is the best, the finish on their guns is the best, I have 4 Brownings from a High power a BAR and a new X bolt and a A 5 ,let me tell ya the blueing they use in the best, after Hunting for years they look great. Browning all the way.
I know from experience that brownings don’t fit many people out of the box. Not saying it doesn’t fit anybody but be ready to spend more money to make it fit
My main target gun is a 12 gauge 725. I've got around 5000 rounds through it so far. There have been zero issues with the gun at all. I run everything from very light 3/4 ounce reloads up to 11/4 ounce heavy pigeon loads through it. I also have a couple of shooting buddies that have the 725 in 12, 20, and 28 gauge. One of them has close to 30,000 rounds through his with no problems. His gun opens a bit easier than mine or the other guys BUT the top lever on his is still well right of center showing that it's got a lot of life left before thinking about a rebuild. I find that Browning did a lot of work on how the handling of the 725 series is. Traditionally Citori shotguns have a reputation of being good but somewhat barrel heavy. Browning took a pretty substantial amount of weight out of the barrels making for a really nice target shotgun. They also did a good amount of work by lengthening the forcing cones as well as updating the chokes to the DS series.
I’m in New Zealand and a couple of years ago I picked up a citori sporter in a store trying it for my girlfriend and loved it so much I now own it myself I shoot skeet and Dtl with it. It’s a great gun and have not had any problems with it after a few thousand rounds. If anyone is thinking about getting one then stop thinking and go do it you won’t be disappointed
I'm a left handed shooter, and most O/U's i've come across have a right hand palm swell. After watching your review of the Cynergy CX, i went and handled one and noticed it has an ambi grip, so I bought it. Hope to get out and shoot it soon. Thanks for your reviews!
Could you please do a review on American Tactical Imports Cavalry sport 12 gauge I want a cheap over under for shooting trap,skeet, and sporting clays but I haven't seen much about them on the internet.
Thank you, Steve. I'm considering a CZ Drake 20 Gauge O/U that is built exceptionally well for the price and comes with nice wood. Would you kindly let me know the benefit of purchasing the Browning CXS 20 Gauge instead?
I got the 28 inch version and do good with it but I started with a beretta a400 semiautomatic and i feel like i do just a touch better with the a400 sporting. The last 3 tournaments i used the cxs and i feel like im slowly getting worse. But i do still use the same shells i use with the beretta. Winchester super handicap 7 1/2 1 1/8 oz 1290fps. What fps shells do you recommend with this style over under? Tge kick mitigation is way better on the a400. I have a hard time with the second clay in true pairs.
I have a CXT and its very easy to take apart and put back together. It is a tank though, great for shooting clays. I would never hunt these guns though, way too heavy, these are clay guns through and through.
I would say it’s just a gun for sporting clays and hunting you wouldn’t use it for trap it’s interesting seeing what browning sell in other countries the American market is very different to what we get in Europe
Just got a Citori 725 and going to use it for sporting clays. What choke tubes do you recommend for that and do you have a link to them that makes you some money
Steve thanks for your quality reviews as Ive watched many of yours and other reviewers and I often get a meaningfully different take from your reviews. Question. I am someone who works a dog afield and walks a lot 8-15 mile days public land hunting. Want a lighter field gun (the old 7.5 punder gets heavier after 8 miles and 65 + years). My head, neck, arm dimensions mean 90+ percent of stock shotguns require I add an adjustable comb and added length of pull to fit me and provide a clean sight picture. Since you mention "peaking up" and thus missing some shots I know you can relate to my gun mount/fit question. Please comment on the sight picture/fit comparing this gun, to the Cynergy CX and the 725. I am seeking a light field gun and during this period of supply chain disruptions I find it impossible to find a shop that has all models in stock at the same time so that I can shoulder them. Want to buy a 20 ga gun that is as close to correct fit off the shelf. Now shoot older Red Label & 101 for my upland hunting (both 20 ga). Thanks.
The CXS is a 50/50 POI. They have a Citori CX model that is a 60/40 POI that is supposed to be a “crossover” gun for both Trap and sporting/skeet. The CX has a slightly higher rib as well.
I had a citori mfg 1972 and I put over 5000 rounds through it and never had a single misfire. I traded it for a "fancy" rizzini and both barrels go off on one trigger pull all the fucking time. 😂😂 Those poor quail don't deserve 2+oz of lead, but it smokes the shit out of a clay. ✅❌
I purchased the Browning Citori CXS in 20 gauge earlier this year. I have never had an over under fit me so well as the CXS. Nor have I been able to get such great shots on game birds as the CXS. As for recoil, there is virtually no recoil. Love the CXS.
Have the CX in 12 gauge! love this for sporting clays and 5 stand! I now have a Citori Field 725 and also love this gun for birds! Both are 28 inch 12 gauge and now my go to shotguns. My Silver Pigeon 20 gauge is now gathering dust in my safe!
I have a 1992 vintage Browning Citori Sporting Clays Lightning in 12 gauge. Purchased it as a spare for just 800 dollars in 2019 and proceeded to shoot my first 25 in Skeet with that gun. The gun was very well used when I got it and a previous owner had no idea at all that surfaces such as the stock should be flat sanded after stripping the old finish off with sandpaper. It was the waviest piece of wood I've ever seen. All that has been corrected so it now looks quite good with a genuine Oil Finish. It is also the easiest shotgun to operate I own, flip the release lever and it falls completely open. Some would call it "loose" but with the barrel mounted with the forearm removed there is no movement at all in the joint and the release lever is well to the right. What it feels like is a ball bearing action, something I consider perfect. I have never had one single fault with the gun. I'm told that someday I'll have to replace the lower firing pin but I've done some cleaning and lubrication on the actions and it's a well designed, easy to work on action. IMO this is truly a 100 year gun and I have no doubt the CXS will provide a similar lifetime.
I have the Citori Hunter Grade 1 and I got to finally put it to the test on opening day for dove. I originally purchased this because I liked the Silver Pigeon. I got to use it for a hunt and I loved the over under at that point. I ended up with the Citori because although I liked the Silver Pigeon, I wanted something different. I’m glad I did. The recoil on the 12ga is very little and it doesn’t give the recoil toward your face. It’s a “straight back” recoil. My buddy got a chance to hunt with the Citori and he fell in love with it. He actually tried to get me to trade my citori for his silver pigeon. They are both great over unders, however the silver pigeon is a tad lighter with the Citori weighing in at 7.1lbs but it wasn’t bothersome while hunting. They both have similarities but the one thing I disliked about the silver pigeon was the auto safety after shooting. The Citori does not have that. Overall, I am very happy with the Citori Hunter, and having put in over 3 hundred rounds with no issue, I have no complaints about it.
I purchased a 12ga 28" 525 field model brand new in1983 for $1000.00. I have used this gun from everything from pheasant hunting to sporting clays with trap shooting being the forte and I did have it custom fit to me. After many straights and decades of shooting I can say that I Have ran at least 100,000 rounds through this gun. It was my go to gun up to 4 years ago but now it is my back up. This is because the breech locking lug is worn, not broken. It can be repaired and go for a lot more but I have chosen to shoot newer, more modern custom fitted guns, 525s and 725s. This is by far the best $1000.00 I've ever spent.
I have one with 30" and have had no issues in about 4 years. Nice, solid economical o/u. Great all-around model
I have the CX in 12 gage. Great gun. I use it in the field as well as trap/skeet. Super reliable and fun to shoot…….your review is spot on from the feel, looks, reliability, shoot ability and yes putting the barrel back together can be a bit tricky. Great review and all I can is say is “ditto” to all you said in the review. 👍🏻
Just bought a CXS 12 gauge 32 inch. Adjustable comb, Amazing, Skeet and Trap is great with it
We have a few of these CXS shotguns on my collegiate shooting club. A lot of the students really like how they shoot. We have put about 20,000 rounds through each of these guns and mechanically they have held up fine. I recall maybe one or two light primer strikes out of the 5 guns that are being used, and that could have been an ammo issue. The big complaint with these guns is the finish on the receiver and the finish on the stock. In the two years our club has had the guns, wear has started to show on the trigger guard and on the bottom of the receiver. The high gloss finish on the stocks looks nice but they seem to scratch very easily. Thanks for the review!
I have citori cxs white in 12 guage. Bought it used, previous owner had it for a year. I have about 3 thousand shells through it and it has been flawless. My first ou and I really enjoy shooting it. Great shotgun.
Francis E. Sell championed the 3 inch 20 gauge loaded with lead as all you need for large geese and sandhill crane on the wing to flushing quail on the other end.
Great to see you review this one! I own a CSX White in 20 gauge and it is a dream to shoot. It also has some of the prettiest wood I’ve seen on any shotgun in this price range. While I also own a Beretta Silver Pigeon in 20 gauge, and is a great shotgun, I still believe Browning makes the best over/under shotguns!
Scammers,wow,thats messed up
I shoot a 12 gauge CSX for my collegiate clay shooting team and have around 10k rounds through it this year. I’ve never had any issues but in reference to ease of assembly they typically wear in beautifully after a couple thousand rounds and it becomes second nature to manipulate the bar on the bottom. If you are used to O/Us without the full hinge pine it can seem pretty awkward at first. Great video!
Citori Lightening waterfowl edition in 12 gauge with 30" barrels, 3.5 chambers, coated in the mossy oak duck blind wrap. She's a 2007 I think. I've drug this old girl through the South Texas salt flats in search of diver ducks, carried over the inland fields for the fast flying dove, even dropped in our local lake on a near death experience... the ducks were safe that day. She's even been snatched out of my hands by my father at the local gun club, he always says, "I bought you that gun, I wanna shoot it." And always says it with a smile. Never ever have I had a misfire, never have I missed that third round, heck... she's still banging till this day. Problems with this gun... Shooting the top barrel first, the trigger release has a little sticky/fall off ledge feel to it, it feels ugly but still fires that under barrel no problem. Shooting the under barrel first, she fires quick and smooth. The wrap or dip coating has been completely been removed from the stock and for-end as it started to come off on its own and expose a bright white underneath. Now she has a more sexy appeal with her oiled finished wood and duck blind pattern colors over the barrel and receiver. I love this Browning so much that I'm now shopping for another one... another one for my son in hopes he will have same experience and joy that I have had.
I have the CXS in 12 guage, in the white with 32 inch barrels. I have put about 5,000 rounds through it with no problems at all. I love the gun and use it for Trap and Sporting Clays. It's a great gun.
Does your shoulder hurt after 100 shots?
I have had a CXS in 12 gauge with an adjustable comb and Briley chokes for close to a year. It was a step up from my old 325. With 5,200 rounds through it I have had one light-strike which may have been the ammo. I shoot what I can find and have run probably 6-7 different brands of shells through it. I clean it inside and out (not the interior of the receiver) after each use and keep it in a sock or case when it's not in my cart or being shot. Zero issues with wear or rust anywhere. At about 4,500 rounds (all target loads) I found that I needed to tighten the two mounting screws for the forend latch. Very happy with the gun. When/if the time comes it is easy and inexpensive to have serviced. Think I'll look for a canted trigger. I didn't know it was available.
I have the CXS w/adjustable comb, It really is a Beautiful Solid almost bomb proof Shotgun. I've been shooting trap for the last 3 years and hasn't loosened up at All .You get Absolutely No Recoil,I am glad I purchased it, glad I own it. The Rib is Wide and Flat you have to Stay Down on the rib with your eye and you will Do Well.shot my first 25 with this Gun.
I purchased a Browning Classic Lightning about 15 years ago. It had a habit of not firing the bottom barrel. I cured that by installing a J and P firing pin for the bottom barrel. Flawless ever since. I also have a Browning Hunter Grade I. Purchased 2 years ago. Flawless from the start.
I have a 28” 20 ga and a 30” in 12 ga. Love them both. No reliability issues and true browning style. Tha 20 will come to the dove field this coming September. Very good gun!
Citori 525 20(15 years) and relatively new 525 16 gauge. Love the brownings!
I’m running a CXS 12G with 30” barrels and an adjustable comb for trap primarily. Most of my background in shooting is with a rifle so the 50/50 poi was a breakthrough for me. For the price, this is an absolutely excellent gun.
How is the recoil
It’s very reasonable. The real key to managing recoil is gun fit, but with it being an over/under, the extra weight will take up a considerable amount or recoil compared to a single.
Ive got an old sportsman 12 magnum (870). It came with screw in chokes, but id still put it at mid 80s production. Plain jane. Tough as nails. Many turkeys have been slayed with it.
I have a 725 with a 32” barrel love it shoot trap with it and thanks for the model break down alway wanted to know the differences can’t wait for the 725 vid Thanks again
There are a few things to take into account when it comes to Browning over under shotguns based on the original Superposed design. The lever on the bottom of the action has been designed that way since the inception of the Citori 40+ years ago. That lever is how the Citori is cocked and is a good durable design. The sliding part on the bottom of the barrels by the half moon hook that goes over the hinge pin is important to make sure free to travel. The one on my 725 was tight to the point of being sticky for the first few thousand rounds of ownership. If I remember correctly the instruction manual speaks to this. Citori shotguns especially when new are fitted to quite close tolerances so assembly will tend to show this as the gun is assembled. The ejectors on sub gauge guns from many manufacturers don't pitch the empty hulls as far as those on 12 gauge guns. This is due to the greater surface area and friction the smaller shell has against the chamber walls compared to the larger gauges.
There are several CX and CXS shotguns in heavy use at my local club in 12, 20, and 28 gauge. They've all been very solid and one 12 gauge that's owned by a buddy has had a good amount of VERY heavy reloads run through it without missing a beat.
A really nice thing about the Citori action as well as the Beretta 680/690 series actions is that they're about as reliable an action as any. The advantages of either is that due to their long popularity parts when needed are of good quality, easy to find, yet inexpensive. Finding someone that can work on them locally is also generally easy.
Once you review the 725 do yourself a favor and borrow Superposed as a comparison. Keep it similar to the other target guns. Something along the lines of a common Lightning Trap with 30 inch barrels. Those and the 28 inch 12 gauge field guns are about as common a Superposed as you'll find. The result will be the gun won't be silly expensive.
I have the CXS 12 gauge with the 32” and white receiver. Put 40,000 rounds through it in 2 years. Replaced the firing pins once and the top lever spring. Wins tournaments.
Wow! My 3 inch 12 gauge Browning 725 Feather over under shotgun with 26 inch barrels weighs just 6 pounds and 7 ounces. I use Trulock blackened stainless steel ported extended chokes with one choked improved cylinder and one choked improved modified. My CXS style all around shotgun.
I own 2 citoris. 20 guage CSX 30 inch and a special sporting in 410 with 32 inch barrels. Probably around 5000 rounds with the 20g and maybe 2 light strikes on the primer. I reload so could be something with that. No problems with the 410. It's got less than 2000 through it and everything it sees is reloads.
Good shooting and feels nice in the hands. Swings smooth and good follow up shots on the second bird. Two of the other guys in the squad have the three barrel sets in 20, 28 and 410. They have had no problems either. Except one of them traps the trigger occasionally. Well worth the money for a nice fairly budget minded gun.
Another great video Steve!! Can you please do a video comparing a Citori CXS & Citori CX (both in 12 gauge) for Sporting Clays & Skeet shooters trying to decide between the two? Thanks
So my understanding on left vs right handed shooter and an O/U shotgun; there is a difference not just in palm swell but what is called the cast. There is cast on and cast off. Lefties use a cast on and right handed shooters cast off. Here is a description I grabbed from a google search: "Simply put, cast refers to the deviation of the butt away from the center line of the gun." The cast move the barrel to be more centered with the shooters face.
Great gun on the sporting clay course and in the field. Great dove gun and quail. One of my favorite. 30 inch barrel works great just like all browning shotguns
I've owned a cx white for about a year now.
The gun is a great shooter and the 60/40 poi seems perfect for sporting clays.
It's a beautiful gun but don't expect it to stay that way if you actually plan to use it.
Mine already has minor rust on the rib and the gloss finish on the stock and forend damage easily.
Otherwise it has performed flawlessly.
Browning 525 Sporter I bought in 2006, this gun has 10's of thousands rounds through it and it has never failed. I did have new firing pins put in about 5 years ago. That's all I have done to it in 16 years. I'll shoot it until I die, and then pass it down to my grand son.
video idea: top 5 clay / upland bird hunting shotguns. Keep up the solid work 🤛🏾
By far the best gun review channel on UA-cam. Keep em coming
I have the CXS in 12ga with about 1500 rounds thru it. It’s been flawless thus far and always gets compliments at the shooting club. I think it to be a bit heavy for upland hunting.
I have the 12 gauge Browning CXS w/32 inch barrels and this a forever shotgun. I’m using to shoot trap.
I have the 12 gauge with 30 inch barrels. I love mine.
Bought a new 12ga. Citori 725 and on the third outing of trap shooting, the entire vented rib just popped off and fell in the mud, leaving just the posts that support it sticking up from the top barrel. Sent the barrels and rib in for repair and received them back in about 3 mos. No problems since, but still, it appears to be a quality control problem at production. I don't think the rib was every brazed/silver soldered in place when the gun was made. Pretty underwhelming experience since this was my first ever purchase of a Citori (have always had cheap or hand-me-down shotguns) and was banking on the quality to go along with the name. Have been shooting skeet with a Tristar 28ga for the last year to see if I like the 28ga, and I love it. Am ready to upgrade to a better quality 28 now but am not sure I want to roll the dice on a Citori again.
I own a Citori CXS in 12ga and a CX in both 12 and 20. Personally I prefer the feel of the forend on the CXS and the 50/50 point of impact. The CX is 60/40 which isn’t that much different but it’s always a factor especially when a gun isn’t properly fitted. Most shooters don’t have guns fitted and compensate for improper cast, drop and LOP. This essentially guarantees that the mount will be inconsistent and so will target acquisition.
The CX white is the best Crossover for the money. 30 inch barrels is great for trap without a dedicated trap like the CXT. The CXS 50/50 isnt really ideal for trap.
Been trying to get my daughter set up in a nice gun. The weight and recoil is usually a problem.
Good friend has a cutie cc'd 20/28g combo. It is set up so well the recoil comes straight back. She loves the gun.
First round shooting the 28g barrel for me was 27 yard line. Never shot it before and once I figured out where to aim it was busting the clays as well as the 12g.
Told the daughter of she doesn't buy it I will!😈
This is a great gun, I just bought one for my son after he joined the 7th grade trap team. He’s already shooting 70+ out of 100 with it.
Hey can you please do a review on a very budget friendly o/u what I was thinking was the Tri-Star tt-15 Field I personally think it's the second best shotgun in my collection.
I wish you would first check trigger weight by lifting the gun by the trigger to see if it is heavier than the gun weight, then put a gauge on it. Quick, simple and gives the viewer a better understanding on the trigger weight.
Great video, on a classic gun ( Citori, not sure if the cross over is new). I’d really appreciate if you made a “budget over under” video. Say a comparison of over under guns that are under $800.
Thanks!!
please add the Cynergy CX in the match-up between all the Citori CX, CXS & CXT
Browning makes a nice ou. I am looking for a 20 ga OU... Citori is on my list.
The CXS is a 525 action. Time tested good gun
I have the CX in 12 gauge has a higher rib shoots great
Browning is the best, the finish on their guns is the best, I have 4 Brownings from a High power a BAR and a new X bolt and a A 5 ,let me tell ya the blueing they use in the best, after Hunting for years they look great. Browning all the way.
I know from experience that brownings don’t fit many people out of the box. Not saying it doesn’t fit anybody but be ready to spend more money to make it fit
I have always wanted a Citori but I am curious about the 725. Looking forward to your review. And I love the 20 gauge.
My main target gun is a 12 gauge 725. I've got around 5000 rounds through it so far. There have been zero issues with the gun at all. I run everything from very light 3/4 ounce reloads up to 11/4 ounce heavy pigeon loads through it. I also have a couple of shooting buddies that have the 725 in 12, 20, and 28 gauge. One of them has close to 30,000 rounds through his with no problems. His gun opens a bit easier than mine or the other guys BUT the top lever on his is still well right of center showing that it's got a lot of life left before thinking about a rebuild.
I find that Browning did a lot of work on how the handling of the 725 series is. Traditionally Citori shotguns have a reputation of being good but somewhat barrel heavy. Browning took a pretty substantial amount of weight out of the barrels making for a really nice target shotgun. They also did a good amount of work by lengthening the forcing cones as well as updating the chokes to the DS series.
My 725 has been very reliable over several thousand rounds.
I’m in New Zealand and a couple of years ago I picked up a citori sporter in a store trying it for my girlfriend and loved it so much I now own it myself I shoot skeet and Dtl with it. It’s a great gun and have not had any problems with it after a few thousand rounds. If anyone is thinking about getting one then stop thinking and go do it you won’t be disappointed
I would like a in depth review for a 725 feather. How can I take the whip out of my swing.
I'm a left handed shooter, and most O/U's i've come across have a right hand palm swell. After watching your review of the Cynergy CX, i went and handled one and noticed it has an ambi grip, so I bought it. Hope to get out and shoot it soon. Thanks for your reviews!
How does the sx4 3.5’ do with target loads?
For all around gun would you recommend 28" 0r 30"
Let’s see all the browning!
That's a very nice gun. Thanks for the review👍
Could you please do a review on American Tactical Imports Cavalry sport 12 gauge I want a cheap over under for shooting trap,skeet, and sporting clays but I haven't seen much about them on the internet.
Great video Steve! Thank you
I'd love to see the CX and CXS compared 30in 12 gauge.
Thank you, Steve. I'm considering a CZ Drake 20 Gauge O/U that is built exceptionally well for the price and comes with nice wood. Would you kindly let me know the benefit of purchasing the Browning CXS 20 Gauge instead?
Love the citori videos. Could you do a side by side shotgun at some point? Thanks
the best reviews brotha. pls pls do a benelli 20g vs 20g gas operated tks I will not buy one until you do it 😄
I got the 28 inch version and do good with it but I started with a beretta a400 semiautomatic and i feel like i do just a touch better with the a400 sporting. The last 3 tournaments i used the cxs and i feel like im slowly getting worse. But i do still use the same shells i use with the beretta. Winchester super handicap 7 1/2 1 1/8 oz 1290fps. What fps shells do you recommend with this style over under? Tge kick mitigation is way better on the a400. I have a hard time with the second clay in true pairs.
Nice gun, if you can find one to buy.
I have a CXT and its very easy to take apart and put back together. It is a tank though, great for shooting clays. I would never hunt these guns though, way too heavy, these are clay guns through and through.
Can you review this shotgun? CZ Redhead Premier Target Over and Under Shotgun.
I would say it’s just a gun for sporting clays and hunting you wouldn’t use it for trap it’s interesting seeing what browning sell in other countries the American market is very different to what we get in Europe
Fantastic show,
Can you do a real vowel of a Tri star over and under in 12g or 20g
I have a Wetherby 20 ga o/u
Could you review the sds imports ar-to2 12 guage semi auto that u can pick op for around $200
I have a CX 12ga 32" barrels with adjustable comb. 2 years and flawless. I only use for clays. Too clunky for hunting.
@targetfocuslife i would love a review from you on the CITORI CX (the true cross over)
I have a 20 ga Citori from 1991
Just got a Citori 725 and going to use it for sporting clays. What choke tubes do you recommend for that and do you have a link to them that makes you some money
Scammer above ^ don’t contact that guy
Nice looking 20 gauge shotgun 👌😎
Steve thanks for your quality reviews as Ive watched many of yours and other reviewers and I often get a meaningfully different take from your reviews. Question. I am someone who works a dog afield and walks a lot 8-15 mile days public land hunting. Want a lighter field gun (the old 7.5 punder gets heavier after 8 miles and 65 + years). My head, neck, arm dimensions mean 90+ percent of stock shotguns require I add an adjustable comb and added length of pull to fit me and provide a clean sight picture. Since you mention "peaking up" and thus missing some shots I know you can relate to my gun mount/fit question. Please comment on the sight picture/fit comparing this gun, to the Cynergy CX and the 725. I am seeking a light field gun and during this period of supply chain disruptions I find it impossible to find a shop that has all models in stock at the same time so that I can shoulder them. Want to buy a 20 ga gun that is as close to correct fit off the shelf. Now shoot older Red Label & 101 for my upland hunting (both 20 ga). Thanks.
I need one of these
nice video!!! ❤
Have you ever thought of reviewing any trap combos?
725 review please
I watch it twice and didn’t see where “if it could do all the things”. Did I miss it?
They market the gun for all dis because it is a 60/40 impact. It's just a marketing strategy, basically it's a 525 repackaged.
The CXS is a 50/50 POI. They have a Citori CX model that is a 60/40 POI that is supposed to be a “crossover” gun for both Trap and sporting/skeet. The CX has a slightly higher rib as well.
I will cast another vote for a FAbarm L4S Sporting....
I had a citori mfg 1972 and I put over 5000 rounds through it and never had a single misfire. I traded it for a "fancy" rizzini and both barrels go off on one trigger pull all the fucking time. 😂😂 Those poor quail don't deserve 2+oz of lead, but it smokes the shit out of a clay. ✅❌
Have a Citori
Have a Citori Xt bought used 9 years ago put around a 1000 rounds a year shooting trap and it's as tight as it was when I bought it
What would be a superb pheasant gun between Browning and Beretta
Wtf great one 💪☝.
It is more expensev than the maxax 2 wickd wing with is 2069$
One L & an S away from being a gun some teenagers would struggle to find.
7lbs for a 20G is heavy
Go home my friend.
Shooting fast has absolutely nothing to do with a gun review. Maybe more to do with ego
NO ENTIENDO NADA
Just got scammed out of $150 by someone claiming I won the giveaway 😮 I had to pay shipping charges used telegram app with Target focus Like imagine.
😂
😅