Description
The Browning Citori 525 Field Over-Under 16 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 2.75″, Silver Nitride, 2rd is a premium yet value-conscious upland shotgun. It’s a 16-gauge over-under built for the field, featuring a durable silver nitride finish, a 26-inch barrel for quick handling, and a classic design that balances quality with a practical price point for a lifetime-grade firearm. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Key Features
- 16-Gauge Chambering: Offers a classic, effective load between 12 and 20 gauge with less recoil than a 12, perfect for upland birds.
- Silver Nitride Finish: A tough, corrosion-resistant finish that’s more durable than traditional bluing and requires less maintenance.
- 26-Inch Barrel Length: Provides an excellent balance for fast pointing in thick cover without being too whippy.
- Field-Proven Citori Action: Built on Browning’s reliable, time-tested boxlock action known for smooth operation and longevity.
- Value Positioning: At $2070.90, it sits as a high-quality entry into the Browning over-under lineup, offering core Citori features without the cost of higher-grade engraving or wood.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge (2.75″ Chambers) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Finish | Silver Nitride |
Here’s the thing—you’re getting the foundational quality of a Citori. The action is hand-fitted, the single selective trigger and automatic ejectors are standard, and the walnut stock has a satin finish. It’s a no-frills version of a proven platform, and that’s where the real value lies. The 16-gauge niche is interesting; it uses lighter loads than a 12-gauge but patterns more efficiently than a 20, making it a superb choice for dove, quail, and woodcock over a good bird dog. With an overall length around 42.5 inches and a weight near 6.5 pounds, it’s lively in the hands without feeling insubstantial.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This shotgun is built for the upland hunter who values tradition and handling but is budget-aware. It’s for the shooter who wants a step up from an entry-level over-under or a reliable pump/autoloader but finds the price of a Citori Hunter or CX model with more ornamentation hard to justify. It’s also ideal for the 16-gauge enthusiast seeking a modern, durable iteration of a classic caliber. The 26-inch barrel makes it a great companion in grouse woods or pheasant thickets where quick mounts are crucial. This firearm ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your next hunt after a standard FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The Browning name carries immense reliability. The silver nitride finish is a practical, low-maintenance advantage for all-weather hunting. The 16-gauge offers a sweet spot of performance with manageable recoil. The 525 Field represents the most accessible price point for a new, true Citori. It’s essentially drop-in ready for the field—just add shells.
Cons: At just over two thousand dollars, it’s still a significant investment compared to many autoloaders. The 16-gauge ammunition, while available, is less common and can be slightly more expensive than 12 or 20 gauge at big-box stores. The classic field stock dimensions may not fit every shooter perfectly without adjustment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 16-gauge a good choice for a first over-under shotgun?
A: It can be, especially for smaller-framed shooters or those primarily hunting upland birds. The recoil is milder than a 12-gauge, and the handling is typically very fast. Just be prepared to plan your ammunition purchases a bit more carefully than with the ubiquitous 12-gauge.
Q: What is the difference between this 525 Field and other Citori models?
A: The main differences are cosmetic and cost-saving. The 525 Field often features less elaborate wood figuring, simpler engraving (or a nitride finish instead of bluing), and a satin stock finish compared to the gloss on higher models. The core mechanical quality and action are fundamentally the same.
Q: Can this shotgun handle steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
A: With 2.75″ chambers, it can fire modern steel shot loads. However, its 26-inch barrel and upland-focused design make it less than ideal for pass-shooting geese over decoys. It’s better suited for close-range marsh shooting or, more appropriately, for upland species where lead or approved non-toxic shot like bismuth is used.
If you’ve been looking for a heirloom-quality American over-under that doesn’t demand a custom shop price, the Browning Citori 525 Field in 16-gauge deserves a close look. Check availability and pricing for this specific configuration on our site.
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