Description
You’ve been shooting your old pump or semi-auto for years, and you’re ready to step up. The clay targets are breaking, but not consistently. You want a tool that feels like an extension of your will, something that swings smooth and points true without costing as much as a used car. That’s the exact scenario where the Browning Citori CX 12 Ga, 30″ Barrel, 3″ Chamber, American Walnut, 2rd makes its case. It’s the over-under built for the serious shooter who measures value in reliability and performance per dollar, not just the initial price tag.
The Browning Citori CX is a 12-gauge over-under shotgun designed for competitive clay target shooting. It features a 30-inch barrel for a smooth swing, a 3-inch chamber for versatility, a select American Walnut stock, and a two-round capacity. It’s a purpose-built competition gun that offers proven Browning quality and handling at a price point that prioritizes performance over pure ornamentation.
Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting for your $2319.53. The CX isn’t the fanciest Citori, and that’s the point. Browning stripped away some of the cosmetic frills found on their higher-end models and focused the budget where it counts: the action and the barrels. You get the same legendary, hand-fitted hinge and locking system that defines the Citori line. This means durability you can trust, round after round, without the worry of a loose action down the line. The 30-inch barrels are a classic choice for trap and sporting clays, providing that longer sight plane and steady swing that helps manage leads. They’re also back-bored and come with Invector-DS choke tubes, which is a fancy way of saying they’re designed to throw consistent, uniform patterns. You get five chokes in the box, so it’s ready for the range right away—no gunsmithing required.
The American Walnut stock is where the “budget-conscious” part becomes visible to a trained eye. It’s still genuine walnut with a satin finish, but the figure might be less dramatic than on a Citori CXS or CXT. That said, the shape is what matters. The CX has a slightly higher comb than a field model, putting your eye right where it needs to be for breaking clays. The weight, coming in at around 8 pounds, helps soak up recoil and promotes a fluid follow-through. Look, you’re not paying for exhibition-grade wood; you’re paying for a stock that fits and functions perfectly for the job.
Here’s the thing—this is a dedicated two-round target gun. The 3-inch chamber is a practical touch, allowing you to use everything from light target loads to heavier field loads if you wanted to try it on a sporting clays course with longer-range stations. It’s compatible with a huge range of aftermarket accessories, from Briley choke tubes to Graco recoil pads, letting you customize it as your skills grow. This model ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your local FFL to handle the transfer.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 30 Inches |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Choke System | Invector-DS (5 Tubes Included) |
| Average Weight | 8 lbs |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: you get Browning’s rock-solid action, target-focused ergonomics, and legendary reliability in a package that costs significantly less than a Perazzi or a high-grade Beretta. The 30-inch barrel is the sweet spot for most clay games. The cons? It’s a heavy gun, which is great on the range but not for carrying all day in the field. The finish and wood are utilitarian for a Citori—it’s a working tool, not a showpiece. At this price, some might expect more elaborate engraving or fancy wood, but that money went into the mechanics instead.
Who is this for?
This shotgun is for the shooter who has outgrown their entry-level gun and is committed to improving their clay scores. It’s for the high-volume trap league shooter who needs a gun that won’t quit. It’s also a smart choice for the budget-minded competitor who understands that paying for a brand name’s best engineering is better than paying for another brand’s prettiest cosmetics. If you want a no-nonsense, durable over-under that will last a lifetime of competition, the CX is a standout value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Citori CX suitable for hunting or just clays?
A: While it’s designed for clays, the 3-inch chamber and 30-inch barrels could work for pass shooting or stationary blind hunting. Its weight (8 lbs) makes it less ideal for walking long distances in the field compared to a dedicated field model like the Citori 725.
Q: What’s the main difference between the Citori CX and the more expensive Citori CXS?
A: The CXS typically has a slightly different stock dimensions (often a lower comb) for a more versatile fit and may feature more elaborate wood grain and engraving. The core action and barrel quality are very similar, making the CX the better bang-for-buck if the standard stock fits you.
Q: Does it come with a case and chokes?
A: Yes. It includes a hard case and five Invector-DS choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, plus two more), making it completely drop-in ready for the range.
If you’re ready to invest in a competition shotgun that prioritizes performance over flash, the Browning Citori CX represents a calculated and practical choice. See its current availability at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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