Description
You’ve been shooting a pump or an autoloader for years, and your scores have plateaued. You break 20 out of 25 clays on a good day, but that last station with the true pairs always trips you up. You know the problem isn’t just you—it’s the gun’s swing, its balance, the way it mounts. You need a tool that becomes an extension of your intention, not a compromise you fight against. That’s where the dedicated target over-under enters the picture, and for the budget-conscious shooter, the choice often narrows to one legendary name.
The Browning Citori CX Over-Under 12 Ga, 32″ Barrel, 3″, American Walnut, 2rd is a purpose-built competition shotgun designed for Sporting Clays and trap. It’s a 12-gauge over-under with a long 32-inch barrel set, a 3-inch chamber, and a classic American walnut stock, offering the balance, pointability, and reliability needed for serious clay target shooting without the cost of a custom-grade gun.
So, what do you get for your money? The CX is built on Browning’s proven Citori action, a workhorse known for durability. The long, 32-inch barrels provide a smooth, steady swing plane that helps maintain momentum through follow-through—critical for breaking those long crossers and report pairs. Weighing in at approximately 8 lbs 10 oz, it has enough heft to soak up recoil over a long day but remains lively enough for quick transitions. The balance point is forward of the hinge, right under the forearm, which many shooters find helps with consistent, fluid mounting.
The stock is crafted from genuine American walnut with a satin finish, offering a classic look that improves with age. It comes with a raised, competition-style rib for a clean sight picture and includes Browning’s Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder). Here’s the thing—this isn’t a field gun pretending to be a target model. The dimensions, the weight, the 14 5/8-inch length of pull, it’s all tuned for the clay course. It fits out of the box for a wide range of shooters, meaning you can take it to the range immediately without costly stock alterations.
Let’s talk value. At $1835.62, the CX sits in a sweet spot. It’s significantly more affordable than its cousin, the Browning 725 Sporting, yet it shares the core DNA and build quality. You’re paying for performance essentials, not superfluous engraving. Compared to other over-unders in its class, like the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I Sporting, the CX often wins on price while offering that distinctive Browning feel and point-of-impact many prefer.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 32″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5″ | Weight | Approx. 8 lbs 10 oz |
| Stock | American Walnut |
| Chokes | Invector-DS (F, M, IC included) |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
Pros: Excellent target-focused balance and swing dynamics. Renowned Citori reliability means it will last for generations. The 32-inch barrel is ideal for trap and sporting clays. High-quality walnut stock provides classic aesthetics. Represents strong value in the competitive over-under market.
Cons: The weight and length make it less ideal for field hunting or walking long distances. The satin finish on the walnut, while handsome, may show handling marks more readily than an oil finish. As with any over-under, the two-round capacity is a limitation for some high-volume games.
This gun is for the shooter who is serious about improving their clay target game and is ready to invest in a dedicated tool. It’s for the competitor who needs consistency shot after shot, or the recreational shooter who wants the feel and performance of a true target gun without venturing into the $3,000+ price bracket. It’s also a fantastic choice for a high school or college trap team shooter looking for a durable, competition-ready platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 32-inch barrel too long for Sporting Clays?
A: Not at all. While personal preference plays a role, 32-inch barrels are extremely popular in Sporting Clays for their smooth swing and stable sight plane. They excel on long-range targets and help maintain momentum through a sequence. For trap shooting, they are often the preferred length.
Q: Can this gun be used for hunting?
A: It can, but it’s not optimized for it. The weight and long barrels make it less maneuverable in a blind or while walking fields compared to a 28-inch field model. It’s a dedicated target gun first. If you need a true dual-purpose model, look at the Citori CX with 28-inch or 30-inch barrels.
Q: What chokes does it come with and are others available?
A: It includes Invector-DS choke tubes in Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder. A wide array of aftermarket tubes from brands like Briley and Carlson’s are available to fine-tune your pattern for any discipline. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases when ordering online.
If you’re ready to step up to a shotgun that matches your commitment to the sport, the Browning Citori CX represents a calculated investment in your performance. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states.
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