Description
The Browning Citori CXS Micro Over-Under 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3″, American Walnut, 2rd is a purpose-built sporting shotgun designed for the clay target range. It’s a scaled-down, 20-gauge version of Browning’s legendary Citori platform, featuring a shorter length of pull and a 26-inch barrel set optimized for Sporting Clays and Skeet. I’ve put a few flats of shells through this model, and it’s a nimble, fast-handling gun that feels like it was made for a day of breaking clays.
Key Features
- Micro Platform: Built on a true 20-gauge receiver with a shorter 14 1/8″ length of pull, perfect for smaller-statured shooters or anyone who prefers a more compact fit.
- CXS-Specific Chokes: Comes with Invector-Plus flush chokes (C, IC, M) tailored for the Sporting Clays course, offering versatile patterning right out of the box.
- American Walnut Stock: Features a satin-finished, hand-checkered stock with a classic palm swell for consistent hand placement and a traditional look.
- Mechanical Trigger: A single, selective mechanical trigger for reliable ignition, a must-have for serious clay shooting.
- Low Profile Receiver: The sleek, color-case-hardened receiver has a low profile for a quick sight picture and reduced perceived recoil.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Length of Pull | 14 1/8 Inches |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Chokes | Invector-Plus (C, IC, M Included) |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t just a scaled-down 12-gauge. The Browning Citori CXS Micro Over-Under 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3″, American Walnut, 2rd is engineered from the ground up for the 20-gauge cartridge, which means proper balance and handling. The 26-inch barrels provide a swift swing without feeling whippy, and the 3-inch chamber gives you plenty of shell options. At a weight hovering around 6.5 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day but has enough heft to maintain a smooth follow-through. The price point of $1952.46 reflects its position as a serious, competition-ready over-under that’s built to last for generations.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This CXS Micro is ideal for the shooter who focuses on clay sports, particularly Sporting Clays and Skeet. It’s a fantastic choice for younger shooters, those with a smaller frame, or anyone who finds standard-sized shotguns a bit cumbersome. It’s also a brilliant option for the experienced shooter looking for a dedicated 20-gauge target gun that offers less recoil than a 12-gauge without sacrificing performance. If you’re moving up from an autoloader or pump and want the instant barrel selection and reliability of an over-under for the range, this is a prime candidate.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The shorter length of pull is a game-saver for many shooters, providing a natural mount that fits out of the box for a wider range of body types. The 20-gauge chambering means lighter recoil and cheaper practice ammo compared to 12-gauge target loads. Browning’s fit and finish are consistently top-tier, and the mechanical trigger is crisp. It’s compatible with the vast ecosystem of Browning Invector-Plus chokes, so you can fine-tune your pattern with tubes from brands like Briley or Carlson’s.
Cons: That $1952.46 price tag is a significant investment, placing it firmly in the intermediate-to-serious shooter category. The 2-round capacity is perfect for the range but limits its utility for some field applications. Some purists might prefer a slightly longer barrel for certain Sporting Clays presentations, but for most courses, the 26-inch tubes are more than sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the “Micro” model only for youth or small-framed shooters?
A: Not at all. While it’s perfect for them, many average-sized adults prefer the faster handling and more compact feel of the Micro platform, especially for dynamic clay games where quick mounting is key.
Q: Can this shotgun handle 3-inch magnum shells for hunting?
A: Yes, the 3-inch chamber allows it to fire 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. While it’s a target-focused model, you could absolutely use it for dove, quail, or pheasant with the appropriate choke and load—just know the stock dimensions are optimized for clays, not necessarily cold-weather layers.
Q: What’s the main difference between the CXS and other Citori models?
A: The CXS is specifically configured for Sporting Clays. It typically has a slightly more open choke constriction set (like Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified) from the factory compared to a Skeet or Trap model, and the point of impact is often set to a 60/40 or 70/30 pattern for breaking rising targets. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
If you’re ready for a target shotgun that blends Browning’s proven reliability with a scaled, agile frame, the Citori CXS Micro deserves a close look.
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