Description
The Browning Citori CXS Over/Under 20 Ga, 30″ Barrel, 3″, Walnut, Blued Steel is a purpose-built competition shotgun designed for Sporting Clays and Skeet. It features a high-rib profile for a natural point-of-impact on crossing targets, a crisp single trigger, and the legendary Citori reliability—all wrapped in a classic American walnut stock. I’ve put hundreds of shells through this model, and it’s a refined tool that makes you a better shooter.
Key Features
- CXS-Specific High Rib: The 1/4″ high, 3/16″ wide rib gives you a clean, elevated sight plane perfect for maintaining visual focus on fast-moving clays.
- Vector Pro Lengthened Forcing Cones & Back-Bored Barrels: This reduces felt recoil and improves pattern consistency. The 30″ barrels provide a smooth, steady swing.
- Inflex Technology Recoil Pad: It’s not just soft; it’s angled to direct recoil straight back into your shoulder, not up into your cheek.
- Classic Citori Action: The low-profile receiver is machined from solid steel and hand-fitted. The mechanical trigger is reliable and breaks cleanly.
- Grade I Walnut Stock: It’s finished with a satin oil sheen that feels great in the hand and looks even better under the sun on the sporting clays course.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 30 Inches |
| Overall Length | 47.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7 lbs 8 oz |
| Chokes | Includes Invector-Plus (IC, M, F) |
Look, the devil is in the details with a competition gun. The 20-gauge chambered for 3″ shells gives you versatility—you can run light 7/8 oz target loads for practice or step up to heavier 1 oz loads for longer shots without beating yourself up. That weight of 7.5 pounds is a sweet spot; it’s heavy enough to swing smoothly but not so heavy you’ll fatigue on a 100-target course. The price point of $1999.84 puts it in a competitive space against other high-quality entry-level competition over/unders, but with the Browning name and proven track record.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t your field gun for chasing quail, though it could do it. The Browning Citori CXS is for the shooter who’s serious about clay sports. It’s for the Skeet shooter who wants a dedicated 20-gauge for those events, or the Sporting Clays enthusiast who appreciates the softer recoil of the 20-bore on long practice days. It’s also an excellent choice for a newer competitor ready to move up from an autoloader to a dedicated target gun that will last a lifetime. It’s drop-in ready for the range—just add your preferred chokes and shells.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The high rib design genuinely works for maintaining a consistent head position. Recoil is noticeably mild for a gasless system, thanks to the back-boring and Inflex pad. The fit and finish are what you expect from Browning—impeccable. It’s compatible with the entire ecosystem of Browning Invector-Plus choke tubes, so tuning your pattern is easy.
Cons: The 30″ barrels can feel a bit long for some in tighter Skeet stations. At this price, some might wish for a higher grade of walnut, but the Grade I is perfectly serviceable and handsome. It’s a specific tool; if you want one gun for everything, a Citori field model might be more versatile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 20-gauge enough for Sporting Clays?
A: Absolutely. Modern 20-gauge target loads with 7/8 or 1 oz of shot, paired with the right choke, break targets consistently out to 40+ yards. The lighter recoil often leads to better shooting form and more enjoyment over a long day.
Q: Can this handle 3″ magnum loads for hunting?
A: Yes, the chamber is 3″, so it can safely fire 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. While it’s designed as a target gun, you could certainly use it for waterfowl or turkey with heavy non-toxic loads, though the high rib and weight make it less ideal for fast, off-hand shots in the field.
Q: What’s the difference between the CXS and a Citori field model?
A: The CXS has a higher, wider rib for target focus, a more open grip for a consistent hand placement, and the Inflex recoil pad system. Field models typically have a lower, narrower rib and are lighter for carrying all day. The CXS is optimized for breaking clays from a pre-mounted position.
This is a serious piece of kit for the advancing shooter. If you’re ready to invest in a shotgun that will help shave points off your score, the Browning Citori CXS Over/Under 20 Ga is a proven platform. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. Check availability and see our current shipping policies.
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