Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a Browning Citori CXS Over/Under 20 Ga, 32″, 3″, Walnut Stock, Blued Steel. It wasn’t on a fancy sporting clays course, but at a local Missouri field, trying to connect with late-season doves that seemed to have a sixth sense. This shotgun changed that conversation. It’s a purpose-built, competition-ready over/under designed for Sporting Clays and upland hunting, offering a perfect blend of handling precision and forgiving shootability. At its core, it’s a 20-gauge with a long 32-inch barrel set, built on Browning’s proven, hand-fitted action for reliable, smooth operation shot after shot.
Look, the 20-gauge platform is having a moment for good reason. It delivers plenty of power for clays and game without the punishing recoil of a 12-gauge, letting you shoot longer and focus on form. The CXS model specifically is tuned for the Sporting Clays course. That long 32-inch barrel isn’t just for looks—it provides a smooth, consistent swing and a longer sight plane, which helps you maintain lead on crossing targets. The point of impact is designed to be 60/40 (60% of the pattern above the bead, 40% below), which is ideal for breaking rising clays or flushing birds. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through this configuration, and the balance is just superb; it swings like it’s on ball bearings.
The heart of any Citori is its action. This one features a full-width hinge pin and a concave locking system that locks up tight and stays that way. The single selective mechanical trigger is crisp, and the automatic safety is a standard, reassuring feature. The walnut stock is where Browning’s craftsmanship shines. It’s a satin-finished, hand-checkered American walnut stock with a classic palm swell. It fits out of the box for a wide range of shooters, promoting a consistent mount every time. The blued steel finish on the receiver and barrels is deep and classic, resisting wear and looking sharp in the field. This specific model weighs in at a very manageable 7 pounds 8 ounces, which helps with that effortless swing.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chambers) |
| Barrel Length | 32 Inches |
| Overall Length | 48.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7 lbs 8 oz |
| Stock | Satin Finish American Walnut |
| Chokes | Invector-Plus (Includes 3: IC, M, IM) |
What I like: The balance and swing dynamics are exceptional for target sports. The 20-gauge chambering makes for a pleasant, low-recoil shooting experience that doesn’t sacrifice performance. The wood-to-metal fit is what you expect from Browning—flawless. It’s a shotgun that builds confidence. What to consider: The 32-inch barrels can feel long in extremely tight-cover upland situations, though they’re fantastic in open fields. At $1999.84, it’s a serious investment, but you’re paying for proven performance and durability that will last generations.
So who is this for? It’s for the serious Sporting Clays shooter who wants a dedicated target gun that won’t beat them up. It’s for the discerning upland hunter who pursues pheasant, dove, or quail over pointing dogs and values a smooth, fast-handling shotgun. It’s also an excellent choice for a shooter stepping up from an autoloader who wants the instant barrel selection and reliability of an over/under. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 20-gauge powerful enough for Sporting Clays?
A: Absolutely. With modern ammunition and the right chokes, a 20-gauge is more than capable of breaking every target on a Sporting Clays course. The reduced recoil often leads to better scores as shooters fatigue less.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It comes equipped with three Invector-Plus flush chokes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Improved Modified. This covers most sporting clays presentations and hunting scenarios. They’re compatible with the entire range of Browning Invector-Plus choke tubes.
Q: Can this handle 3-inch magnum shells for hunting?
A: Yes, the chambers are 3 inches, so it can safely fire 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. This gives you flexibility for everything from light target loads to heavier waterfowl or turkey loads, though its primary design is for upland and clays.
If you’re looking for a refined, competition-ready over/under that handles like a dream and is built to last, the Browning Citori CXS in 20-gauge deserves a close look. See the full details on our site.
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