Description
Picture this: you’re walking a Missouri field edge, the sun low, and a covey flushes. You mount the shotgun smoothly—it’s balanced, it points where you look, and the shot feels like an extension of your intention. That’s the experience the Browning Citori CXS Over/Under 20 Ga 28″ 3″ Walnut Stock Blued Steel is built to deliver. It’s a purpose-driven shotgun that bridges the gap between basic field guns and high-end competition models, offering serious shooters a reliable, no-fuss tool without the astronomical price tag.
The Browning Citori CXS Over/Under 20 Ga 28″ 3″ Walnut Stock Blued Steel is a 20-gauge over/under shotgun designed for sporting clays and field use, featuring a 28-inch barrel set, a select walnut stock, and a blued steel receiver. It’s built on Browning’s proven, hand-fitted action for durability and offers a versatile, balanced platform that’s ready for the range or the field right out of the box.
So, what do you get for your money? The heart of the CXS is Browning’s time-tested Citori action. It’s not the fanciest or lightest, but it’s famously robust. The lockup is tight, the ejectors are positive, and the whole mechanism has a track record of swallowing tens of thousands of rounds without complaint. This is a gun built to last, not just look pretty. The 20-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells gives you a fantastic balance of manageable recoil and sufficient payload for everything from skeet to upland birds. At just under $1900, it sits in a sweet spot—well above entry-level pumps and autos, but thousands less than many custom-grade over/unders.
The walnut stock is a key feature where Browning adds value without excess cost. It’s a select grade, meaning you get attractive grain and a hand-rubbed oil finish that feels great and ages beautifully. The stock dimensions are specifically configured for the CXS model, which uses a slightly higher comb than field models to help you maintain a consistent sight picture on crossing targets. The blued steel finish on the 28-inch barrels and receiver is classic, durable, and less expensive to produce than intricate engraving or high-polish finishes, keeping the overall cost down. The gun comes with five Invector-DS choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), giving you immediate versatility for any shooting discipline.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a featherweight field gun. The Citori action has some heft to it, which is a tradeoff. That weight, around 7.5 pounds, soaks up recoil beautifully, making long practice sessions or a full day of hunting much more pleasant. The 28-inch barrel length is a near-perfect compromise for most shooters, providing a smooth swing for clays and enough sight plane for precise shooting in the field. The gun uses a single selective mechanical trigger and a manual safety, which are simple, reliable systems that require no gunsmithing to understand or maintain.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7 lbs 8 oz |
| Stock | Select Walnut, Oil Finish |
| Chokes | 5 Invector-DS Tubes (IC, M, IM, F, C) |
Pros: Exceptional durability from the hand-fitted Citori action. Versatile 20-gauge platform is great for recoil-sensitive shooters. The higher comb stock improves target acquisition for sport shooting. Includes a full set of choke tubes. Classic, timeless aesthetics that hold value.
Cons: Heavier than some dedicated field over/unders. The blued finish, while classic, requires more care than a modern nitride or cerakote. At $1878.86, it’s a significant investment, though it represents strong value within its class.
This shotgun is for the shooter who has outgrown their first semi-auto or pump and wants a lifetime-grade gun without stepping into the $3,000+ realm. It’s ideal for the Missouri clay shooter who participates in local leagues, the dedicated upland hunter who appreciates a balanced 20-gauge, or anyone who values mechanical simplicity and proven reliability. It’s also a great fit for those who shoot a mix of sporting clays and hunting, as the CXS configuration handles both well. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Citori CXS suitable for a beginner?
A: It can be, if the beginner is committed and has a budget for a quality gun. The weight helps manage recoil, and the simplicity of an over/under is great for learning. However, it’s a substantial investment, so many beginners might start with a less expensive used gun or semi-auto to be sure they enjoy the sport.
Q: How does this 20-gauge compare to a 12-gauge for clays?
A: For most sporting clays and skeet courses, a 20-gauge is perfectly capable, especially with modern ammunition. You’ll have slightly less shot in the pattern, but the reduced recoil and weight can lead to faster, more comfortable shooting and better follow-through. For trap or long-range sporting targets, a 12-gauge might have a slight edge.
Q: What maintenance does the blued steel and walnut require?
A: Blued steel is prone to rust if neglected. Wipe it down with a lightly oiled cloth after every handling or use. The walnut stock benefits from an occasional application of a quality stock oil to keep it from drying out. Simple, consistent care will keep this gun looking and functioning well for decades.
If you’re looking for a dependable, versatile over/under that represents a smart long-term value in the world of fine shotguns, the Browning Citori CXS deserves a close look.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.