Browning Citori CXS 20ga 30in 3in Chamber Over/Under Walnut/Blued

About this product

The Browning Citori CXS 20ga 30in 3in Chamber Over/Under is a Grade II walnut/blue crossover shotgun engineered to deliver a consistent 50/50 rib point of impact for shooters who demand competition-grade handling in the uplands. Its 30-inch barrels and 6.75 lb weight provide the stability required for breaking clays while remaining manageable for field carries. We selected it for this comparison because it represents the established standard against which other crossovers, like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, are measured.

What is the Browning Citori CXS used for?

The Citori CXS is designed for a shooter who participates in sporting clays or skeet and also hunts upland birds like pheasant or grouse. Its defining feature is a 50/50 point of impact, meaning the center of the pattern splits the line of sight and the top of the rib equally, which provides predictable trajectory for a wide range of target presentations. This consistency is critical when switching between a fast-rising clay target and a flushing bird over a pointing dog, reducing the need for the shooter to drastically alter their hold.

How does the Citori CXS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?

The Browning Citori CXS is a mechanically superior and more durable firearm than the Stevens 555 Sporting, reflected in its higher price and traditional construction. The Citori uses Browning's proven boxlock action with a single mechanical trigger and selective ejectors, while the Stevens uses a simpler, lighter design. For sustained use across thousands of rounds and demanding field conditions, the Citori's forged steel receiver will show less wear and maintain timing longer, making it the objectively better choice for a dedicated shooter, whereas the Stevens 555 is a capable entry-level option.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This Citori CXS weighs 6.75 pounds (3062 grams) and measures 46.5 inches in overall length with its 30-inch barrels. The barrel set features back-boring to a diameter of 0.625 inches (approximately 15.88mm), which reduces felt recoil and improves pattern consistency. The length of pull is 14 5/8 inches, a standard dimension that accommodates most adult shooters without immediately requiring a custom stock, though the fixed comb may be a limitation for some.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the shotgun for a new shooter on a strict budget or someone who intends to use it exclusively for heavy brush or turkey hunting. The $2,426.99 price point is a significant investment, and the 30-inch barrels, while excellent for swing dynamics, can be cumbersome in tight cover. If your primary use involves dense woods or your annual shell count is low, consider a shorter, lighter, and more affordable model like our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, three Invector-Plus Midas extended choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), and a Browning choke wrench. The chokes are threaded for the proprietary Invector-Plus system, so you cannot use standard Invector or other aftermarket chokes without an adapter. The package does not include a hard case; the firearm ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, so factor in the cost of a proper protective case for transport and storage.

Is the Citori CXS worth it at $2,426.99?

Yes, the Citori CXS justifies its price for the shooter who will use it heavily in both clay and field disciplines and values long-term reliability over initial savings. You are paying for a forged steel action, a hand-fitted walnut stock, and a 50/50 rib that delivers consistent performance. Over a 5-year period of regular use, the cost-per-round of ownership becomes very competitive compared to replacing a less durable shotgun. If you shoot fewer than 500 shells a year, the value proposition shifts toward more economical options.