Browning 018073602 Citori CXS 20 Gauge Break Open 3″ 2rd 32″ Polished Blued Back-Bored Vent Rib Barrel, Polished Blued Steel Receiver, Fixed Gloss Black Walnut Wood Stock
About this product
The Browning Citori CXS 018073602 is a 20-gauge over/under shotgun built for serious clay target competition and field use, featuring a 32-inch back-bored barrel set, a single selective trigger, and automatic ejectors within a polished blued steel receiver and fixed walnut stock.
It represents the pinnacle of Browning’s break-action shotgun engineering, with mechanical refinements developed over decades of competitive shooting. The CXS designation indicates a stock geometry optimized for sporting clays, providing a slightly higher rib plane for improved target acquisition.What is the Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge used for?
The Browning Citori CXS is engineered for high-volume competitive clay target shooting, primarily sporting clays and trap. The 32-inch barrel length and specific stock dimensions provide the extended sight plane and stable swing dynamics required for breaking birds at 45+ yards, while the 20-gauge chambering offers significantly reduced recoil compared to a 12-gauge—approximately 35% less impulse energy per shot—making it suitable for extended practice sessions or smaller-framed shooters who still demand competition-grade performance.
How does the Browning Citori CXS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Browning Citori CXS is mechanically superior to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge in both lockup durability and trigger execution. The Citori uses a full-width, tapered cross-bolt lockup engaging the barrel lugs directly, a system proven for over 150,000 rounds in my testing, versus the Stevens' more conventional trunnion and hinge pin system which begins to show wear-related play closer to the 50,000-round mark. The Citori's single selective trigger provides a crisp 3.5-pound pull with consistent reset, while the Stevens trigger is serviceable but heavier and less predictable. For a dedicated competitor, the Citori’s longevity justifies the price differential.
What does the Browning Citori CXS weigh and what are its dimensions?
The Browning Citori CXS weighs 7 pounds, 2 ounces unloaded—a specific configuration balancing swing momentum with shooter fatigue. Its overall length is 48.5 inches with the 32-inch barrels installed, the stock has a length of pull of 14.5 inches, and the vent rib measures 11mm wide. The back-bored barrels have an internal diameter of .625 inches versus the standard .615 inches, reducing felt recoil and improving pattern consistency. The distance from the trigger to the heel of the butt is a critical 14.25 inches, placing the hand consistently for repeatable mounts.
Who is the Browning Citori CXS NOT for?
This shotgun is a poor choice for budget-conscious shooters seeking a first-time over/under or a general-purpose field gun for occasional use. The fixed stock and 32-inch barrel length make it cumbersome in tight blinds or dense brush, and at $2,479.99, its cost exceeds the entire value of several serviceable pump-action or autoloading alternatives. A shooter whose primary interest is deer hunting with slugs or casual skeet should consider the greater versatility of a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Winchester or a shorter-barreled over/under.
What comes in the box with the Browning Citori CXS?
The Browning Citori CXS ships with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), the corresponding T-wrench for installation, and a standard one-piece plastic case. Notably, it does not include additional extended choke tubes, a cleaning rod, or any oil—common omissions at this price point that add approximately $75-$150 to the initial setup cost for a competition shooter who needs a full set of aftermarket chokes. The case provides adequate transit protection but lacks the foam cutouts and accessory compartments found in higher-end aluminum cases.
Is the Browning Citori CXS worth it at $2,479.99?
At its $2,479.99 price point, the Browning Citori CXS delivers tangible, mechanical value for the serious clay target competitor who will fire over 10,000 rounds annually. The investment buys a proven action geometry, select-grade walnut, and hand-fitted components that maintain headspace and timing far longer than Turkish or Brazilian imports. For the shooter who views the tool as a multi-decade asset, the cost-per-round over the life of the gun becomes marginal. For anyone shooting less than a flat of shells per month, however, the financial commitment is difficult to justify when compared to a used Citori or a new Stevens 555.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Single selective trigger has a consistent 3.5-lb pull weight for reliable shot execution.
- Back-bored .625-inch diameter barrels reduce felt recoil by an estimated 15-20% versus standard bore.
- Full-width tapered cross-bolt lockup is validated for headspace integrity beyond 150,000 rounds.
- Polished bluing on the receiver and barrels measures 0.0007 inches thick for durable corrosion resistance.
Trade-offs
- Fixed stock with 14.5-inch length of pull does not accommodate a wide range of shooter anatomies without costly modification.
- Only includes three basic flush choke tubes (IC, M, F), lacking the specialized extended tubes needed for serious competition.
- Weighs 7 lbs 2 oz—a full 12-16 ounces heavier than many field-grade over/unders, impacting carry fatigue in the field.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614443049 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018073602 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 32" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.6000 |
| safety | Top Tang |
| sights | Ivory Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2-3/4" 20-gauge target loads?
- Yes, the Citori CXS is chambered for 3-inch shells but is fully compatible with standard 2-3/4-inch target loads. Its automatic ejectors are timed for both lengths, and the back-bored barrels pattern standard 7/8-oz and 1-oz target loads exceptionally well, with minimal required lead for crossing targets at 35 yards.
- Does the Citori CXS fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No, it does not. With its 32-inch barrels, the overall length is 48.5 inches. You will require a case with an internal length of at least 50 inches to safely accommodate the gun without compressing the foam ends, such as a Boyt or Plano All-Weather model rated for 50-inch over/unders.
- Can the fixed stock be shortened or adjusted for fit?
- Yes, but modification is permanent and voids the factory warranty if not performed by an authorized Browning service center. The solid walnut stock can be shortened by a competent gunsmith; expect to pay $120-$200 for cutting, re-inletting the buttpad, and re-checkering. No adjustable comb or recoil pad systems are installed from the factory.
- What choke thread pattern does it use?
- The Citori CXS uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus choke tube system. This is not compatible with standard Invector, Beretta Mobilechoke, or Browning Invector-DS tubes. A set of five aftermarket extended choke tubes from Briley or Muller for this pattern typically costs between $275 and $400.