BROWNING Citori CX Micro 12 Gauge 28in Blued/Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Citori CX Micro 12 Gauge 28in Blued/Walnut is a compact over/under shotgun engineered for crossover use between hunting and clay-target sports with mechanical precision that justifies its $2,682.99 price point. It features a 28-inch back-bored barrel, Grade II American walnut stock, and adjustable length-of-pull system that distinguishes it from more entry-level offerings. This shotgun accepts 3-inch shells and comes with extended choke tubes optimized for pattern consistency across different shooting disciplines.
What is the Browning Citori CX Micro used for?
The Citori CX Micro serves as a dedicated crossover platform for shooters who demand one firearm capable of handling both field hunting and competitive clay shooting. Its 28-inch barrel length provides optimal swing characteristics for sporting clays while remaining manageable in tight bird cover, and the adjustable length of pull system accommodates different shooting positions from standing field shots to pre-mounted station shooting. The included extended choke tubes (F, M, IC) cover everything from tight turkey patterns to open skeet spreads.
How does the Browning Citori CX Micro compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Citori CX Micro offers superior mechanical precision and fitment over the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, particularly in lockup tolerances and wood-to-metal fit. While both shotguns handle 3-inch 12-gauge shells, the Browning's back-bored barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to the standard constriction of the Stevens model. The Browning's triple trigger system provides a cleaner 4.5-pound break versus the Stevens' 6-pound pull, making target acquisition noticeably faster for experienced shooters.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citori CX Micro weighs 8 pounds 1 ounce (129 ounces) with an overall length of 45 inches and barrel length of precisely 28 inches. The length of pull adjusts from 13-1/8 inches to 14-1/4 inches using the included Graco plate system, accommodating shooters from 5'8" to 6'4" without aftermarket modification. The back-bored barrel measures 0.742 inches at the muzzle end, specifically engineered to reduce pellet deformation and improve pattern density.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for budget-conscious shooters or those needing a dedicated tactical/home defense firearm. At 8 pounds 1 ounce, it's approximately 2 pounds heavier than most pump-action defense shotguns, and the 28-inch barrel makes maneuverability in tight spaces impractical. Beginners would be better served by the more affordable Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga, which provides similar handling characteristics at less than half the price.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the complete shotgun with three Midas Invector-Plus extended choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a proprietary choke tube wrench, and the Graco adjustable length-of-pull kit with spacers. Browning includes detailed instructions for adjusting the 13-1/8-inch length of pull and properly installing the Inflex recoil pad, along with a manufacturer's warranty card valid for the standard 5-year coverage period.
Is the Browning Citori CX Micro worth it at $2,682.99?
At $2,682.99, the Citori CX Micro delivers value through mechanical precision that cheaper Turkish and Russian imports cannot match. The investment becomes justifiable when you consider the adjustable length-of-pull system would cost $200-$300 as an aftermarket modification, and the Grade II walnut stock represents approximately $400-$500 in materials and finishing work alone. For serious crossover shooters who demand consistent performance across multiple disciplines, this represents a smarter long-term investment than buying separate dedicated hunting and clay guns.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Adjustable length of pull from 13-1/8" to 14-1/4" - accommodates 95% of adult shooters without modification
- Back-bored 28-inch barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% versus standard constriction barrels
- Triple trigger system delivers consistent 4.5-pound break - 1.5 pounds lighter than competing Stevens models
- Grade II American walnut stock represents $400-$500 value in materials and finishing work alone
Trade-offs
- No included hard case - requires additional $150-$300 investment for proper transport protection
- 8 pound 1 ounce weight makes extended carry sessions challenging for smaller-framed shooters
- Proprietary Invector-Plus choke system limits aftermarket options compared to more common Remchoke patterns
- Blued finish requires regular maintenance in humid environments to prevent corrosion
Key attributes
| upc | 023614737582 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018179328 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.9500 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.45 |
| sights | Ivory Bead Front, Mid-Bead Rear |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Citori CX Micro uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus choke tube system, which is compatible with aftermarket options from manufacturers like Briley, Carlson's, and Patternmaster. Standard Invector (non-Plus) tubes will not fit properly, and mixing systems can cause dangerous pressure issues. The factory Midas chokes provide optimal patterns for 95% of shooting applications.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45-inch overall length allows it to fit comfortably in any standard 48-inch or larger shotgun case with approximately 3 inches of clearance. For maximum protection during transport, I recommend cases from Plano or Pelican that provide rigid foam support along the entire barrel length. The walnut stock benefits from humidity-controlled storage during extended transport periods.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL dealers takes 3-5 business days once the firearm clears our compliance verification process. All shipments require signature confirmation and are processed through FedEx Firearms Program protocols. We coordinate directly with your chosen FFL dealer to ensure they're prepared for the transfer upon arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit properly?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, consistent with ATF regulations and industry standards. We recommend using the adjustable length-of-pull system to customize fit before finalizing your purchase decision. The Graco system provides 1-1/8 inches of adjustment range, accommodating most adult shooters from 5'8" to 6'4" comfortably.
- Does this work with standard 2-3/4 inch target loads?
- Absolutely, the Citori CX Micro cycles both 2-3/4 inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells reliably, from lightweight 1-ounce target loads to heavy 1-1/4 ounce hunting loads. The mechanical triggers function independently of shell length, and the back-bored barrel improves pattern consistency with lighter loads that might otherwise pattern poorly in standard constriction barrels.