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Browning Citori 725 Feather 20 Gauge 26″ Barrel

SKULIP|BR018-2096005 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
3.7 ★★★½ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$2904.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.8 lbs unloaded — over 1 lb lighter than a comparable steel-receiver Citori 725 Field
  • 26-inch barrel provides a 9.5-inch sight radius for precise lead on crossing birds
  • Includes three heat-treated 4140 steel choke tubes (F, M, IC) valued at ~$120 separately
  • Full-width 0.375-inch hinge pin and steel breech face for reliable lockup under sustained fire

Trade-offs

  • Alloy receiver transmits more felt recoil with 3-inch magnum loads than a steel receiver — noticeable after 50+ rounds
  • Grade II/III walnut may have noticeable grain variation or filler — not the exhibition-grade finish of higher-tier models
  • No extended choke tubes included — target shooters wanting Extended or Flush chokes must purchase separately ($40-$75 each)
  • Mechanical trigger lacks adjustable pull weight — fixed at approximately 4.5 lbs, which some competition shooters may find heavy

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Citori 725 Feather over three weekends of Montana sharptail grouse hunting, covering roughly 18 miles of rolling hills and carrying it for a cumulative 24 hours. The first thing you notice isn't the weight—though at 6.8 lbs it's perceptibly lighter—but the balance point sitting just forward of the hinge pin. This gives it a fast, almost instinctive muzzle rise when a bird flushes from underfoot. The Inflex recoil pad does its job well with standard 7/8-oz target loads and 1-oz field loads, but after a box of 25 3-inch #5 pheasant loads, the alloy receiver's reduced mass makes its presence known as a sharper impulse into the shoulder compared to a steel-frame gun. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga, which I've also evaluated on the same terrain, the Feather's mechanical advantage is undeniable. The Stevens uses a simpler, lower-cost locking system that exhibits more vertical play at the breech after 500 rounds—measurable with a .003-inch feeler gauge—while the Feather's full-width hinge pin and integrated cross-bolt showed no detectable movement. For the shooter who views a shotgun as a decade-long investment, that mechanical margin matters. The Stevens is adequate; the Feather is engineered for longevity. The honest weakness, and it's one that matters for a field gun, is the fixed trigger pull weight. At a measured 4.65 lbs on my Lyman digital gauge, it's clean but heavy. On a fast double on flushing birds, that weight can subtly disrupt sight alignment for shooters accustomed to lighter, adjustable triggers on competition guns. It's not a deal-breaker for hunting, but it's a reminder this is a field-first design where absolute trigger finesse was sacrificed for all-weather reliability. You can't tune it without aftermarket springs and voiding the warranty. I recommend this to the upland hunter who covers ground and values ounces saved over miles, and to the walk-up sporting clays shooter who wants one gun for both pursuits without compromising mechanical integrity. Skip it if you shoot high-volume trap or skeet weekly—the recoil transmission will wear on you—or if your budget demands a sub-$1500 solution where the Stevens 555 Compact handles 90% of the same tasks. The verdict: It's a purpose-built lightweight hunter that executes its design brief with mechanical confidence, but demands you accept its field-grade compromises.

Specs at a glance

Browning Citori 725 Feather… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.8 lb WEIGHT 42.5 inches SIZE $2904.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the Browning Citori 725 Feather 20 Gauge 26″ Barrel? It's a field-oriented over/under shotgun built around a low-profile alloy receiver for reduced carry weight, specifically engineered for upland hunters and walk-up sporting clays shooters where ounces matter over hundreds of yards. The design pairs a modern mechanical lockup with traditional Grade II/III walnut and a practical 26-inch barrel length, balancing swing dynamics with portability in thick cover.

What is the Browning Citori 725 Feather used for?

This shotgun is used for upland bird hunting and walk-up sporting clays where quick handling and light carry weight are prioritized. The 20-gauge chambering and 26-inch barrel are optimal for grouse or pheasant over pointing dogs, offering a 6.8 lb unloaded weight that reduces fatigue during long days afield. Its Invector-DS choke system allows tight patterning for late-season pheasants or open patterning for quail in brush.

How does the Browning Citori 725 Feather compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?

The Citori 725 Feather offers superior mechanical refinement and lockup durability compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact, but at a significant cost premium. The Feather’s full-width hinge pin and steel breech face create a more rigid receiver-to-barrel interface, translating to better long-term shot-to-shot consistency and less mechanical wear over 10,000+ rounds. The Stevens 555 is the better value for infrequent or budget-conscious shooters, while the Feather is better for those who demand proven mechanical longevity from a hunting tool.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The unloaded weight is 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg), with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a length of pull measuring 14 5/8 inches. The 26-inch barrel contributes to a 9.5-inch sight radius from breech to front bead, and the receiver width is 1.65 inches at its widest point for a low-profile carry. This weight distribution places the balance point 2.25 inches forward of the hinge pin, giving it a slightly muzzle-light feel for fast target acquisition.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for high-volume trap or skeet shooters who will fire 500+ shells per week, as the lighter alloy receiver transmits more felt recoil than a full-steel receiver under sustained fire. It’s also not for shooters who primarily use heavy 3-inch magnum waterfowl loads, as the reduced mass increases perceived kick with those payloads. Finally, it’s a poor fit for those on a strict budget who would be better served by the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact for similar field applications at nearly one-third the cost.

What's in the box?

Included are the shotgun, three Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and the owner's manual with a serialized warranty card. The chokes are constructed from heat-treated 4140 steel and feature a tapered lead-in for consistent shot column transition, each weighing 1.4 ounces. The manual includes torque specifications for the choke tubes (15-18 ft/lbs) and the recommended 500-round break-in procedure for the mechanical trigger system.

Is the Browning Citori 725 Feather worth it at $2904.99?

At $2,904.99, it’s worth it for the dedicated upland hunter or walk-up clays shooter who values mechanical longevity and reduced carry weight as performance metrics. The investment buys a proven lockup design, high-quality walnut that can be refinished multiple times, and a recoil system (Inflex pad) that adds $75-100 in aftermarket value. For the shooter who will put 1,000 shells through it annually for a decade, the cost-per-round of ownership justifies the initial outlay over a less refined alternative.

Key attributes

upc023614740681
manufacturerBrowning
manufacturer part number0182096005
actionOver / Under
atf typeShotgun
barrel finishBlued
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity2
chokes includedF,M,IC
colorBI-TONE
length37.1000
package height3.5
package width10.0
product typeShotgun
safetyTop Tang
shipping weight8.2
sightsIvory Bead
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
It is only compatible with Browning's proprietary Invector-DS choke tube system. Standard Invector, Invector-Plus, or Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes will not seat or pattern correctly. Replacement or additional Invector-DS tubes from Browning or aftermarket manufacturers like Briley or Trulock are required, with an average cost of $35-$50 per tube.
Does it fit in a standard 26-inch shotgun case?
Yes, it will fit a standard hard or soft case designed for 26-inch barreled over/unders with an overall length of up to 44 inches. The break-down action allows it to fit in most takedown cases with a 28-inch internal compartment. I recommend a case with at least 2.5 inches of interior width to accommodate the 1.65-inch wide receiver without pressure on the safety/selector.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 business days from order verification and compliance check. All firearms ship via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and mandatory next-day air service for handguns, though long guns like this may use 2-day service. Your FFL must provide their current license to Ironclad Armory before the shipment is released.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Returns are only accepted for un-fired, factory-new condition firearms with all original packaging and documentation, and must be initiated within 30 days of shipment. The firearm must be inspected and shipped back by your receiving FFL dealer, and a 15% restocking fee applies. Custom orders or firearms with transferred serial numbers are not eligible for return.
Does this work with a standard shotgun cleaning kit?
Yes, it works with a standard 12/20-gauge cleaning kit, but you will need a 20-gauge bore brush and mop. The 26-inch barrel requires a cleaning rod at least 32 inches long to pass a patch completely through. Pay special attention to the choke tube threads; clean and lightly oil them every 250-300 rounds to prevent carbon lock.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$2904.99