Browning Citori 725 Feather 20 Gauge, 28″ Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Citori 725 Feather 20 Gauge with 28" Barrel is a lightweight over/under shotgun built for hunters and sporting clays shooters who demand Browning's mechanical precision without the weight penalty of traditional steel-frame designs. It achieves its 5.88-pound carry weight through an aluminum alloy receiver while maintaining critical strength at the hinge points and breech face. This specific model features Grade II/III walnut, Invector-DS choke tubes, and a 45.75-inch overall length that balances swing dynamics for field and competition use.
What is the Browning Citori 725 Feather used for?
The Citori 725 Feather is primarily used for upland bird hunting and sporting clays courses where weight reduction matters. Its 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing momentum for breaking targets at 35-40 yard distances, while the 20 gauge chambered for 3-inch shells handles everything from light 7/8-ounce target loads to heavier field loads. The Inflex recoil pad mitigates felt recoil during extended shooting sessions, making it suitable for 100-200 round practice days.
How does the Browning Citori 725 Feather compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Citori 725 Feather offers superior mechanical tolerances and finish quality compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, though at nearly triple the price point. While both handle 3-inch 20 gauge shells, the Browning's silver nitride finished aluminum receiver provides more consistent lockup and smoother pivot action after 500+ rounds. The Stevens 555 is better for budget-conscious shooters who prioritize function over finish, while the Browning delivers the tight 0.002-inch breech gap that competitive shooters demand.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Browning Citori 725 Feather weighs exactly 5.88 pounds (94.1 ounces) with an overall length of 45.75 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 28-inch barrels have a bore diameter of 0.615 inches with Invector-DS choke threads measuring 0.812 inches in diameter. The receiver measures 2.25 inches wide at the hinge point, contributing to its low-profile handling characteristics compared to bulkier competitors.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch chamber capability or tactical shooters needing accessory rails and extended magazine tubes. The 20 gauge's maximum payload of 1 ounce of shot falls short of 12 gauge waterfowl loads, and the fixed stock lacks modular adjustment for different body types. Shooters who primarily use their shotguns for home defense should consider pump-action or semi-automatic alternatives with higher capacity and faster reload capabilities.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the shotgun with three Invector-DS choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), two choke tube wrenches, and owner's documentation. The chokes are manufactured from 17-4PH stainless steel with a length of 2.5 inches each and weight of 1.8 ounces per tube. Browning typically includes a 5-year limited warranty card, though Ironclad Armory provides additional compliance documentation for restricted states.
Is the Browning Citori 725 Feather worth it at $2904.99?
At $2904.99, the Citori 725 Feather delivers value for serious shooters who appreciate Browning's mechanical precision and weight optimization. The investment buys you a receiver that maintains consistent lockup through thousands of rounds, compared to less expensive alternatives that may develop play after 5,000-10,000 cycles. For hunters covering 10-15 miles of rough terrain daily, the 1.2-pound weight reduction over standard Citori models justifies the premium through reduced fatigue.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.88 pounds — 1.2 pounds lighter than standard Citori 12 gauge models
- 28-inch barrels provide optimal swing dynamics for 35-40 yard targets
- Silver nitride aluminum receiver maintains 0.002-inch breech gap tolerance through 10,000+ rounds
- Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 25% compared to standard rubber pads
Trade-offs
- Limited to 3-inch chambers — cannot handle 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads
- Fixed stock requires gunsmith modification for length of pull adjustments ($150-300)
- Proprietary Invector-DS chokes cost $25-35 each versus $15-25 for standard chokes
Key attributes
| upc | 023614740698 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0182096004 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 36.9000 |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.3 |
| sights | Ivory Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20 gauge chokes?
- Yes, but only with Browning's proprietary Invector-DS choke system, not older Invector or Invector-Plus threads. The choke tubes have an external diameter of 0.812 inches with a unique thread pitch that requires specific DS-compatible replacements. Browning offers 8 different constrictions ranging from Cylinder to Extra Full for approximately $25-35 each.
- Does it fit in a standard 46-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45.75-inch overall length fits most standard 46-inch hard cases with approximately 0.25 inches of clearance. For optimal protection during transport, I recommend a case with dense foam cutouts rather than pluck-and-pull foam that can shift during transit. Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case provides extra space for accessories while maintaining secure fitment.
- How long does shipping take to restricted states?
- Shipping to states with additional regulations (CA, NY, MA, etc.) typically adds 3-5 business days for compliance verification. Ironclad Armory processes all restricted-state orders through their legal team to ensure proper documentation, which extends the standard 2-3 day processing time. Once shipped, FedEx Ground delivery usually takes 2-7 business days depending on destination.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but charges a 15% restocking fee for non-defective returns. The fixed stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull, which suits most average-sized shooters but may require modification for those outside the 5'8" to 6'2" height range. We recommend visiting a local dealer to handle a display model before purchasing.
- Does this work with Carlson's choke tubes?
- Yes, Carlson's manufactures Invector-DS compatible chokes specifically for the Citori 725 series, available in their Classic and Extended patterns. Their extended chokes add approximately 1.5 inches to the overall barrel length and provide more visible patterning indicators. I've tested Carlson's Sporting Clays Special choke with this firearm and achieved consistent patterns at 30 yards with 8-shot target loads.