Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge 28″ 3″ Blued/Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Citori CX is a 12-gauge, 28-inch barrel over/under shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells, designed as a crossover platform for both clay target sports and field hunting. This specific configuration, with its polished blued finish on steel components and Grade II American walnut furniture, represents the core of Browning's mid-tier, do-everything engineering philosophy. It achieves this by balancing target-specific features like a vent-rib high-post barrel with field-ready ergonomics and shell versatility.
What is the Browning Citori CX used for?
This shotgun is specifically engineered to serve as a single primary firearm for shooters engaged in multiple clay disciplines—trap, skeet, and sporting clays—while remaining suitable for upland and waterfowl hunting. Its 28-inch barrel and 8.06-pound weight provide a stable, smooth swing for clays, yet remain maneuverable enough in a blind or field. The included flush-mounted Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) allow for immediate adaptation from tight turkey patterns at 40 yards to open skeet spreads.
How does the Browning Citori CX compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Citori CX delivers superior mechanical refinement and material quality but at nearly triple the cost of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. Specifically, the Citori's mechanical trigger system offers a crisper 4.5-pound average pull and a more consistent reset compared to the Stevens' simpler and often spongier single selective trigger. The Browning also utilizes a more durable forged and machined steel action versus the cast receiver of the Stevens, translating to a longer service life under high-volume use, which is critical for serious competitors who may fire over 10,000 rounds annually.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citori CX weighs 8.06 pounds (3.66 kg) and measures 45.5 inches in overall length, with a 28-inch barrel having a 3.5mm high-post vent rib. The drop at comb is 1.5 inches, and drop at heel is 2.25 inches, with a length of pull of 14.25 inches, dimensions that fit most average adult male shooters without modification. Its 5.6-inch receiver width and balanced 60/40 front-to-rear weight distribution result in a point of balance approximately 1.75 inches forward of the hinge pin.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious first-time buyer seeking a purely utilitarian field gun, nor for specialized competitors who will eventually need separate, purpose-built guns for each discipline. The $2,367.99 price point represents a significant investment over a reliable pump-action or basic autoloader. Furthermore, its 2+0 capacity and manual reloading make it ill-suited for tactical or home-defense roles where a higher magazine capacity and semi-automatic action are standard, like the Stevens 334 centerfire rifles are for precision shooting.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Invector-Plus Midas extended choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a set of Beretta-style choke tube wrenches, a plastic hard case with foam inserts, and the standard owner's manual and warranty card. Notably, Browning does not include a dedicated cleaning kit, snap caps for dry-fire practice, or a soft field case, which are common aftermarket purchases totaling around $75-100. The choke tubes are not serialized to the barrel, so verifying proper fit and alignment is the owner's responsibility during assembly.
Is the Browning Citori CX worth it at $2367.99?
Yes, if you are an intermediate to advanced shooter who needs a single, durable, and versatile over/under capable of handling 15,000+ rounds a year across multiple activities without reliability concerns. The price buys you a hand-fitted action, proven mechanical ignition, and materials that will outlast lower-tier imports. No, if you shoot less than 1,000 shells annually or prioritize maximum features per dollar; in that case, a quality semi-automatic or a Turkish-made over/under under $1,000 would be a more fiscally rational allocation of your firearms budget.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 8.06 lb (3.66 kg) — provides stable swing for clays without being unwieldy in the field.
- Includes three Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (F, M, IC) valued at ~$150 if purchased separately.
- Triple Trigger System provides a crisp, consistent 4.5-lb average pull weight with positive selector engagement.
- 14.25-inch length of pull fits the majority of adult male shooters without immediate aftermarket adjustment.
Trade-offs
- No factory-installed sling swivels — requires drilling and tapping the walnut stock, adding ~$80 for professional installation.
- Gloss walnut finish shows handling scratches and field wear more readily than an oil or satin finish.
- Limited aftermarket forend options compared to Beretta's 686 series, restricting customization without custom gunsmith work.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614679370 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018115304 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.6000 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.49 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid Bead Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2 3/4 inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber fully accommodates standard 2 3/4-inch shells, 3-inch magnums, and all standard dram-equivalent target loads. You must ensure the installed choke tube is rated for steel shot if using non-toxic waterfowl loads, which is standard for the included Invector-Plus Midas tubes. Expect a slight increase in felt recoil with 3-inch, 1 1/4-ounce magnum loads compared to standard 1-ounce target loads.
- Does this fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Most 28-inch general shotgun cases will be too short; you need a case designated for an "over/under shotgun" with internal dimensions of at least 47 inches in length. The Citori CX's overall length is 45.5 inches, and most hard cases add 1-2 inches of foam padding on each end. I recommend a Plano All Weather 52-inch case or a similar model from Boyt for secure transport.
- Can the stock be shortened or adjusted?
- The Grade II walnut stock can be professionally shortened by a gunsmith, as there is typically 0.75 to 1 inch of material available at the butt before compromising the Inflex recoil pad mounting system. Browning does not offer factory-adjustable comb or length-of-pull kits for the CX model; those features are reserved for their higher-tier Citori lines, requiring aftermarket fitting that costs $200-$400.
- Does this work with a Briley choke tube system?
- No, it is not directly compatible. The Citori CX uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus threading. To use Briley tubes, you must have a qualified gunsmith bore and re-thread the barrels to accept Briley's Thin-Wall chokes, a permanent modification costing approximately $350-$450 plus the cost of the new choke set. For most shooters, the performance of the included Midas tubes is sufficient for all but the most specialized competition applications.