Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge O/U Shotgun, 32″ Barrel, 3″ Chamber
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge O/U Shotgun? It is a precisely engineered, back-bored 32-inch over/under shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells, specifically designed for shooters who demand a versatile platform for competitive clay target sports and refined field use. This isn't a budget field gun; it's a purpose-built tool where balance, barrel regulation, and mechanical reliability define its place between pure target machines and hunting companions. The polish of its blueing, the figure of its Grade II walnut, and the heft of its 8-pound, 5-ounce construction all telegraph its intended, repeated use in disciplined shooting scenarios.
What is the Browning Citori CX used for?
This shotgun is used for competitive-level clay target shooting—trap, skeet, and sporting clays—and light-to-moderate field hunting for waterfowl or upland game. Its 32-inch back-bored barrels provide a long, consistent sight plane and reduced perceived recoil through controlled shot stringing, critical for breaking 1.75-inch clay targets at 40+ yards. The combination of the triple trigger system and Invector-Plus Midas chokes allows a shooter to fine-tune performance for specific presentations, while the 3-inch chamber accommodates heavier field loads for clean kills at extended distances.
How does the Browning Citori CX compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Citori CX is a more mechanically refined and durable firearm, built for thousands more rounds of high-volume shooting than the Stevens. The Stevens 555 Sporting (/products/stevens-555-sport-ovr-undr-12ga-30/) offers an excellent value for an entry-level crossover gun, but its Turkish-made action, lighter construction, and simpler trigger cannot match the Citori's longevity and precise barrel regulation, features that directly impact pattern consistency over time. For a dedicated shooter putting down 5,000 shells a year, the Browning's steel-on-steel lockup and investment-grade fitment are objectively better; for casual monthly use, the Stevens is a competent, cost-effective alternative.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8 pounds and 5 ounces (approximately 133.8 oz or 3.77 kg) unloaded, with dimensions of 48.75 inches overall length, a 32-inch barrel, and a 14.5-inch length of pull. This weight, concentrated forward from the long barrels, creates a deliberate, smooth swing characteristic of target-specific shotguns, dampening muzzle flips and allowing for sustained follow-through. This is not a lightweight upland gun; it's designed to be carried in a ready position, not over the shoulder for miles, a point I discuss in my blog on range discipline vs. field practicality (here).
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a first-time shotgun buyer seeking a general-purpose home or truck gun, or for a hunter covering rugged terrain who demands a sub-7-pound firearm. At this price point and with its target-oriented configuration, it's overkill for simple pest control or recreational plinking. Individuals who primarily engage in defensive or tactical shotgun training will find its 2+1 capacity and deliberate handling a significant limitation compared to a semi-automatic like the Beretta A300 Ultima.
What's in the box?
A new Citori CX includes the shotgun itself, three Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder), a set of choke tube wrenches, a cable lock, and the factory manual and warranty paperwork. Each choke tube is precisely machined from beryllium copper and rated for steel shot. I have noted that the shipping case provided is a basic, non-foam-lined cardboard carton designed for dealer transit, not long-term storage; you will need to invest in a proper hard case, a common requirement for firearms at this tier.
Is the Browning Citori CX worth it at $2,367.99?
Yes, it is worth the investment for the serious clay shooter or a hunter who values a single, high-performance tool for both clays and field work that can withstand a 10,000+ round service life. You are paying for the Browning name, the heritage of the Citori action, and a level of hand-fitting and quality control that justifies the price premium over imported alternatives like the Stevens. If your annual shell budget is less than $500 and your use is sporadic, you are paying for capability you may never fully utilize; in that case, the aforementioned Stevens 555 Sporting is the financially responsible choice.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 32-inch back-bored barrels reduce perceived recoil by an estimated 18-22% compared to standard 30-inch barrels and provide an extended sight plane.
- Triple mechanical trigger system (not a single selective trigger) provides distinct, crisp 4.5-pound pulls for each barrel, eliminating selector malfunctions.
- Grade II American walnut stock with a 21 LPI checkering provides a secure, traditional grip that ages with use, unlike composite alternatives.
- Invector-Plus Midas choke tube system (Full, Mod, IC included) patterns more consistently at 40 yards than the standard tubes in the Stevens 555.
Trade-offs
- Weight of 8 lbs 5 oz is punishing for all-day, walk-up upland hunting compared to modern composite guns like the Franchi Affinity 3 at 6.4 lbs.
- Non-adjustable stock has a fixed 14.5-inch length of pull; professional fitting or a custom stock adds $300-$800 for most shooters.
- Double-tap speed on clays is limited by the manual top-lever opening compared to inertia-driven semi-autos like the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614679394 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018115302 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 32" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.45 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid Bead Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Citori CX compatible with standard 2.75-inch target loads?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber fully accommodates standard 2.75-inch (70mm) 12-gauge target loads without issue. The Invector-Plus back-bored barrel system is actually optimized for modern target ammunition, and you will see the best pattern consistency with loads between 1 oz and 1 1/8 oz of shot. Expect reliable cycling with any SAAMI-spec load from light 7/8 oz training rounds up to 3-inch magnums.
- Does this fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No, it will not. With an overall length of 48.75 inches, you need a case rated for at least 50 inches to safely close and latch it. I recommend a hard-sided case with a cut foam interior from brands like Pelican or Plano. A 52-inch Plano All Weather case (model AW2-52W) provides adequate room for the disassembled barrels and receiver, a common storage method.
- How long does shipping take for an online firearm purchase?
- Once your order is processed and your FFL information is verified by our team at Ironclad Armory, shipping to your chosen licensed dealer typically takes 3-7 business days via FedEx or UPS. The subsequent transfer process at your FFL is governed by their schedule and the mandatory NICS background check, which can add 20 minutes to several days depending on state laws and system delays.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit me?
- Firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. It is your responsibility to verify the 14.5-inch length of pull, 1 1/2-inch drop at comb, and 2 1/4-inch drop at heel measurements against your specific body geometry before purchasing. We strongly recommend handling a Citori CX at a local dealer or a shooting event to assess fit. Stock alterations are a common and expected gunsmithing service for serious shooters.
- Does this work with standard Invector (non-Plus) choke tubes?
- No, it does not. The Citori CX uses the newer Invector-Plus threading, which is not backwards compatible with older standard Invector tubes. Attempting to use an incompatible tube is a serious safety risk. The included Midas grade tubes are steel-shot rated; aftermarket Invector-Plus tubes are widely available from Briley, Carlson's, and Browning for specialized applications.