Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge 32″ 3″ Chamber Blued/Walnut
About this product
The Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge 32\" 3\" Chamber Blued/Walnut is an over-and-under shotgun engineered by Browning for demanding target and versatile field applications. This specific configuration, with its 32-inch barrels and adjustable comb, is purpose-built to provide the precise, stable handling required for international-style clay disciplines while retaining the adaptability for upland game. It represents a significant investment in a single-purpose tool that has been refined over decades of production but makes distinct mechanical trade-offs compared to modern sporting alternatives.
What is the Browning Citori CX used for?
The Browning Citori CX is primarily used for competitive clay target shooting, especially in American Trap and International Skeet/Bunker disciplines. This 32\" variant, weighing 8 pounds, 4 ounces, offers a long, stable sight plane that is superior for long, crossing targets found on international-style fields. While it can handle 3\" magnum waterfowl loads, its fit and balance are optimized for the repetitive, high-volume shooting of a tournament day, not the carrying weight and quick mounting demands of a dense pheasant cover.
How does the Browning Citori CX compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Browning Citori CX is mechanically superior and more durable for high-volume shooting than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in. The Citori uses Browning's forged, scalloped receiver and a mono-block barrel assembly, which is more resistant to wear from repetitive opening and closing over time compared to the Stevens' investment-cast receiver. However, the Stevens 555 costs roughly 65% less, making the Citori's premium fit, finish, and longevity a question of budget versus round count.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces (132 oz) and has an overall length of 49 inches from buttplate to muzzle. The barrel length of 32 inches provides a fulcrum point that places the balance approximately 5.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, creating a distinct \"forward-heavy\" feel that aids in maintaining swing momentum through clay target presentations. This length and weight combination makes it less maneuverable in a duck blind compared to a 28\" barrel model, which would be 4 inches shorter and slightly lighter.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious beginner or the dedicated waterfowler. At $2,822.99, its price point demands a shooter who will exploit its precision fit and mechanical consistency for thousands of rounds annually. The 32\" barrel length and 8.25-pound weight also make it a poor choice for fast-flushing upland game like quail or grouse, where a lighter, shorter-barreled Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge would be far more practical and less fatiguing to carry all day.
What's in the box?
Included with the shotgun are three Invector-Plus chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a set of choke wrenches, and owner's manuals. Crucially, the chokes are the Midas-grade version, which have a hardened, extended parallel section that provides more consistent patterns at 40 yards compared to standard flush chokes. The supplied tools are adequate for basic maintenance, but serious competitors will immediately purchase a digital torque wrench for consistent choke installation, as overtightening is a common cause of choke tube galling.
Is the Browning Citori CX worth it at $2,822.99?
Yes, for the shooter who will put 5,000 rounds or more through it annually in pursuit of competitive clay scores. Its value is in proven mechanical reliability, a superior adjustable comb system, and a barrel regulation that consistently places patterns within a 3-inch vertical plane at 40 yards. For the casual shooter who fires fewer than 1,000 shells a year, the law of diminishing returns applies heavily; a sub-$1,500 Turkish-made over/under or a quality autoloader would deliver nearly identical performance for their round count.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Barrels regulated to a 3-inch vertical point of impact at 40 yards – essential for consistent over/under transitions.
- Triple Trigger System affords a crisp 3.5-pound pull on the first barrel and 4-pound on the second, with minimal overtravel.
- Adjustable comb offers 0.75 inches of vertical and lateral adjustment for a custom fit without a gunsmith.
- Forged, scalloped receiver provides superior long-term durability for high-volume shooting compared to cast alternatives.
Trade-offs
- Significant price premium over competitors like the Stevens 555 – the cost is equivalent to 188 flats of target ammunition.
- Weighs 8 pounds, 4 ounces – this forward-heavy 32\" configuration induces arm fatigue faster than a 30\" model during long practice sessions.
- Lacks an automatic safety reset mechanism found on some Beretta models, requiring manual re-engagement after opening the action.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614681472 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018111302 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 32" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.1500 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 12.0 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid Bead Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| barrel finish | Blued |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2 3/4 inch shells?
- Yes. The 3-inch chamber readily accepts standard 2 3/4-inch target and field loads. You will see no ballistic advantage or disadvantage to using the shorter hulls in this chamber. For competitive target shooting, most shooters exclusively use 2 3/4-inch shells with 7/8 oz to 1 1/8 oz shot payloads at velocities between 1,200 and 1,300 feet per second.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
- Barely. With an overall length of 49 inches, you will have only 3 inches of padding at the muzzle end in a standard 52-inch hard case. For secure transport, I recommend a 54-inch hard case, such as those from Pelican (Model 1750) or Plano (All Weather 52\"), which provides adequate room for foam to protect the adjustable comb mechanism and muzzle crown.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days. Transit time via our contracted carrier (typically UPS or FedEx) is 3-5 additional business days to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. The FFL will then conduct the required NICS background check, which can add 1-30 minutes to the process, depending on state and system traffic.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No. Due to federal regulations (ATF 27 CFR 478), firearms cannot be returned for a \"fit\" issue once the transfer to the customer is complete at the FFL. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer to confirm length of pull and drop dimensions before purchasing. All our product pages, including this one, list critical dimensions like length of pull (14 5/8\" on this model) for this exact reason.
- Does this work with a Briley Invector-Plus choke set?
- Yes, the Citori CX uses Browning's standard Invector-Plus choke threading. Briley, Trulock, and Muller Chokes all manufacture aftermarket tubes for this system. The supplied Midas chokes are excellent, but aftermarket options like Briley's extended "Precision Competition" series can offer marginally tighter constriction tolerances for a shooter chasing the last 1-2% in pattern density at 45 yards.