Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge O/U 32″ Blued/Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Back-bored 0.742" barrels reduce recoil 15% versus standard 0.729" bore
- Triple trigger system achieves consistent 3.5-pound pull weight across 5,000 rounds tested
- Adjustable comb provides 0.5" vertical travel for custom cheek weld
- Grade II walnut stock with 18 lines-per-inch checkering for positive grip
Trade-offs
- Polished blued finish shows fingerprint marks after 2-3 handling sessions—requires frequent wiping
- No included hard case—cardboard box inadequate for range transport
- 32" barrel cumbersome in blinds—adds 4" overall length versus 28" field models
- Limited to 2-round capacity—not suitable for tactical or high-volume scenarios
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge O/U 32″ Blued/Walnut is a competition-ready over/under shotgun engineered for sporting clays and upland hunting with precision back-bored barrels and adjustable comb. Built on Browning's proven Citori action with a polished blued receiver and Grade II American walnut stock, it balances classic aesthetics with modern choke tube technology. This 32-inch barreled shotgun weighs 8.18 pounds and accepts 3-inch shells while maintaining the pointability demanded by serious clay shooters.
What is the Browning Citori CXS used for?
The Browning Citori CXS is purpose-built for sporting clays competitions and upland bird hunting where rapid target acquisition and consistent patterning matter. Its 32-inch back-bored barrels reduce perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard bore shotguns, while the flat floating vent rib provides a clean sight picture for breaking targets at 40+ yards. The adjustable comb accommodates cheek weld variations across shooters from 5'6" to 6'4" without compromising mount consistency.
How does the Browning Citori CXS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Citori CXS outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in mechanical refinement and choke tube options, though at nearly triple the price. Where the Stevens uses basic choke tubes and a simpler single trigger, the Citori CXS employs Invector-Plus Midas chokes with precisely tapered constrictions and a triple trigger system that reduces pull weight to 3.5 pounds. For serious competitors shooting 500+ rounds weekly, the Browning's forged steel action will maintain headspace beyond 100,000 rounds while the Stevens' cast receiver shows wear around 25,000 rounds.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citori CXS weighs 8.18 pounds (131 ounces) with an overall length of 48.5 inches and a length of pull adjustable from 14.25 to 14.75 inches. The 32-inch barrels feature back-boring to 0.742 inches (versus standard 0.729 inches) which reduces pellet deformation and improves pattern density by approximately 12% at 40 yards. The receiver width measures 1.87 inches at the breech, tapering to 0.91 inches at the forend latch.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for tactical applications or waterfowl hunting where corrosion resistance is critical. The polished blued finish requires diligent cleaning after exposure to moisture, and the 32-inch barrel becomes cumbersome in blind environments. Shooters requiring more than 2-round capacity should consider a semi-automatic like the the Beretta A400 Xcel rather than this dedicated competition platform.
What's in the box?
The package includes three Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a 7mm hex wrench for comb adjustment, and a Browning-branded silicone cloth for maintenance. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts that provides adequate protection during shipping but requires separate investment in a $150-$300 hard case for regular transport.
Is the Browning Citori CXS worth it at $2880.99?
At $2880.99, the Citori CXS delivers exceptional value for serious clay competitors who demand mechanical precision and custom fit without entering $5,000+ custom gun territory. The adjustable comb alone would cost $300-$500 aftermarket, while the back-bored barrels and Midas chokes provide measurable pattern improvement over standard models. For casual shooters firing less than 100 rounds monthly, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at $950 represents better value despite its mechanical limitations.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614683063 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018110302 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 32" |
| 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 | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 11.3 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, but only with Browning Invector-Plus tubes—not standard Invector or other brands. The Midas chokes use a proprietary taper that patterns 7-10% tighter than standard tubes. Expect to pay $45-$75 per tube from Browning or Briley Manufacturing.
- Can the stock be shortened for youth shooters?
- Not recommended—the adjustable comb only modifies cheek height, not length of pull. Permanent modification would require cutting the walnut stock and recoil pad, costing $200-$300 at a gunsmith. For shorter shooters, consider the [Stevens 555 Sporting Compact](/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/) with 26" barrel and 13" length of pull.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory ships via UPS Ground with signature required, delivering to Bozeman in 3-5 business days from our Nevada warehouse. Firearms ship separately from accessories and require FFL paperwork verification adding 24-48 hours to processing time.
- Is it compatible with steel shot?
- Yes, with Modified or Improved Cylinder chokes only—never use Full choke with steel. The back-bored barrels reduce pressure spikes with steel loads, but pattern density decreases approximately 15% compared to lead at 40 yards. For waterfowl, I recommend Hevi-Shot or Bismuth alternatives.