Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge: The Epitome of Versatility and Quality

For discerning shooters who demand versatility, precision, and enduring quality in a single firearm, the Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge stands as an exceptional choice. This over/under shotgun, with its 30-inch barrels, 3-inch chambers, and stunning gloss black walnut stock, is meticulously engineered to excel across a spectrum of shooting disciplines, making it a favorite among clay target enthusiasts and upland bird hunters alike. If you're searching for a shotgun that seamlessly transitions between the trap field, the skeet range, and sporting clays courses, or even offers reliable performance in the field, the Citori CXS is designed to meet and exceed those expectations.

The Pinnacle of Versatility: What Makes the Browning Citori CXS a Standout?

The Browning Citori CXS, often lauded as the "Crossover Shotgun," is specifically designed to bridge the gap between dedicated target shotguns and robust field guns. Its balanced design, combined with Browning’s legendary reliability, makes it an ideal companion for anyone serious about shotgun sports or hunting.

• Unparalleled Design for Diverse Shooting: The Citori CXS boasts a unique rib design that elevates the point of impact slightly, a feature preferred by many trap shooters. However, its overall balance and handling characteristics are also well-suited for the dynamic movements required in sporting clays and skeet. This thoughtful engineering means you don't need multiple shotguns to pursue different passions; the CXS handles them all with grace and efficiency.
• Aesthetic Excellence Meets Rugged Durability: The polished blued receiver and barrels, paired with a meticulously crafted gloss black walnut stock, create a firearm that is as visually striking as it is functionally superior. This isn't just a tool; it's a work of art that reflects Browning's commitment to craftsmanship, ensuring it will be a cherished possession for generations.
• Engineered for Comfort and Control: Recoil management is crucial for extended shooting sessions. The Citori CXS incorporates Browning's advanced Inflex Technology recoil pad, which directs recoil impulse down and away from your cheek, significantly reducing felt recoil and allowing for faster follow-up shots with greater comfort. This feature is particularly beneficial for high-volume shooting activities like trap or skeet leagues.

Who is the Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge For?

This shotgun is ideally suited for:

• Competitive Clay Target Shooters: Whether you're dedicated to trap, skeet, or sporting clays, the CXS offers the precision, balance, and reliability needed to consistently break targets. Its ability to perform across disciplines makes it a smart investment for shooters who participate in multiple events.
• Serious Upland Bird Hunters: While primarily a target gun, the Citori CXS's robust construction and reliable action make it an excellent choice for pursuing pheasant, grouse, or quail. Its ability to handle diverse environments and deliver consistent patterns is a significant advantage in the field.
• Enthusiasts Seeking a Premium Over/Under: For individuals who appreciate fine firearms and desire a versatile, high-performance shotgun that will hold its value and deliver exceptional results for decades, the Citori CXS is an outstanding option.
• Shooters Looking for a "Do-It-All" Shotgun: If you want one shotgun that can confidently tackle everything from a casual round of sporting clays to a serious waterfowl hunt (within 3-inch chamber limits), the CXS is engineered to be that versatile workhorse.

Addressing Common Questions: Why Choose an Over/Under?

Users frequently ask, "Why should I choose an over/under shotgun?" or "What are the benefits of an over/under like the Citori CXS?"

• Exceptional Balance and Pointability: Over/under shotguns, particularly well-designed ones like the Citori, offer superior balance compared to semi-automatics or pump actions. This balance aids in smooth swings and intuitive pointing, crucial for hitting moving targets.
• Reliability: With fewer moving parts than semi-automatics, over/unders are inherently simpler and incredibly reliable. There are no gas systems to foul or recoil springs to wear out, meaning consistent performance shot after shot.
• Selectable Barrels: The ability to choose which barrel fires first (typically through a selector on the tang safety) allows shooters to select the appropriate choke for the shot, enhancing versatility in varying scenarios.
• Compact Ejection: Spent hulls are ejected cleanly and predictably, making cleanup easy and reducing clutter on the shooting range. This is particularly appreciated in organized shooting environments.
• Durability and Longevity: Over/under shotguns, especially those from reputable manufacturers like Browning, are built to last for generations. Their robust construction ensures they can withstand countless rounds and years of use, making them excellent heirloom firearms.

Deep Dive into the Browning Citori CXS Features

Understanding the specific components and technologies integrated into the Citori CXS reveals why it stands as a premier shotgun.

• Gauge and Chamber: The 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells provides ample power and versatility, allowing for a wide range of ammunition choices, from light target loads to heavier hunting loads. This flexibility ensures you're prepared for any shooting scenario.
• Barrel Length and Finish: The 30-inch polished blued barrels are optimized for a long sighting plane and consistent patterns. The polished blued finish is not just for aesthetics; it provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability, protecting the steel from the elements.
• Gloss Black Walnut Stock: The stock is crafted from high-grade black walnut, known for its strength, stability, and beautiful grain patterns. The gloss finish enhances its natural beauty while providing an additional layer of protection. The right-hand configuration ensures optimal ergonomics for right-handed shooters.
• Invector-Plus Choke System: The Citori CXS comes equipped with Browning's renowned Invector-Plus choke system, which utilizes longer chokes to produce more consistent and dense patterns. This system allows for easy interchangeability of chokes, enabling shooters to fine-tune shot patterns for specific distances and targets. Typical factory chokes might include Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder, providing a versatile starting point.
• Triple Trigger System: A significant feature for competitive shooters, the Triple Trigger System allows for subtle adjustments to the length of pull (LOP). By changing the trigger shoe, shooters can customize the trigger position to achieve a perfect fit, which is crucial for consistent gun mount and precise trigger breaks. This attention to personalized fit underscores Browning's dedication to shooter performance.
• Midas Grade Invector-Plus Chokes: Often, the CXS ships with Midas Grade Invector-Plus chokes, which are distinguished by their extended design and knurled bands, making them easy to install and remove without tools. These chokes are precisely machined for superior pattern performance.
• HiViz Pro-Comp Front Sight: A highly visible fiber optic front sight allows for quick and accurate target acquisition, even in varying light conditions. This feature is particularly valuable in dynamic shooting environments like sporting clays or during a fast-paced hunt.
• Ported Barrels (Optional/Specific Models): While not universally present on all CXS models, some iterations feature ported barrels. Porting helps to reduce muzzle jump and felt recoil by venting gases upwards and outwards, further enhancing comfort and control during rapid follow-up shots.
• Total Weight: Typically around 7 lbs. 10 oz. for the 30" model, the weight of the Citori CXS is carefully balanced to provide stability for target shooting while remaining manageable enough for comfortable carrying in the field. This moderate weight contributes to the gun's "crossover" capability.

Maintaining Your Browning Citori CXS

To ensure your Browning Citori CXS performs optimally and retains its value for decades, regular maintenance is essential.

• Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially if exposed to moisture, thoroughly clean the barrels, receiver, and choke tubes. Use appropriate bore solvents, brushes, and patches. Pay special attention to the forcing cone and choke areas where plastic wad residue can accumulate.
• Lubrication: Lightly oil all moving parts, including the hinge pin, ejector mechanisms, and trigger group. Use a high-quality gun oil designed for firearms. Avoid over-lubrication, as it can attract dirt and grime.
• Stock Care: The gloss black walnut stock should be wiped down after use. For deeper cleaning or to restore its luster, use a quality wood polish or conditioner specifically designed for gun stocks.
• Storage: Store your Citori CXS in a clean, dry environment, preferably in a padded gun case or cabinet, to protect it from dust, scratches, and humidity. Consider using a desiccant or dehumidifier in humid climates.
• Choke Tube Maintenance: Periodically remove and clean your choke tubes. Apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the threads before reinserting them to prevent seizing.

Why Trust Browning for Your Shotgun Needs?

Browning has a rich heritage stretching back over a century, founded on the innovative designs of John Moses Browning. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and performance has made it a leading name in firearms manufacturing. When you invest in a Browning Citori CXS, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're buying into a legacy of excellence.

• Legacy of Innovation: From the early Auto-5 to the modern Citori, Browning has consistently pushed the boundaries of firearm design and manufacturing.
• Uncompromising Quality: Each Citori is built with meticulous attention to detail, using high-quality materials and rigorous quality control processes. This results in firearms known for their durability and long-term reliability.
• Trusted by Professionals and Enthusiasts: Browning firearms are widely used by competitive shooters, hunters, and law enforcement professionals worldwide, a testament to their performance and dependability.
• Strong Resale Value: Due to their reputation for quality and longevity, Browning firearms, including the Citori line, tend to retain excellent resale value.

All Browning firearms, including the versatile Citori CXS 12 Gauge, are available through authorized retailers like DEGuns. When considering an investment in a high-performance shotgun that will serve you well for years to come, the Browning Citori CXS stands out as a top-tier choice for its blend of performance, aesthetics, and adaptability.

Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge Specifications

Feature	Specification	UPC (Internal)
Model	Citori CXS	018073303
Gauge	12 Gauge
Barrel Length	30 inches
Chamber Size	3 inches
Stock Material	Gloss Black Walnut
Handing	Right Hand
Receiver Finish	Polished Blued
Barrel Finish	Polished Blued
Rib Type	High Post Rib
Choke System	Invector-Plus (Midas Grade Included)
Recoil Pad	Inflex Technology
Trigger	Triple Trigger System
Front Sight	HiViz Pro-Comp Fiber Optic
Approximate Weight	7 lbs. 10 oz. (30" barrel)
SKU/Item #	018073303