Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge 32" Over/Under Shotgun: The Ultimate Crossover for Competitive & Field Shooters

Are you an aspiring or seasoned clay target shooter looking for a versatile shotgun that excels across multiple disciplines like sporting clays, trap, and skeet? Perhaps you're an upland bird hunter who demands a precise, reliable, and comfortable firearm that can pull double duty in the field and at the range. If these questions resonate with your shooting pursuits, then the Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge 32" Over/Under Shotgun is engineered precisely for your needs.

This exceptional firearm is a prime example of Browning's commitment to delivering top-tier performance, unparalleled reliability, and exquisite craftsmanship. The Citori CXS, standing for "Cross-Over," is meticulously designed to offer the best of both worlds: a higher rib and point of impact favored by trap shooters, combined with the balance and swing characteristics ideal for sporting clays and even certain hunting scenarios. For shooters seeking to elevate their game and invest in a single, high-quality over/under that can confidently tackle diverse challenges, the Citori CXS is an outstanding choice available at DEGuns.

Why Choose an Over/Under Shotgun like the Citori CXS?

Many shooters ask, "Why should I choose an over/under shotgun?" or "What are the advantages of an O/U for clay target shooting?" Over/under shotguns offer distinct benefits that make them a preferred choice for competitive shooters and discerning hunters:

• Reliability: With fewer moving parts than semi-automatics and a robust break-action design, over/unders are inherently reliable and less prone to malfunctions.
• Balance and Swing: The weight distribution of an O/U allows for a natural, fluid swing, crucial for tracking fast-moving targets or birds.
• Two Chokes: The ability to instantly select between two different chokes (one for each barrel) provides incredible versatility, allowing shooters to adapt to varying target presentations or hunting distances.
• Durability: Built to withstand thousands upon thousands of rounds, these shotguns are often passed down through generations.
• Safety: The break-action design clearly indicates whether the gun is loaded or unloaded, offering a strong visual safety cue on the range.

The Browning Citori CXS takes these inherent advantages and refines them to create a truly superior shooting experience.

Engineering Excellence: What Makes the Browning Citori CXS Stand Out?

The Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge 32" is not just another shotgun; it's a testament to Browning's legacy of innovative design and meticulous manufacturing. Let's delve into the specific features that contribute to its celebrated performance and user satisfaction:

Optimized Barrel Length and Gauge Combination

"What's the best barrel length for sporting clays?" and "Is a 20 gauge sufficient for competitive shooting?" are common queries. The Citori CXS answers these with its carefully selected configuration:

• 32-inch Barrels: These longer barrels provide several key advantages. They extend the sight radius, which aids in precise aiming and target acquisition. More importantly, the increased muzzle momentum facilitates a smoother, more controlled swing, helping shooters stay on target through the entire shot sequence. For sporting clays, where targets can be fast and distant, this extended sight plane and consistent swing are invaluable.
• 20 Gauge Chambering: While 12 gauge is often seen as the standard for clays, the 20 gauge offers significant benefits, especially for recoil-sensitive shooters, younger participants, or those who prefer a lighter, more nimble firearm. The Citori CXS in 20 gauge provides ample pellet energy and pattern density for breaking targets and cleanly taking upland birds, all while significantly reducing felt recoil compared to a 12 gauge. This translates to less shooter fatigue over a long day at the range or in the field, allowing for more focused and enjoyable shooting. The 3-inch chambers further enhance versatility, allowing for the use of heavier hunting loads when desired.

The "Cross-Over" Design Philosophy (CXS)

The "CXS" designation is central to this shotgun's appeal. Browning designed the CXS line to bridge the gap between dedicated trap guns and sporting clays guns.

• Higher Rib: Unlike traditional field guns, the CXS features a slightly higher, tapered rib. This design encourages a more upright head position, which reduces neck strain and provides a clearer sight picture, particularly beneficial for trap shooting where the targets are rising.
• Mid-Bead and Front Bead Sights: The combination of a white mid-bead and a white front bead ensures optimal sight alignment and quick target acquisition, providing a consistent visual reference.
• Balanced Point of Impact: The CXS is designed to have a point of impact (POI) that is slightly higher than a flat-shooting field gun, but not as high as a dedicated trap gun. This 60/40 or 70/30 (shot pattern goes 60-70% above the point of aim, 30-40% below) POI is highly effective for breaking rising targets in trap and for the varied presentations encountered in sporting clays, where targets can be rising, falling, or crossing.

Invector-Plus Choke System and Vector Pro Forcing Cones

"How do choke tubes affect my shooting?" and "What is the importance of forcing cones?" are fundamental questions for any shotgun enthusiast. The Citori CXS incorporates advanced patterning technologies:

• Invector-Plus Choke System: This system provides superior pattern consistency and allows for easy customization of shot patterns. The Citori CXS includes a comprehensive set of Midas Grade Invector-Plus extended choke tubes (typically Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Skeet), giving the shooter the flexibility to optimize patterns for any target distance or type of game. Changing chokes is quick and easy, enabling seamless transitions between different stations or hunting scenarios.
• Vector Pro Lengthened Forcing Cones: Located just beyond the chamber, these elongated cones gently taper the shot charge into the bore. This gradual transition significantly reduces pellet deformation and scrubbing, resulting in more uniform patterns, higher pellet counts within the pattern, and reduced felt recoil. The benefit is consistently dense and effective patterns, crucial for breaking challenging clays or ensuring clean kills on game birds.

Fire Lite Mechanical Triggers

"What type of trigger is best for a competition shotgun?" The Citori CXS features Browning's Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger system, known for its crisp, consistent pull and reliability:

• Mechanical Operation: Unlike inertia-driven triggers found in many over/unders, mechanical triggers do not rely on the recoil of the first shot to reset for the second. This means that even if the first round is a misfire (a rare occurrence with quality ammunition), the second barrel will still fire. This provides an extra layer of reliability, especially critical in competitive shooting where every second counts.
• Adjustable Trigger: The trigger can be adjusted for length of pull, allowing shooters to customize the fit for optimal comfort and control, ensuring consistent finger placement and a clean break.

Premium Aesthetics and Ergonomics

"Does a shotgun's appearance matter, and how does stock design affect shooting?" While performance is paramount, the aesthetics and feel of a firearm contribute significantly to the shooting experience:

• Polished Blued Finish: The barrels and receiver boast a deep, lustrous polished blued finish, which is not only incredibly durable but also gives the Citori CXS a classic, elegant appearance. The receiver often features subtle, tasteful engraving that enhances its refined look without being ostentatious.
• Gloss Black Walnut Stock: The heart of any fine shotgun's ergonomics is its stock. The Citori CXS features a stunning gloss finish black walnut stock and fore-end. Black walnut is prized for its strength, stability, and beautiful grain patterns. The gloss finish protects the wood and highlights its natural beauty, while the intricate checkering on the pistol grip and fore-end ensures a secure, non-slip hold in any weather condition. The right-hand specific cast and dimensions of the stock ensure a natural, comfortable fit for right-handed shooters, promoting consistent cheek weld and sight alignment.
• Inflex II Recoil Pad: Recoil management is key to sustained shooting comfort. The Inflex II Technology recoil pad is designed to progressively absorb recoil, directing energy down and away from the shooter's face. This significantly reduces felt recoil, allowing for more comfortable shooting sessions and quicker follow-up shots.

Real-World Applications and User Benefits

The Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge 32" is more than just a collection of features; it's a tool designed to enhance your performance and enjoyment across various shooting disciplines.

• Competitive Sporting Clays: Its balanced swing, optimal barrel length, and versatile POI make it an ideal companion for the dynamic and unpredictable nature of sporting clays courses. Shooters will appreciate the ease of target acquisition and the ability to confidently engage targets at varying speeds and angles.
• Trap Shooting: While not a dedicated trap gun, the CXS's higher rib and favorable POI allow it to excel at trap, providing the necessary sight picture for rising targets. The mechanical triggers ensure reliability for every shot.
• Skeet Shooting: The nimble feel of the 20 gauge, combined with appropriate chokes, makes it surprisingly effective for the fast, close-range targets in skeet.
• Upland Bird Hunting: For the avid pheasant, grouse, or quail hunter, the Citori CXS offers a robust and elegant solution. Its balance makes it comfortable to carry through long days in the field, and the 20 gauge power is more than adequate for most upland species. The ability to select chokes allows for quick adaptation to changing flushing distances.
• Youth and Recoil-Sensitive Shooters: The 20 gauge chambering, combined with the Inflex II recoil pad, makes this shotgun an excellent choice for new shooters or those who are sensitive to the heavier recoil of a 12 gauge, allowing them to build confidence and skill without discomfort.

Maintaining Your Browning Citori CXS

Like any precision instrument, proper care and maintenance will ensure your Browning Citori CXS provides decades of reliable service. Regular cleaning of the bores, action, and exterior surfaces, along with periodic lubrication of moving parts, is essential. Always consult the owner's manual for specific cleaning and maintenance recommendations from Browning.

In conclusion, the Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge 32" Over/Under Shotgun represents a pinnacle of firearm design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. It's an investment in a shooting experience defined by precision, versatility, and enduring quality. Whether your passion lies in breaking clay targets or pursuing upland game, this shotgun provides the performance and reliability needed to succeed. Discover the difference a Browning Citori CXS can make in your shooting endeavors today; it's readily available for purchase at DEGuns.

Browning Citori CXS 20 Gauge 32" Specifications

Feature	Detail	UPC
Model	Browning Citori CXS	018073602
Gauge	20 Gauge
Barrel Length	32 Inches
Chamber Size	2 3/4" and 3"
Finish	Polished Blued Barrels, Blued Rec.
Stock	Gloss Black Walnut
Hand	Right Hand
Chokes	Invector-Plus Midas Grade Extended
Trigger	Fire Lite Mechanical
Recoil Pad	Inflex II Technology
Action	Over/Under