The Ultimate Edge in Clay Target Shooting: Discover the Browning Citori CXT

For the serious competitor and dedicated enthusiast, mastering the art of clay target shooting—be it trap, skeet, or sporting clays—demands more than just skill. It requires equipment that consistently performs, absorbs recoil, and provides an unshakeable connection between shooter and target. If you're searching for "the best over/under shotgun for competitive trap shooting," "a reliable and durable shotgun for extended range sessions," or "how to achieve consistent breaks in sporting clays," the Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge stands as a definitive answer. This isn't just a firearm; it's a precision instrument engineered to elevate your performance, round after round, season after season.

The Browning Citori CXT, specifically the model featuring a 30-inch barrel, 3-inch chambers, polished blued finish, and a stunning gloss black walnut Monte Carlo stock designed for right-handed shooters, is purpose-built for the demands of the clay target arena. It embodies Browning's century-long legacy of crafting firearms that are both exquisitely finished and relentlessly reliable. When competitors and coaches look for a shotgun that provides an undeniable advantage, the Citori CXT consistently rises to the top, offering a unique blend of balance, ergonomics, and robust construction.

Engineered for Excellence: Why the Citori CXT Excels

What makes the Browning Citori CXT such a formidable choice for competitive shooting? It's a combination of meticulous design, premium materials, and a deep understanding of what shooters need to succeed under pressure.

1. Optimal Barrel Length for Fluid Swing and Control:
The generous 30-inch barrel length is a hallmark of dedicated trap and sporting clays shotguns. This extended length provides several key benefits:

• Enhanced Sight Plane: A longer barrel offers a naturally longer sight radius, aiding in precise target alignment and consistency. This translates to a clearer, more stable sight picture as you track moving targets.
• Smooth, Controlled Swing: The weight distribution inherent in a 30-inch barrel contributes to a smoother, more deliberate swing, reducing jerky movements that can lead to missed targets. It helps maintain momentum through the break point, ensuring follow-through.
• Improved Balance: When paired with the Citori's action, the 30-inch barrels achieve a balance point that feels intuitive and natural, allowing for rapid target acquisition without feeling cumbersome.

2. The Renowned Invector-Plus Choke System:
The Citori CXT comes equipped with Browning's Invector-Plus choke tube system. This system is celebrated for its consistent shot patterns and durability. Unlike older, fixed-choke designs, Invector-Plus allows shooters to quickly and easily swap chokes to optimize their pattern for varying target presentations and distances. Whether you need a tight full choke for long-distance trap birds or a more open skeet or improved cylinder for close-range sporting clays, the flexibility is built-in. This adaptability is crucial for shooters competing across different disciplines or on challenging courses.

3. Robust and Reliable Over/Under Action:
The heart of any shotgun is its action, and the Citori's over/under design is legendary for its strength and simplicity.

• In-Line Design: The Citori features a trunnion-style hinge and a full-width taper bolt, creating a strong, solid lock-up that withstands tens of thousands of rounds without loosening. This mechanical integrity is paramount for a competition gun.
• Mechanical Triggers: The Citori CXT utilizes reliable mechanical triggers, ensuring crisp, consistent trigger pulls regardless of the recoil generated by the first shot. This eliminates the common issue of inertia-driven triggers sometimes failing to reset after light loads or a misfire on the first barrel. A precise trigger pull is critical for preventing flinching and maintaining accuracy.
• Polished Blued Finish: Beyond aesthetics, the polished blued finish on the receiver and barrels provides durable protection against the elements and the rigors of competitive use, ensuring the shotgun retains its beauty and functionality for years to come.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Designed for Extended Shooting Sessions

Competitive clay target shooting often involves firing hundreds of rounds in a single day. Without proper ergonomics and recoil management, fatigue can quickly set in, impacting performance. The Browning Citori CXT addresses this with specific features:

1. Monte Carlo Stock for Superior Sight Picture:
The gloss black walnut Monte Carlo stock is a defining feature of the CXT, purpose-built for trap and high-performance clay shooting.

• Elevated Comb: The raised comb of the Monte Carlo design positions the shooter's eye naturally higher, aligning it perfectly with the rib and improving sight picture for rising targets common in trap. This ensures a consistent and comfortable cheek weld, which is vital for repeatable mounting and accurate shooting.
• Reduced Recoil Sensation: By channeling recoil more effectively into the shoulder rather than directly into the cheek, the Monte Carlo stock, combined with a high-quality recoil pad, significantly reduces felt recoil. This allows shooters to stay on target for follow-up shots and endure longer shooting sessions without discomfort.
• Right-Hand Configuration: Specifically contoured for right-handed shooters, the stock ensures a natural, secure grip and optimal trigger finger placement, enhancing control and consistency.

2. Premium Gloss Black Walnut:
The stock and forend are crafted from high-grade gloss black walnut, known not only for its striking beauty but also for its natural strength and feel. The traditional checkered grip patterns provide a secure hold, even in adverse conditions or during rapid movements. This material choice is a testament to Browning's commitment to both form and function.

3. Exceptional Balance for Effortless Handling:
One of the most praised attributes of the Citori CXT is its balance. Despite its robust construction, the shotgun feels remarkably agile in the hands. This balance point, often centered around the hinge pin, allows for fluid transitions between targets and minimizes muscle strain during sustained periods of mounting and swinging. This contributes directly to a shooter's ability to maintain focus and execute precise shots throughout a long competition.

Performance on the Range: Translating Features into Scores

How do these meticulously designed features translate into tangible benefits on the trap, skeet, or sporting clays course?

• Consistent Target Breaks: The combination of optimal barrel length, precise chokes, and a crisp trigger allows for highly consistent shot patterns, leading to more definitive and satisfying breaks on clay targets.
• Reduced Shooter Fatigue: The Monte Carlo stock, effective recoil pad, and superior balance work in concert to significantly mitigate felt recoil. This means less shoulder and cheek discomfort, allowing shooters to maintain their focus and energy for more rounds, leading to improved endurance and scores over an entire event.
• Faster Target Acquisition and Follow-Through: The intuitive pointability and stable sight picture provided by the CXT's design enable rapid target acquisition. Its smooth swing allows shooters to stay with the target through the break, reinforcing proper follow-through mechanics vital for success.
• Confidence in Every Shot: Knowing your equipment is reliable, comfortable, and optimized for your discipline instills a level of confidence that is invaluable in competitive shooting. The Citori CXT removes variables, allowing you to focus solely on your technique and the target.

Maintaining Your Investment: Longevity and Care

The Browning Citori CXT is built to last a lifetime with proper care. Its robust construction means it can withstand the high volume of rounds typical in competitive shooting. Regular cleaning of the barrels, action, and choke tubes, along with appropriate lubrication, will ensure its continued smooth operation and preserve its beautiful finish. Investing in a quality hard case for transport and storage will also protect this valuable asset.

Why Choose Browning for Your Competitive Endeavors?

Browning has been synonymous with quality and innovation in firearms for over a century. The Citori line, in particular, has earned a stellar reputation for its legendary reliability, precision engineering, and enduring value. When you choose a Browning Citori CXT, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're investing in a legacy of performance and a tool designed to help you achieve your personal best. It’s a firearm that consistently delivers the accuracy and durability demanded by top-tier competitors, making it a wise choice for anyone serious about improving their clay shooting prowess.

Acquiring Your Browning Citori CXT

For those ready to elevate their clay target shooting experience, the Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge, with its 30-inch barrel, 3-inch chambers, polished blued finish, gloss black walnut Monte Carlo stock, and right-hand configuration, is available through reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns. Visit deguns.com to explore the Browning Citori CXT and begin your journey toward more consistent breaks and higher scores on the range. It represents an exceptional value for a competition-grade firearm that will serve you faithfully for years to come.

Key Specifications: Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge (Model 018074326)

Feature	Description
Gauge	12 Gauge
Barrel Length	30 inches
Chamber Size	3 inches
Stock Type	Monte Carlo, Right Hand
Stock Material	Gloss Black Walnut
Finish	Polished Blued
Action Type	Over/Under
Choke System	Invector-Plus
Triggers	Mechanical
Manufacturer Model	018074326