The Ultimate Guide to the Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge Shotgun: Precision Engineered for Competitive Shooters

For serious clay target enthusiasts, competitive trap and skeet shooters, and anyone demanding peak performance from their firearm, the Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge Over/Under shotgun stands as a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship and engineering excellence. This isn't just a shotgun; it's a precision instrument designed to elevate your scores, reduce fatigue during long shooting sessions, and deliver consistent, championship-level results. If you're searching for a shotgun that blends timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology to dominate the shooting range, the Citori CXT, available through trusted retailers like DEGuns, is engineered specifically for your success.

Why Choose the Browning Citori CXT? Craftsmanship Meets Competitive Advantage

When shooters ask, "What is the best shotgun for competitive clay target shooting?" or "How can I improve my consistency in trap and sporting clays?", the answer often includes a meticulously designed over/under like the Browning Citori CXT. Its reputation for dependable function, impeccable looks, and championship performance is well-earned. Every detail, from its robust action to its ergonomic stock, is optimized for the rigorous demands of competitive shooting. This model addresses common challenges faced by shooters, such as recoil management, quick target acquisition, and repeatable swing, making it an ideal choice for those aiming for perfection.

Unyielding Reliability: The Heart of the Citori

At the core of the Citori's legendary dependability is its meticulously engineered receiver and locking system. Unlike many shotguns, the Citori utilizes a transverse-mounted, full-width tapered locking bolt. This innovative design ensures an incredibly strong lock-up between the barrels and the receiver, engaging a full-width tapered recess in the rear barrel lugs. This superior locking mechanism minimizes wear over thousands of rounds, maintaining tight tolerances and ensuring long-term reliability that competitive shooters depend on. Complementing this strength, the hinge pin extends from one side of the receiver to the other, providing maximum rigidity and distributing stress evenly. This robust construction means your Citori CXT will stand up to countless practice sessions and competitions, delivering consistent performance round after round.

Optimized for Performance: Features That Make a Difference

The Citori CXT is loaded with features specifically chosen to give shooters an edge. Each component works in harmony to enhance accuracy, reduce shooter fatigue, and provide a customizable experience.

Precision Barrel Technology: Back-Bored and Ported for Superiority

A hallmark of the CXT model's performance is its advanced barrel technology. The 32-inch barrels are Back-Bored, meaning the bore diameter is increased from standard dimensions. This reduces friction between the shot column and the barrel wall, resulting in several key benefits:

• Reduced Recoil: Less friction means less resistance, translating to a noticeable reduction in felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and less shooter fatigue during extended sessions.
• Improved Pattern Density and Uniformity: The larger bore allows the shot column to travel with less deformation, leading to denser, more consistent patterns downrange. This is crucial for breaking targets reliably.
• Increased Muzzle Velocity: Less friction can also contribute to a slight increase in shot velocity, providing an even flatter trajectory to the target.

In addition to back-boring, the barrels are also Ported. Muzzle ports are small holes strategically drilled near the end of the barrel. As the hot gases from the fired cartridge exit the muzzle, some are diverted upwards through these ports. This creates a downward force, significantly counteracting muzzle rise. For competitive shooters, this means:

• Faster Target Re-acquisition: Reduced muzzle jump allows you to get back on target quicker for doubles or rapidly moving targets.
• Improved Comfort: Further contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience.

Chrome-Plated Chambers: Durability for a Lifetime of Shooting

The chambers of the Citori CXT are chrome-plated, a feature that might seem minor but is critical for the longevity and ease of maintenance of a high-volume competition shotgun. Chrome plating provides:

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Protects against rust and pitting, even in humid environments or if cleaning is occasionally delayed.
• Enhanced Durability: Resists wear and tear from thousands of shells, preventing erosion and ensuring consistent chamber dimensions over the gun's lifetime.
• Easier Cleaning: The smooth, hard surface of chrome makes cleaning residue and fouling significantly easier, keeping your shotgun in top condition with less effort.

Invector-Plus Midas Chokes: Versatility for Every Target

The CXT model comes standard with Browning's Invector-Plus Midas chokes, including Full (F), Improved Modified (IM), and Modified (M). These extended choke tubes are known for their precision and ability to deliver consistent patterns.

• Extended Design: Easy to change by hand or with the included T-wrench, and visible from the outside.
• Invector-Plus System: Designed to work seamlessly with Back-Bored barrels, these chokes further optimize pattern uniformity and density.
• Versatile Selection:
  • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range targets in trap or specific sporting clays presentations.
  • Improved Modified (IM): A versatile choke, tighter than Modified but more open than Full, excellent for a wide range of clay target distances.
  • Modified (M): A common choice for general purpose shooting, providing a good balance of pattern density and spread for various target distances.

Having a selection of chokes allows the shooter to fine-tune their pattern to the specific requirements of different stations or disciplines, a key factor in consistent success.

Triple Trigger System: Personalized Comfort and Control

The Citori CXT features a revolutionary Triple Trigger System, allowing for unparalleled customization of trigger pull length. This system includes three interchangeable trigger shoes: a wide checkered shoe, a narrower non-checkered shoe, and an even narrower non-checkered shoe. Shooters can select the trigger that best fits their finger length and preferred trigger reach. This level of adjustability is crucial for maintaining proper shooting form and ensuring a consistent trigger pull, which directly impacts accuracy and shot timing.

Ergonomics and Aesthetics: The Monte Carlo Stock

The Monte Carlo stock is a distinctive feature of the Citori CXT, renowned for its ergonomic advantages, especially for target shooters. Crafted from beautiful Gloss Black Walnut, this wood stock is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional.

• Raised Comb: The defining characteristic of a Monte Carlo stock is its raised comb, which provides a higher cheek weld. This design is particularly beneficial for shooters using a more upright head position or those who need a higher line of sight for elevated targets, ensuring consistent eye-to-rib alignment.
• Reduced Recoil Sensation: The design helps distribute recoil more evenly across the cheek, reducing felt recoil and increasing comfort during long shooting sessions.
• Natural Pointability: The overall design contributes to the shotgun's excellent balance and natural pointability, allowing for smooth swings and intuitive target acquisition.

With a Length of Pull (LOP) of 14.37 inches and a drop measured at 1 9/16" at the comb and 2" at the heel, the dimensions are optimized for a wide range of shooters, providing a comfortable and stable shooting platform. The right-hand configuration ensures optimal ergonomics for right-handed shooters.

Mastering the Range: How the Citori CXT Excels

Whether you're dedicated to trap, skeet, or sporting clays, the Browning Citori CXT is engineered to help you achieve your best. Its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern performance features makes it a standout choice for anyone asking, "How do I choose an over/under shotgun that will last and perform at an elite level?"

Trap Shooting Excellence

For trap shooting, where targets are typically launched away from the shooter at a consistent angle, the CXT's 32-inch barrels offer an extended sight plane, aiding in precise lead determination. The Back-Bored and Ported barrels minimize recoil and muzzle jump, allowing for rapid recovery for doubles. The Monte Carlo stock's raised comb ensures a perfect sight picture for targets rising out of the trap house. The ability to select chokes (F, IM, M included) means you can dial in your pattern for various trap distances and conditions. The sturdy steel receiver and robust locking system are built to withstand the high volume of shots typical in trap competitions.

Sporting Clays and Skeet Versatility

While often associated with trap, the Citori CXT's versatility extends beautifully to sporting clays and skeet. For sporting clays, which mimics hunting scenarios with diverse target presentations, the CXT's balance (weighing 8.40 lbs with an OAL of 49") allows for smooth, dynamic swings across various angles and speeds. The responsive Triple Trigger System ensures a crisp, consistent pull every time, critical for breaking complex presentations. For skeet, where targets cross at close range, the CXT provides the precision and quick target re-acquisition needed for fast-paced sequences. The automatic ejectors clear fired shells efficiently, preparing you for the next shot without fumbling.

Essential Features for the Discerning Shooter

• Convenient Barrel Selector: Located on the tang-mounted safety, this allows the shooter to choose which barrel fires on the first pull of the single trigger, and the second pull fires the remaining barrel. This is invaluable for shooters who prefer to start with a specific choke for the first target in a pair.
• Automatic Ejectors: These ejectors powerfully clear fired shells when the breech is opened, but intelligently elevate unfired shells for easy, manual removal. This thoughtful design speeds up reloading and enhances safety.
• Sights: Equipped with an Ivory Bead Front and Mid-Bead Rear sight, providing a clear, precise aiming picture that is easy to pick up in varying light conditions.
• Full Size Design: A substantial firearm built for serious use, offering stability and control.

When considering an investment in a high-performance shotgun, details matter. The Browning Citori CXT offers not just a collection of features, but a cohesive system designed for superior shooting outcomes. Its robust construction, advanced barrel technology, customizable trigger, and ergonomic stock contribute to a firearm that is not only highly effective but also immensely enjoyable to shoot. For those seeking to consistently achieve higher scores and demand the utmost in reliability and precision from their equipment, the Citori CXT represents a pinnacle of shotgun design, available from trusted sources like DEGuns.

---

Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge Shotgun: Specifications Overview

Feature Category	Specific Feature	Detail / Specification
Identification	Brand	Browning
	Series	CXT
	Model	Citori
	MPN	018074327
	SKU	45242
	UPC	023614443216
Firearm Specs	Gauge	12 Gauge
	Capacity	2rd (Max 2)
	Action	Break Open
	Hand	Right Hand
	Chamber	3"
	Application	Field (Optimized for Competitive Clay Target Shooting)
Dimensions	Barrel Length	32" (Range: 32" to 32.99")
	Overall Length (OAL)	49"
	Weight	8.40 lbs
	Length of Pull (LOP)	14.37"
	Drop	1 9/16" @ Comb & 2" @ Heel
Barrel Details	Barrel Finish	Polished Blued
	Barrel Description	Back-Bored Ported Vent Rib
	Choke Configuration	Invector-Plus Midas
	Chokes Included	F, IM, M
Receiver	Receiver Material	Steel
	Receiver Finish	Polished Blued
Stock Details	Stock Material	Wood
	Stock Description	Monte Carlo
	Stock Finish	Gloss Black Walnut
	Stock Finish Group	Brown
Ergonomics	Sights	Ivory Bead Front / Mid-Bead Rear
	Safety	Top Tang
	Trigger	Triple Trigger System
Accessories	Includes	T-Wrench