Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun: The Ultimate Crossover for Clay Target Enthusiasts

Are you searching for a high-performance over/under shotgun that excels across various clay target disciplines? Do you need a reliable, impeccably crafted firearm that offers both precision and comfort for competitive shooting or serious recreational pursuit? The Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun is meticulously engineered to meet the demanding requirements of trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooters, providing a versatile solution for those who refuse to compromise on quality or performance.

This detailed guide will explore why the Citori CX stands out, addressing common questions about its capabilities, design, and ideal applications. If you're looking to elevate your scores, enjoy consistent patterns, and experience superior shooting comfort, read on to discover the unique advantages of this exceptional Browning firearm.

Why Choose the Browning Citori CX for Your Clay Target Endeavors?

The Browning Citori CX is more than just a shotgun; it's a finely tuned instrument designed for accuracy and endurance. It solves the common dilemma faced by shooters who participate in multiple clay games – needing a shotgun that can perform optimally in varied scenarios without requiring multiple specialized firearms. Here’s what makes it an outstanding choice:

• Versatile Performance: The "CX" in Citori CX signifies "Crossover," highlighting its adaptability. Whether you're breaking high-flying trap targets, navigating complex sporting clays courses, or hitting fast-moving skeet birds, this shotgun is built to deliver.
• Superior Engineering: Browning's legacy of craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the robust steel receiver to the precision-machined barrels. This translates into unparalleled reliability and a smooth, consistent shooting experience.
• Enhanced Shooter Comfort: Features like the Back-Bored barrel and the Triple Trigger System contribute to reduced felt recoil and customizable fit, allowing you to shoot longer with less fatigue and greater concentration.
• Consistent Patterns: The Invector-Plus Midas choke system combined with Back-Bored barrels ensures dense, uniform patterns, giving you a greater margin for error and more positive breaks.

Detailed Features That Set the Citori CX Apart

Every component of the Browning Citori CX is thoughtfully designed to optimize performance and shooter experience.

Precision Barrel System: Length, Balance, and Pattern Control

The 32" Polished Blued Back-Bored Vent Rib Barrel is a cornerstone of the Citori CX's exceptional performance.

• Optimal Barrel Length: For clay target shooting, a 32-inch barrel offers a longer sighting plane, which inherently aids in accuracy. More importantly, it contributes significantly to a smooth, controlled swing, making it easier to track and connect with fast-moving targets. This length is particularly favored by trap shooters for its stability and by sporting clays enthusiasts for its ability to maintain momentum through challenging presentations.
• Back-Bored Technology: Browning's exclusive Back-Bored technology is a critical innovation. This process involves increasing the bore diameter to reduce friction between the shot cup and the barrel wall. The result is:
  • Reduced Recoil: Less friction means less resistance, leading to a noticeable reduction in felt recoil, allowing for faster follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without discomfort.
  • Improved Pattern Uniformity: Shot deformation is minimized, leading to denser, more consistent shot patterns. This translates directly into more broken targets.
• Vent Rib: The ventilated rib above the barrels dissipates heat efficiently, preventing mirage effects that can distort your sight picture during prolonged shooting. It also provides a clear, elevated sighting plane for quick target acquisition.

Advanced Choke System: Invector-Plus Midas Chokes

The Browning Citori CX utilizes the Invector-Plus Midas Choke Configuration and comes standard with F (Full), IM (Improved Modified), and M (Modified) chokes.

• Invector-Plus System: This system features longer choke tubes, which provide a more gradual constriction of the shot charge. This design further enhances pattern consistency and reduces shot deformation, complementing the Back-Bored barrels perfectly.
• Midas Grade Chokes: These are high-quality, extended choke tubes, allowing for easy, tool-free changes in the field or on the range. The included assortment (Full, Improved Modified, Modified) offers versatility for various shooting scenarios:
  • Full (F): Ideal for long-range targets, such as the second bird in a true pair at sporting clays or distant trap targets.
  • Improved Modified (IM): A popular choice for a balance of pattern density and spread, often used for mid-range sporting clays or as a primary choke for trap.
  • Modified (M): Provides a slightly wider pattern than IM, suitable for closer to mid-range targets.
• Customization: The ability to quickly swap chokes means you can fine-tune your shotgun's performance to the specific distance and speed of targets on any given course or station.

Robust Receiver and Flawless Action

The heart of the Browning Citori CX is its Polished Blued Steel Receiver and reliable Break Open Action.

• Steel Receiver: Built from robust steel, the receiver provides exceptional durability and strength, designed to withstand thousands upon thousands of rounds without compromise. Its weight also contributes to the shotgun's overall balance and recoil absorption.
• Polished Blued Finish: The deep, rich polished blued finish is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a layer of protection against corrosion and wear, ensuring the shotgun maintains its pristine appearance for years.
• Break Open Action: This classic action type is renowned for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. It allows for quick loading and unloading, visual confirmation of the chamber status for safety, and easy cleaning. The Citori's action is known for its tight lock-up, ensuring consistent shot placement.
• Tang Safety: The tang-mounted safety is intuitively placed for quick, ambidextrous operation, allowing the shooter to easily engage or disengage the safety with a natural thumb movement.

Ergonomic Stock and Customizable Fit

The Gloss Black Walnut Stock of the Citori CX combines timeless aesthetics with practical ergonomics, crafted for the Right Hand shooter.

• Premium Walnut: The use of high-grade black walnut provides a beautiful, classic look with a gloss finish that protects the wood and highlights its natural grain. Beyond aesthetics, walnut is favored for its density and feel, which contribute to the shotgun's balance.
• Optimal Dimensions:
  • Length of Pull (LOP): At 14.25", the LOP is designed to fit a wide range of shooters, providing a comfortable and consistent mount to the shoulder.
  • Drop: The stock features a 1 1/2" @ Comb & 2" @ Heel drop. This configuration is specifically chosen to provide an ideal sight picture for clay target shooting, allowing the shooter's eye to naturally align with the rib and target.
• Comfort and Control: The pistol grip design and fore-end shape provide a secure and comfortable grip, allowing for precise control and reducing shooter fatigue during long sessions.

Innovative Triple Trigger System

The Triple Trigger System is a significant feature that distinguishes the Citori CX, offering unprecedented customization for the shooter's finger placement.

• Customizable Trigger Position: This system allows the shooter to adjust the trigger shoe's position forward or backward. This subtle adjustment can dramatically improve comfort and consistency by ensuring the shooter's finger naturally rests in the optimal position for a clean trigger break.
• Crisp Break: Browning triggers are known for their crisp, consistent pull, which is crucial for precise shot timing and minimizing unintended movement that can pull shots off target. With a 2rd Capacity, the Citori CX operates smoothly and reliably for quick follow-up shots.

Precise Sighting System

The Citori CX comes equipped with an Ivory Bead Front, Mid-Bead Rear sighting system.

• Traditional and Effective: This classic setup is highly effective for shotgunning. The front ivory bead provides a bright, easily acquired reference point, while the mid-bead helps in verifying consistent head and eye alignment along the rib.
• Instant Confirmation: For experienced shooters, the mid-bead allows for immediate confirmation of proper gun fit and mounting, ensuring the eye is perfectly aligned with the target and the barrel.

Balanced Weight for Stability

Weighing in at 8.50 lbs, the Citori CX achieves an excellent balance of stability and manageability.

• Recoil Absorption: The weight helps absorb recoil, making the shooting experience more comfortable, especially when shooting multiple rounds.
• Stable Swing: This weight distribution also contributes to a steady, controlled swing, vital for consistent target acquisition and follow-through in dynamic clay shooting scenarios. The overall length (OAL) of 49" further enhances this stable feel.

Performance and Ideal Use Cases

The Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge is a top-tier choice for:

• Competitive Trap Shooting: Its 32" barrel, ideal stock dimensions, and consistent patterning make it a favorite for trap shooters seeking to maximize their scores. The reduced recoil and balanced swing are particularly beneficial for long squads.
• Sporting Clays: The "Crossover" design shines here. The ability to quickly change chokes, the excellent balance for varying target presentations, and the reliable action make it highly adaptable to the unpredictable nature of sporting clays courses.
• Recreational Clay Shooting: Even for those who simply enjoy breaking clays for fun, the Citori CX offers an unparalleled shooting experience, combining comfort, reliability, and precision. Its durability ensures it will be a cherished companion on the range for decades.
• Hunting (Limited): While primarily designed for clays, its robust construction and 3" chamber allow it to handle magnum loads, making it suitable for some forms of upland bird or waterfowl hunting if a long, heavy barrel is desired.

The Browning Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

Browning has been synonymous with quality firearms for over a century, a testament to John M. Browning's groundbreaking designs and the company's unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. When you choose a Citori, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're investing in a legacy of excellence. The Citori series, in particular, has earned a reputation for being one of the most reliable and enduring over/under shotguns on the market, known for its ability to perform flawlessly through hundreds of thousands of rounds. This track record provides immense peace of mind, knowing your firearm is built to last and perform under pressure.

Essential Maintenance and Care

To ensure your Browning Citori CX continues to perform at its peak for years to come, regular maintenance is key.

• Cleaning: After each shooting session, especially if you've been in dusty or damp conditions, thoroughly clean the barrels, receiver, and choke tubes. Use appropriate bore cleaner, brushes, and patches.
• Lubrication: Lightly lubricate moving parts, especially the hinge pin, fore-end iron, and ejectors, to ensure smooth operation. Avoid over-lubricating, as this can attract dirt and debris.
• Choke Tube Care: Remove and clean your choke tubes regularly. Apply anti-seize compound to the threads before reinserting them to prevent seizing.
• Storage: Store your shotgun in a clean, dry, and secure location, preferably in a padded gun case or cabinet to protect it from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Browning Citori CX

Here are some common questions prospective buyers and current owners have about the Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge:

• Q: What makes the Citori CX different from other Citori models?
  A: The "CX" designation stands for "Crossover," indicating its optimized design for a wide range of clay target disciplines, including trap, skeet, and sporting clays. It typically features a longer barrel (like the 32" on this model), specific stock dimensions tuned for clay shooting, and a versatile choke system.
• Q: Can I use steel shot with the Browning Citori CX?
  A: Yes, the Browning Citori CX, especially with the Invector-Plus choke system, is designed to safely handle steel shot through the Modified, Improved Modified, and Full chokes. Always refer to your owner's manual for specific recommendations on shot size and choke constriction for steel shot.
• Q: Is the Triple Trigger System easy to adjust?
  A: Yes, the Triple Trigger System is designed for user-friendly adjustment. It typically involves a simple screw or locking mechanism that allows you to reposition the trigger shoe for optimal finger placement, enhancing comfort and consistency.
• Q: How does the Back-Bored barrel truly benefit the shooter?
  A: The Back-Bored barrel design reduces the friction between the shot column and the bore, which significantly reduces felt recoil and improves the consistency and uniformity of the shot pattern. This means more comfortable shooting over long periods and more broken targets.
• Q: Is this shotgun suitable for a beginner?
  A: While the Citori CX is a high-performance shotgun often favored by experienced shooters, its balanced feel, reduced recoil, and inherent accuracy make it an excellent choice for dedicated beginners who are serious about getting into clay target shooting and want a firearm they won't quickly outgrow. Its robust construction ensures it will last for decades.
• Q: What is the benefit of the Ivory Bead Front and Mid-Bead Rear sights?
  A: This sighting system provides a clear, highly visible front bead for target acquisition. The mid-bead acts as a reference point to ensure consistent head placement on the stock, helping you verify that your eye is perfectly aligned down the rib, leading to more accurate shooting.

Where to Purchase Your Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge

For those ready to experience the superior performance and craftsmanship of the Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge, DEGuns is a trusted and reputable source. With a wide selection of firearms and a commitment to customer satisfaction, DEGuns provides an excellent platform to acquire this exceptional shotgun and receive expert advice.

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Browning Citori CX 12 Gauge Specifications Overview

Feature	Specification
Brand	Browning
Model	Citori CX
Gauge	12 Gauge
Stock Finish	Gloss Black Walnut
Action	Break Open
Sights	Ivory Bead Front, Mid-Bead Rear
Capacity	2rd
Chamber	3"
Choke Conf.	Invector-Plus Midas
Chokes Included	F, IM, M
Drop @ Comb	1 1/2"
Drop @ Heel	2"
Hand	Right
Length of Pull	14.25"
Overall Length	49"
Receiver Finish	Polished Blued
Receiver Material	Steel
Safety	Tang
Trigger	Triple Trigger System
Weight	8.50 lbs
Barrel Descr.	32" Polished Blued Back-Bored Vent Rib
UPC	023614679394
SKU	018115302