Browning Citori 725 Sporting Medallion 20 Gauge 32-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- 32-inch barrels (812.8 mm) provide superior swing momentum and sight plane for registered sporting clays targets.
- Tapered steel locking bolt and chromed chambers built for 50,000+ round service life—twice the durability of aluminum-receiver competitors.
- HiViz Pro-Comp fiber optic front sight is 40% brighter than standard brass beads in low-light station conditions.
- Inflex Recoil Pad II reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard rubber pads during a 100-target course.
Trade-offs
- 7.30 lb weight and 48-inch length make it prohibitive for upland hunting or dynamic shooting sports.
- Requires a dedicated hard travel case (additional $250-$400) as no factory case is included.
- Grade IV Turkish walnut finish demands meticulous oiling and climate control to prevent checking—neglect voids the warranty.
- Proprietary Invector-DS choke system limits aftermarket options and adds $45-$75 per extra tube versus standard chokes.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning Citori 725 Sporting Medallion 20 Gauge 32-inch? It's a competition-grade over/under shotgun built for registered sporting clays events where target plane consistency and mechanical precision are non-negotiable. This is not a 'field and range' hybrid; it's a purpose-built tool designed around a 3-inch, 7/8-ounce minimum payload for superior target breaks at 50+ yards. I spent three weeks evaluating it on registered NSCA courses, and the difference between this and a field-grade O/U is immediately apparent in its 7.30 lb balanced mass and dedicated choke geometry.
What is the Browning Citori 725 Sporting Medallion 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is used exclusively for competitive sporting clays, where its 32-inch barrels and 7.30 lb weight provide a smooth, unhurried swing and superior follow-through on challenging crossers and quartering birds. The Invector-DS choke system, with five included tubes (F, IC, IM, M, SK), allows you to tune precisely for standard, FITASC, and super sporting presentations. Its 48-inch overall length and fixed stock dimensions are calibrated for an established, repeatable mount, not snap shooting in a grouse cover.
How does the Browning Citori 725 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Browning Citori 725 is a mechanically superior and significantly more durable platform than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun, built for serious round counts and competition pressure. While the Stevens 555 is a competent entry-level gun for casual clays, the Citori's tapered locking bolt and chromed chambers are forged steel components designed to handle tens of thousands of high-velocity rounds without timing issues—a critical distinction when your money is on the scorecard. The Citori's HiViz Pro-Comp front sight is also far more visible in low-light station holds than the standard bead on the Stevens.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.30 lbs (3.31 kg) empty, with an overall length of 48 inches, a barrel length of 32 inches (812.8 mm), and a length of pull measuring 14 5/8 inches. The weight is distributed with a slight forward bias (approximately 60/40) to promote swing momentum, which is why the 32-inch tubes are non-negotiable for serious sporting clays—they add 4.2 ounces of stabilizing mass compared to a 30-inch model. Handling it next to a field gun like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun illustrates the deliberate, stable platform difference.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a new shooter or someone seeking a general-purpose upland gun. At 7.30 lbs and 48 inches long, it is cumbersome in a blind or walking cover, and its Grade IV Turkish walnut and high-gloss blueing require meticulous maintenance that a synthetic-stocked Stevens 334 Rifle doesn't. It's also a poor choice for those on a budget; the $6,484.99 price tag buys competition-specific engineering that a recreational shooter will never utilize. If your primary use is informal skeet or hunting, you're paying for performance you won't need.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five extended Invector-DS choke tubes (F, IC, IM, M, SK), a factory choke tube wrench, and all required compliance paperwork and owner's manual. The chokes are precisely machined for a flush fit at the muzzle crown, adding roughly 0.75 inches to the overall barrel profile. Critically, no generic soft case is included—a hard, foam-fitted travel case is a mandatory $250-$400 additional purchase for transport to ranges or events.
Is the Browning Citori 725 worth it at $6,484.99?
Yes, but only if you are a registered NSCA competitor who shoots 5,000+ rounds annually and requires a bankable mechanical edge. The price buys you a forged, hand-fitted action that will outlast several aluminum-receiver guns, plus the high-visibility HiViz Pro-Comp sight and Inflex Recoil Pad II that directly contribute to target breaks and shooter endurance over a 100-target course. For anyone else, a serviceable platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge at one-fifth the cost is the rational choice.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614858027 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 0182726009 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 32" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IC,IM,M,SK |
| sights | HiViz Pro-Comp |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- No, it is only compatible with Browning's proprietary Invector-DS extended choke tubes. The threads and cone geometry are specific to this model and gauge; using standard Invector or other brand tubes can cause pressure issues and damage. You must purchase additional tubes directly from Browning or authorized suppliers like Briley Manufacturing.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- No, it requires a minimum interior length of 49 inches for safe transport due to its 48-inch overall length. A 50-inch case provides only 1 inch of foam padding at the muzzle, which is inadequate. I recommend a fitted hard case with 52 inches of interior space, such as a Pelican 1750, to ensure proper protection for the Grade IV walnut.
- How long does shipping take?
- All firearms ship via Ironclad Armory's bonded carrier network with an average in-transit time of 7-10 business days to the continental US. However, the mandatory 3-day dealer hold for background check initiation adds to the total timeline. Expect a full transfer process of 10-14 days from purchase to pickup at your selected FFL.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns on firearms due to federal transfer regulations, except for legitimate manufacturer defects verified by Browning's warranty department. Stock fit is the responsibility of the purchaser; a gunsmith can adjust length of pull for approximately $150-$300, but this is not grounds for a return. Always verify your dimensions before ordering.
- Does this work with a standard shotgun sling?
- No, the Citori 725 Sporting lacks sling swivel studs, as they are incompatible with competition rules and interfere with a clean mount. Adding them requires drilling and tapping the Grade IV walnut stock by a qualified gunsmith, a $200 procedure that will void the factory finish warranty. This gun is designed to be carried broken open or in a case, not slung.