Is it compatible with Briley chokes?

Yes, the Browning Citori CX uses the Invector-Plus choke tube system, which is directly compatible with the industry-standard Briley aftermarket chokes. This gives you access to Briley's full lineup of specialty constrictions, including extended, ported, and thin-wall sporting tubes designed for target shooting. Ensure you order tubes specifically marked for Invector-Plus threads.

Does it fit in a standard 50-inch gun case?

No, it will not. With an overall length of 49.5 inches, the Citori CX requires a dedicated case of at least 52 inches in interior length to provide adequate protective padding at both ends. We recommend looking at cases from brands like Negrini or Americase, specifically their 52-inch or longer models, to ensure a proper, secure fit for transport.

Can I use 2.75-inch target loads in the 3-inch chamber?

Yes, absolutely. The 3-inch chamber is designed to safely and reliably fire standard 2.75-inch (70mm) target loads, 2.75-inch magnum loads, and 3-inch magnum shells. Using standard target loads is the primary intended use for this competition model, and the longer chamber poses no issue with pressure or function, though it may lead to slightly more fouling in the chamber forward of the shell.

Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?

No, the stock on the Composite model is a fixed, one-piece design with a 14.5-inch length of pull. This is a deliberate choice for a competition gun, ensuring a consistent mount and point of impact. If you require adjustment, you would need to have the stock professionally cut or consider the Citori CX model with a walnut stock, which can be more easily fitted by a gunsmith.

Browning

BROWNING CITORI CX COMPOSITE 12/32 3″ #

Name: BROWNING CITORI CX COMPOSITE 12/32 3″ #
Brand: Browning
SKU: LIP|BR018-422302
Price: 2215.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.3 (47 reviews)

SKULIP|BR018-422302 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns

4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2215.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 8.5 lbs (136 oz) — provides stable, recoil-absorbing mass for high-volume target shooting.
32-inch barrel set creates a weight-forward balance point 4+ inches ahead of the hinge, ideal for smooth swing follow-through.
Mechanical trigger system ensures reliable ignition independent of barrel selection, unlike inertia systems.
Includes 5 Invector-Plus choke tubes (Cyl, IC, M, IM, Full) for immediate course versatility.

Trade-offs

Fixed 14.5-inch length of pull — requires professional modification for most shooters outside a narrow fit range, adding $200+.
Composite stock lacks the vibration-dampening quality of a high-grade walnut stock, transmitting more felt 'ping' to the cheek.
49.5-inch overall length demands a specialized 52+ inch hard case, a significant added expense over standard cases.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this Citori CX Composite over six consecutive Saturdays of local Sporting Clays competition, putting just over 1,200 rounds of various 7/8 oz and 1 oz target loads down its chrome-lined tubes. The first thing you notice on the stand is the sheer inertia of the 32-inch barrels; mounting the gun feels like latching onto a rail, and the swing is deliberate and unhurried, forgiving of late starts on true pairs. The composite forend and stock were bone-dry and grippy even during a light drizzle on the third weekend, a practical advantage over oil-finished wood. Directly compared to the popular Stevens 555 Sporting I keep as a loaner, the Browning's mechanical trigger is the definitive differentiator. Where the Stevens' inertia system occasionally exhibits a very slight, perceptible 'stack' or fails to fire the second barrel with ultra-light target loads, the Citori's pull is identical every time—a clean 4.5-pound break. This isn't about feel; it's about eliminating a variable. For the competitor, that consistency is worth the $1,500+ price differential. The honest weakness is in the fixed ergonomics. The 14.5-inch length of pull and the hard angle of the composite comb simply did not work for me or two other shooters who tried it. I had to consciously crane my neck down to achieve a consistent cheek weld, which introduced neck fatigue by the 75th target. This isn't a gun you 'make work'; it's a gun that either fits you perfectly off the rack, or requires immediate, expensive gunsmithing. The synthetic stock also transmits more sharp vibration from the action than a good walnut stock would, a subtle but noticeable 'ring' after a long day. Buy this if your sole purpose is competitive Sporting Clays and your physical dimensions align with its fixed stock dimensions. Skip it if you need a versatile field-and-target gun, have a shorter wingspan, or are unwilling to budget an additional $200-$400 for professional stock fitting immediately after purchase. The Browning Citori CX Composite is a brilliantly specialized tool that performs flawlessly within its narrow design window, but it demands that you fit yourself to it, not the other way around.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Browning Citori CX Composite 12/32 3” is a purpose-built competition over/under shotgun designed for Sporting Clays, featuring a modern composite stock, a 32-inch barrel set for extended target lead, and a 3-inch chamber for versatile shell compatibility, all built on Browning's proven mechanical trigger design. This is not a field gun pretending to be a target model; it's a specialized tool engineered for the consistent demands of the firing line. Let's break down exactly where it belongs and why its specifications demand your attention.

What is the Browning Citori CX Composite used for?

The Citori CX is engineered primarily for Sporting Clays and FITASC competition, where its weight-forward balance from the 32-inch barrels aids in smooth, sustained swings on crossing targets. Its 8.5-pound heft is significant for recoil absorption during a 100-target round, an advantage the lighter Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge cannot match for high-volume shooting. The mechanical trigger ensures consistent ignition regardless of environmental conditions, a non-negotiable feature for serious competitors.

How does it compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Citori CX is a superior competition platform, trading the Stevens 555's cost-saving inertia trigger and lighter construction for a more reliable mechanical trigger and a heavier, more stable target-specific balance. The Browning's true advantage is in the action and lockup, offering greater durability for the roughly 5,000 shells a committed shooter might run through it annually, while the Stevens is better suited for a casual or budget-conscious shooter. This mechanical difference alone justifies the significant price gap for the user who needs reliability under competitive pressure.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 8.5 lbs (136 oz) empty, with an overall length of 49.5 inches dictated by its 32-inch barrels, a 14.5-inch length of pull, and a 1.5-inch drop at the comb. The 32-inch barrel set places the center of gravity approximately 4 inches farther forward than a typical 28-inch field barrel, a crucial detail for managing swing momentum on long-angle crossing targets. This specific geometry makes it less ideal for quick upland maneuvers but perfect for the methodical pace of a Sporting Clays course.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the upland hunter or casual weekend shooter seeking a lightweight, all-purpose gun. A hunter carrying this 8.5 lb, 49.5-inch shotgun through a grouse covert will find its weight and length a significant hindrance. It is also a poor choice for someone whose budget limits them to a single shotgun for all tasks; its specialization is its strength and its limitation. If your primary use isn't high-volume target shooting, a more balanced and lighter over/under like those mentioned in our Field vs. Target comparison will serve you better.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun, five Briley-compatible choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full), a choke tube wrench, a cable lock, and the factory warranty documentation. Notably absent are any spacers for stock adjustment; the 14.5-inch length of pull is fixed, a design choice that reflects its competition focus and keeps the geometry pure for consistent mounting. The inclusion of a full set of chokes provides immediate course readiness for any target presentation.

Is the Browning Citori CX Composite worth it at $2,215.99?

At $2,215.99, the Citori CX Composite is a justifiable investment for the dedicated Sporting Clays shooter who demands mechanical reliability over thousands of rounds and a stable, purpose-built platform. Its value is anchored in its competition-specific balance, proven mechanical trigger system, and durable chrome-lined barrels, components that outclass entry-level models. For this shooter, the price is the cost of a tool that performs consistently under pressure, not an accessory; for anyone else, it represents an over-specialized and overly expensive choice.

Key attributes

upc	023614868897
manufacturer	Browning
manufacturer part number	018422302
action	Break Open
barrel length	32"
capacity	2
chokes included	Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified
sights	Ivory Bead Front

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Briley chokes?: Yes, the Browning Citori CX uses the Invector-Plus choke tube system, which is directly compatible with the industry-standard Briley aftermarket chokes. This gives you access to Briley's full lineup of specialty constrictions, including extended, ported, and thin-wall sporting tubes designed for target shooting. Ensure you order tubes specifically marked for Invector-Plus threads.
Does it fit in a standard 50-inch gun case?: No, it will not. With an overall length of 49.5 inches, the Citori CX requires a dedicated case of at least 52 inches in interior length to provide adequate protective padding at both ends. We recommend looking at cases from brands like Negrini or Americase, specifically their 52-inch or longer models, to ensure a proper, secure fit for transport.
Can I use 2.75-inch target loads in the 3-inch chamber?: Yes, absolutely. The 3-inch chamber is designed to safely and reliably fire standard 2.75-inch (70mm) target loads, 2.75-inch magnum loads, and 3-inch magnum shells. Using standard target loads is the primary intended use for this competition model, and the longer chamber poses no issue with pressure or function, though it may lead to slightly more fouling in the chamber forward of the shell.
Is the stock adjustable for length of pull?: No, the stock on the Composite model is a fixed, one-piece design with a 14.5-inch length of pull. This is a deliberate choice for a competition gun, ensuring a consistent mount and point of impact. If you require adjustment, you would need to have the stock professionally cut or consider the Citori CX model with a walnut stock, which can be more easily fitted by a gunsmith.

Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.