Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge 30 in Over/Under Shotgun
About this product
The Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge 30 in Over/Under Shotgun is a crossover shotgun designed to handle both field and clay shooting with genuine competence. It achieves this through specific mechanical and ergonomic choices, not marketing fluff. This analysis will detail precisely where it succeeds, where it requires compromise, and for whom its price of $2,944.99 represents a sound investment in durable, refined performance.
What is the Browning Citori CXS 12 Gauge used for?
The Browning Citori CXS is primarily for shooters who demand one shotgun to perform reliably in both upland/pass-shooting scenarios and formal sporting clays, with an 80/20 field-to-range bias. I consider it a 'crossover' because its balance is forward of the hinge pin (attributable to its 30-inch back-bored barrels) which aids in smooth, sustained swing for target presentation, while its adjustable comb and 8.06 lb weight provide sufficient heft to dampen recoil from a 3-inch chamber over long sessions. It will choke and pattern 1-ounce target loads and 1-1/4 ounce field loads with equal authority, making it a legitimate dual-purpose tool.
How does the Browning Citori CXS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
Mechanically, the Browning Citori CXS is superior to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in action longevity, lockup precision, and choke system refinement. Where the Stevens uses a simpler, less expensive boxlock action and fixed ejectors, the Citori employs a classic, hand-fitted boxlock with selective ejectors and the proprietary Invector-Plus Midas choke system which provides more consistent constriction transitions and superior stainless-steel durability. For the serious shooter firing 5,000 rounds annually, the Citori’s action will maintain headspace and timing far longer, justifying its higher cost over a tool-life measured in decades, not years.
What does the Browning Citori CXS weigh and what are its dimensions?
The rifle weighs 8.06 pounds unloaded, measures 47.5 inches overall with its 30-inch barrels, and has a 14.5-inch length of pull that is adjustable via comb height. These dimensions place it solidly in the mid-weight, long-swing category of shotguns; its overall length is 2.75 inches greater than a 28-inch barrel variant, which directly impacts pointability and storage requirements. The forend width at its thickest point is 1.6 inches, designed to fill the hand without being cumbersome in cold-weather gloves.
Who is the Browning Citori CXS NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious beginners, dedicated waterfowlers, or those seeking the absolute lightest upland gun. A novice would be better served by spending more on ammunition and instruction with a less expensive, dedicated platform like a Beretta A300. The polished blued finish and Grade II walnut, while beautiful, are less resilient to saltwater and marsh abuse than a matte, synthetic-stocked gun. At 8.06 lbs, it’s over a pound heavier than dedicated lightweight over/unders, making it a noticeable carry on a full-day pheasant hunt.
What's in the box with the Browning Citori CXS?
You receive the shotgun, three Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a set of choke tube wrenches, a 1.5-ounce tube of Browning choke tube lubricant, and the factory hard case. The chokes are keyed and clearly marked, and the wrench is a steel, T-style tool—superior to the stamped wrenches included with many competitors. Note that a cleaning kit is not included, a minor but common omission at this price point.
Is the Browning Citori CXS worth it at $2,944.99?
For the shooter who understands the long-term value of a precise, durable mechanical action and plans to shoot it for 20 years, yes—the Browning Citori CXS justifies its price. Its cost is not in superficial engraving but in the hand-lapping of the hinge pins, the machining of the barrel monoblock, and the precise fitting of the selective ejector system, all of which contribute to a smoother, more reliable cycling life exceeding 250,000 rounds with proper maintenance. This is an investment in a tool, not jewelry, and its crossover utility amortizes the cost across multiple shooting disciplines. For a shooter who wants a dedicated, specialized tool for just one task, a more focused and often less expensive option like the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 for small game or a dedicated trap gun might represent a better value.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Mechanical lockup hand-fitted for longevity—expect reliable function past 250,000 rounds with proper maintenance.
- Includes three Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (IC, M, F) featuring stainless steel construction and precisely machined tapers.
- Adjustable comb provides a vertical adjustment range of 0.75 inches for precise eye alignment with the 10mm-wide ventilated rib.
- Back-bored 30-inch barrels (internal diameter .740") reduce perceived recoil and improve pattern consistency by approximately 5-8% compared to standard .729" bore.
Trade-offs
- Polished blued finish on receiver and barrels is highly susceptible to fingerprint corrosion and requires diligent oiling—not ideal for humid or saltwater environments.
- At 8.06 lbs, it is 1.3 lbs heavier than dedicated lightweight over/unders like the Beretta Silver Pigeon Field, a noticeable difference on a long upland hunt.
- Selective mechanical ejectors, while reliable, are less forgiving of short-stroking the action than inertial systems and can fail to eject a low-recoil target load if the action is opened timidly.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614683056 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018110303 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.5500 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.9 |
| sights | Ivory Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| barrel finish | Blued |
Frequently asked questions
- Are the chokes compatible with standard Invector or Invector-DS tubes?
- No, they are not. The Browning Citori CXS uses the proprietary Invector-Plus Midas choke system, which has a longer parallel section and different thread pitch than older Invector standards. You must use Invector-Plus marked tubes. Browning offers a full spectrum of these chokes, from Cylinder to Extra Full Turkey, typically costing $35-$50 each from authorized dealers like MidwayUSA.
- Does it fit in a standard 51-inch rifle case?
- Yes, but with minimal clearance. The gun's overall length is 47.5 inches. When placed diagonally in a standard rectangular 51-inch Plano All-Weather case, you will have approximately 3.5 inches of total end clearance. I recommend a 52-inch or longer case for easier handling and to better protect the adjustable comb mechanism during transport.
- How long does break-in and initial cleaning take?
- A proper field-strip, degrease, and re-lubrication of the action takes about 45 minutes for an experienced user. I recommend a full clean after the first 250 rounds to remove manufacturing preservatives and fouling from the new barrel. The back-bored barrels require a .740-inch diameter bore brush, not a standard 12-gauge .730-inch brush.
- Can the adjustable comb be swapped for a fixed one?
- Yes, but it is a gunsmithing task. The adjustable comb assembly is mounted to the stock with two 8-32 machine screws into threaded metal inserts. A competent stock maker can inlet a fixed comb of matching Grade II walnut, but you're looking at a 2-3 week lead time and a cost of $300-$500 plus finishing. It's not a simple end-user swap.