Browning Citori CXT 12 Gauge 30″ Barrel 3″ Chamber Walnut
About this product
The Browning Citori CXT is a 12-gauge over/under shotgun engineered specifically for competitive clay target shooting with field versatility, built around a 30-inch ported barrel and 3-inch chamber in a Grade II American walnut stock. This Citori model features Browning's Triple Trigger system and Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes for precise pattern control across trap, skeet, and sporting clays disciplines. The polished blued steel receiver and chromed chambers provide corrosion resistance that stands up to high-volume shooting where softer steel would degrade.
What is the Browning Citori CXT used for?
This shotgun is built for competitive clay target shooting—specifically trap, skeet, and sporting clays—while retaining field capability for upland game. The 30-inch barrel provides the swing momentum and sight plane length needed for consistent breaks at 40+ yards, while the 3-inch chamber allows use of heavier waterfowl loads when regulations permit. At 8 pounds 6 ounces, it balances forward for smooth follow-through without being cumbersome in a day-long competition.
How does the Browning Citori CXT compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Citori CXT delivers superior action durability and trigger consistency compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, though at nearly triple the price. Browning's forged steel receiver withstands 100,000+ rounds where the Stevens' lighter construction shows wear around 25,000 rounds. The CXT's Triple Trigger system provides a consistent 3.5-pound pull weight versus the Stevens' 5-pound variable pull, giving competitive shooters the edge in rapid second-shot placement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citori CXT weighs 8 pounds 6 ounces with an overall length of 47.5 inches and a 30-inch barrel length. The Monte Carlo stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at heel, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The 3-inch chamber accepts everything from light target loads to magnum waterfowl shells, though the ported barrel reduces felt recoil by approximately 15% compared to non-ported alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious shooters or those needing high capacity for defensive use. At $2,507.99, it represents a serious investment compared to the $850 Stevens 555 that handles occasional clay shooting adequately. The 2-round capacity and 47.5-inch length make it impractical for home defense or tight-cover hunting where maneuverability matters more than target swing.
What's in the box?
The Citori CXT ships with three Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified), a Browning branded hard case, and owner's manual with warranty registration. Each choke tube extends 1.25 inches beyond the muzzle for easy hand-tightening without tools. The case interior has pre-cut foam that secures the disassembled shotgun during transport, meeting TSA requirements for checked firearm luggage.
Is the Browning Citori CXT worth it at $2,507.99?
For serious competitive shooters who fire 5,000+ rounds annually, the Citori CXT justifies its price through durability and consistency that cheaper shotguns can't match. The action lockup remains tight after 50,000 rounds where the Stevens 555 develops noticeable play, saving on gunsmith costs over time. For casual shooters firing under 1,000 rounds yearly, the performance difference doesn't offset the $1,600+ price gap.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Triple Trigger system provides consistent 3.5-pound pull weight — 1.5 pounds lighter than the Stevens 555
- Chrome-plated chambers resist corrosion through 100,000+ rounds — 4x the lifespan of unplated chambers
- 30-inch ported barrel reduces felt recoil by 15% compared to non-ported competition guns
- Grade II American walnut stock with 14.5-inch length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
Trade-offs
- 8 pound 6 ounce weight becomes fatiguing after 200+ rounds in a single session — 1.2 pounds heavier than dedicated field guns
- Proprietary Invector-Plus chokes cost $40-60 each — $15-20 more than standard choke tubes
- Monte Carlo stock comb cannot be adjusted for drop — requires $200-300 custom fitting for precise eye alignment
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614443209 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018074326 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Polished Blued |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IM,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.7000 |
| package height | 3.75 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 11.2 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid Bead Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Citori CXT uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus threading, requiring specifically designed choke tubes from Browning or licensed manufacturers like Briley. Standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes will not seat properly and could damage the barrel threads. Expect to pay $40-60 per tube from Browning's precision hunter series.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 47.5-inch overall length fits standard 48-inch hard cases with 0.5 inches clearance when disassembled. The two-piece design separates at the hinge pin for storage in Browning's included 34-inch hard case. For transport, the maximum assembled length meets most airline 50-inch linear dimension limits.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearm orders within 2 business days after FFL verification, with UPS Ground shipping adding 3-5 business days depending on destination. All shipments require signature confirmation and adult signature upon delivery per ATF regulations. Rural addresses may experience 1-2 day delays for final delivery.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are restricted to manufacturer defects only under Ironclad Armory's policy, with fit issues requiring contact within 48 hours of FFL transfer. The 14-day return window applies only to unused firearms with original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Custom orders and engraved firearms are non-returnable under any circumstances.
- Does this work with a LimbSaver recoil pad?
- The Citori CXT's curved buttstock accepts standard LimbSaver Pre-Fit #10201 pads without modification, reducing felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to the factory pad. Installation requires removing the factory pad's single screw and aligning the LimbSaver's pre-drilled holes. The pad adds 0.75 inches to length of pull.