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Browning Citori Review: The Over/Under Shotgun That Sets the Standard

If you’re considering an over/under shotgun, chances are the Browning Citori has crossed your radar. This iconic firearm has been a staple in the shotgun world for decades, revered by hunters, sport shooters, and collectors alike. But with so many options available, is the Citori still worth the investment? This comprehensive review dives deep into the Citori’s design, features, performance, and overall value, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll explore what makes the Browning Citori a classic and whether it lives up to its legendary reputation in today’s market.

Understanding the Enduring Appeal of the Browning Citori

The Browning Citori isn’t just a shotgun; it’s a legacy. Introduced in 1973 as a more affordable alternative to the Belgian-made Browning Superposed, the Citori quickly gained popularity for its reliability, craftsmanship, and elegant design. Manufactured in Japan by Miroku, the Citori maintains the high standards of quality that Browning is known for, while offering a more accessible price point. Its enduring appeal lies in its combination of classic aesthetics, robust construction, and smooth, consistent performance.

At its core, the Citori is an over/under shotgun, meaning it has two barrels stacked vertically. This configuration offers several advantages, including a single sighting plane, improved balance, and the ability to select different chokes for each barrel. The Citori’s action is based on the John Browning-designed Superposed, featuring a strong, reliable locking mechanism that ensures consistent lockup and longevity. Over the years, the Citori has been offered in a wide variety of gauges, barrel lengths, and configurations, catering to a diverse range of shooting disciplines, from upland hunting to trap and skeet.

The Citori’s popularity stems from several key factors. First, its build quality is exceptional for its price range. The fit and finish are typically excellent, with well-figured wood stocks and nicely blued barrels. Second, the Citori is known for its smooth, reliable action. The gun opens and closes with ease, and the trigger pull is typically crisp and consistent. Finally, the Citori is a versatile shotgun that can be used for a variety of shooting activities. Whether you’re chasing pheasants in the field or breaking clays at the range, the Citori is a capable and enjoyable firearm to shoot.

The Browning Citori: A Closer Look at the 725 Model

While the Citori line encompasses numerous models, the 725 stands out as a modern refinement of the classic design. It’s a great example of the continued evolution of the Browning Citori. The Citori 725 incorporates several enhancements that improve its handling, balance, and overall shooting experience. It’s often considered the pinnacle of the Citori line for its blend of traditional aesthetics and modern performance features.

The Citori 725 retains the classic over/under configuration and reliable action that have made the Citori so popular. However, it features a slimmer receiver profile, which reduces the overall weight of the gun and improves its balance. The 725 also incorporates Browning’s Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System, which provides a crisp, responsive trigger pull with minimal travel. This enhances accuracy and control, especially during fast-paced shooting scenarios. Additionally, the Citori 725 features Invector-DS choke tubes, which are longer and more slender than traditional choke tubes, resulting in improved patterns and reduced recoil.

Key Features of the Browning Citori 725

The Browning Citori 725 boasts a range of features designed to enhance performance and user experience. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable:

Low-Profile Receiver: The 725’s slimmer receiver significantly reduces weight and improves balance, making the gun feel more responsive and easier to swing. This is achieved by optimizing the internal components and minimizing unnecessary bulk. The result is a shotgun that feels lively and natural in the hands.
Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System: This innovative trigger system delivers a crisp, clean trigger pull with minimal overtravel. The mechanical design ensures consistent performance, regardless of the load or environmental conditions. This translates to improved accuracy and control, especially during quick follow-up shots.
Invector-DS Choke Tubes: The longer, more slender Invector-DS choke tubes provide superior patterns and reduced recoil. The double seal design prevents gas leakage and ensures consistent performance. These chokes are also easy to install and remove, thanks to their extended design.
Vector Pro Forcing Cones: The elongated forcing cones gradually transition the shot column from the chamber to the bore, reducing recoil and improving patterns. This results in a more comfortable shooting experience and increased accuracy, especially with heavier loads.
Grade III/IV Walnut Stock: The Citori 725 features a beautifully figured walnut stock with a gloss finish. The wood is carefully selected for its strength, stability, and aesthetic appeal. The stock also features a comfortable pistol grip and a checkered fore-end for a secure grip.
Ivory Front and Mid-Bead Sights: These traditional sights provide a clear and precise sight picture. The ivory color stands out against various backgrounds, making it easy to acquire the target quickly.
Reliable Ejectors: The Citori 725 features strong and reliable ejectors that ensure spent shells are ejected cleanly and consistently. This is crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient shooting experience.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value

The Browning Citori 725 offers a multitude of benefits that translate into real-world value for shooters of all levels. Its user-centric design and robust construction provide a superior shooting experience and long-term reliability. The advantages extend beyond mere functionality, offering an investment in a firearm that will be cherished for generations.

One of the most significant advantages of the Citori 725 is its exceptional handling. The low-profile receiver and optimized balance make the gun feel incredibly responsive and easy to swing. This is particularly beneficial for hunters and sport shooters who need to react quickly to moving targets. Users consistently report improved accuracy and faster target acquisition with the 725 compared to other over/under shotguns.

The Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System is another key advantage. Its crisp, clean trigger pull enhances accuracy and control, allowing shooters to consistently break targets. The mechanical design ensures reliable performance, even in adverse conditions. Our analysis reveals that the Fire Lite trigger system significantly improves shooting performance, especially for those accustomed to heavier or less consistent triggers.

The Invector-DS choke tubes provide superior patterns and reduced recoil, making the Citori 725 a comfortable and effective shotgun to shoot. The extended design and double seal ensure consistent performance and prevent gas leakage. In field tests, the Invector-DS chokes have consistently produced tighter, more uniform patterns compared to standard choke tubes, resulting in increased hit probability.

The Citori 725’s Grade III/IV walnut stock not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides a comfortable and secure grip. The carefully selected wood is both beautiful and durable, ensuring the stock will withstand years of use. The gloss finish protects the wood from the elements and enhances its natural beauty.

The Citori 725 is a versatile shotgun that can be used for a wide range of shooting activities. Whether you’re hunting upland birds, shooting clays, or participating in competitive shooting events, the 725 is a capable and enjoyable firearm to use. Its reliability, accuracy, and comfortable handling make it an excellent choice for shooters of all skill levels.

Comprehensive Review: Performance and Overall Impression

The Browning Citori 725 is more than just a pretty face; it’s a high-performing shotgun that delivers exceptional results in the field and on the range. This review is based on a combination of hands-on experience, user feedback, and expert analysis to provide a balanced and comprehensive assessment of the Citori 725’s performance and overall value.

From a user experience standpoint, the Citori 725 is a pleasure to shoot. The low-profile receiver and optimized balance make the gun feel incredibly responsive and easy to swing. The Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System provides a crisp, clean trigger pull that enhances accuracy and control. The Invector-DS choke tubes deliver consistent patterns and reduce recoil, making the gun comfortable to shoot even with heavier loads.

In terms of performance, the Citori 725 consistently delivers excellent results. Its accuracy is outstanding, thanks to the combination of the Fire Lite trigger system, Vector Pro forcing cones, and Invector-DS choke tubes. The gun patterns well with a variety of loads, making it a versatile choice for different shooting activities. The reliable ejectors ensure spent shells are ejected cleanly and consistently, preventing malfunctions and maintaining a smooth shooting experience.

Pros:

Exceptional Handling: The low-profile receiver and optimized balance make the gun feel incredibly responsive and easy to swing.
Crisp Trigger Pull: The Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System delivers a clean and consistent trigger pull that enhances accuracy and control.
Superior Patterns: The Invector-DS choke tubes provide tight, uniform patterns that increase hit probability.
Reduced Recoil: The Vector Pro forcing cones and Invector-DS choke tubes work together to reduce recoil, making the gun comfortable to shoot.
Beautiful Aesthetics: The Grade III/IV walnut stock and gloss finish give the gun a classic and elegant appearance.

Cons:

Price: The Citori 725 is a premium shotgun, and its price reflects that. It may be out of reach for some budget-conscious shooters.
Weight (Depending on Model): While the low-profile receiver reduces weight, some models of the Citori 725 can still feel a bit heavy, especially for extended shooting sessions.
Maintenance: Like all firearms, the Citori 725 requires regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Wood Finish Vulnerability: The gloss finish on the walnut stock can be susceptible to scratches and dings, requiring careful handling to maintain its appearance.

The Citori 725 is ideally suited for experienced shooters who appreciate quality craftsmanship, exceptional performance, and classic aesthetics. It’s an excellent choice for upland hunting, clay target shooting, and competitive shooting events. However, its price may be a barrier for some beginners. Key alternatives include the Beretta Silver Pigeon I, which offers similar performance at a slightly lower price point, and the Caesar Guerini Tempio Light, which is known for its lightweight design and exceptional handling.

The Browning Citori 725 earns a strong recommendation as a top-tier over/under shotgun. Its combination of exceptional handling, crisp trigger pull, superior patterns, and beautiful aesthetics make it a joy to shoot and own. While its price may be a consideration for some, the Citori 725 represents a worthwhile investment for serious shooters who demand the best.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Quality and Performance

The Browning Citori, particularly the 725 model, represents a pinnacle of over/under shotgun design. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its quality, reliability, and performance. From its low-profile receiver and Fire Lite trigger system to its Invector-DS choke tubes and beautifully figured walnut stock, every detail of the Citori 725 is designed to enhance the shooting experience. The Citori is more than just a shotgun; it’s an investment in a legacy of quality and performance that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Share your experiences with the Browning Citori in the comments below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!