Description
The Browning Citori CXS 20ga 28″ barrel, 3″ chamber is a factory-built over/under that splits the difference between a dedicated clays gun and a field-ready upland shotgun. This 20-gauge features a back-bored, ventilated rib barrel and a polished blued steel receiver, all riding on a Grade II American walnut stock finished in gloss. It delivers a 50/50 point of impact for predictable follow-through on clays or birds. Ships with Invector-Plus Midas choke tubes and the Triple Trigger System.
| Manufacturer | Browning |
|---|---|
| Model | Citori CXS |
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Material | Steel receiver, American walnut stock (Grade II) |
| Finish | Polished blue steel, gloss finish on stock |
| Weight | Approx. 6 lbs 8 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Back-bored Ventilated Rib Barrel — Reduces felt recoil and improves shot pattern consistency, making it easier to stay on target for fast follow-up shots.
- 50/50 Point of Impact — The barrel is regulated to shoot dead-on, so you don’t have to hold over or under when swinging through a crossing target.
- Invector-Plus Midas Choke Tubes — Comes with a full set of flush-fit chokes (IC, M, F) that let you tune pattern density for clays or birds without buying extra tubes.
- Triple Trigger System — A mechanical trigger that resets automatically, delivering a crisp break every time and eliminating the need to rely on barrel inertia.
- Grade II American Walnut Stock — High-figure wood with a gloss finish that looks good in the rack and holds up to weather and handling.
Who It’s For
This Citori CXS is built for the shooter who wants one gun that pulls double duty — weekend sporting clays leagues and upland hunts for pheasant, quail, or grouse. The 20-gauge keeps weight down for long walks, while the 28-inch barrel and 50/50 POI make it a solid choice for skeet and light trap. If you’re a lefty, the right-handed stock may require a cast-off adjustment, but for right-handed shooters it’s ready out of the box.
Pros and Cons
- Pro: Balanced handling — the 20-gauge version weighs about 6.5 pounds, so it swings smoothly without tiring you out after 100 rounds.
- Pro: Versatile choke system — Invector-Plus Midas tubes cover most disciplines, and you can swap to extended tubes if you shoot registered events.
- Con: The stock’s gloss finish can show scratches sooner than a matte or oil finish — a honest drawback for rough-field use. A light rub with 0000 steel wool and oil can dull it down if needed.
Comparison: Citori CXS vs. Competitors
| Feature | Browning Citori CXS 20ga | Zev Technologies O/U (if applicable) | Agency Arms O/U (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge | 12 Gauge (typical) | 12 Gauge (typical) |
| Barrel Length | 28″ | 30″ | 28″ |
| Weight | ~6.5 lbs | ~7.5 lbs | ~7.0 lbs |
| Choke System | Invector-Plus Midas | Fixed (often) | Interchangeable |
| Stock Material | Grade II Walnut | Synthetic | Walnut |
| Price | $2,425.75 | N/A (not direct competitor) | N/A (not direct competitor) |
Note: Zev Technologies and Agency Arms are not primary manufacturers of over/under shotguns; this comparison illustrates how the CXS fits into the field vs. tactical market. For traditional O/Us, the CXS competes directly with the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon and the Ruger Red Label.
FAQ
What choke tubes come with the Browning Citori CXS 20ga 28″ barrel, 3″ chamber?
The gun ships with three Invector-Plus Midas flush choke tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full. These cover skeet, sporting clays, and most upland hunting scenarios. Additional tubes (Skeet, Light Modified, Extra Full) are sold separately.
Can this gun shoot steel shot?
Yes — the back-bored barrel and Invector-Plus Midas chokes are rated for steel shot. Use the Improved Cylinder or Modified tube for steel; avoid using Full choke with steel to prevent barrel damage.
Is the Citori CXS suitable for a left-handed shooter?
The stock is cast-off for right-handed shooters. Left-handed shooters may experience the gun shooting slightly to the left. A gunsmith can adjust cast, or you can look for a true left-handed model.
What is the trigger pull weight on the Triple Trigger System?
Per Browning specs, the trigger pull is factory-set at approximately 4.5 to 5.5 pounds. It’s a mechanical trigger, so it resets automatically regardless of which barrel fires first.
Does the 28″ barrel make this gun swing fast enough for skeet?
Yes — 28″ is a standard skeet barrel length. The 20-gauge’s lighter weight and 50/50 POI give you a quick, natural swing. Many skeet shooters prefer 28″ or 30″ barrels for station-to-station transitions.
Why Buy From Us?
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states) — we ship to your FFL or home (where legal).
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days — fast processing on in-stock firearms.
- ✅ 30-day returns — if the gun doesn’t fit or meet expectations, send it back.
- ✅ Secure checkout — encrypted payments and fraud protection.
Last updated: April 2026
According to NSSF data, Browning holds over 40% of the over/under shotgun market in the U.S., making the Citori line one of the most trusted choices among clay and field shooters.
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