Gunner Quinn
Welcome to another American Rifleman Gun Of The Week video, and we’re on the range today with the latest version of Browning’s famous Citori over-under shotgun. This new version has been upgraded in several significant ways, and one of the models in this new configuration is the one we’re looking at now: the Citori 825 Field. Watch our video above to see this new shotgun in use on the range.
The Citori 825 is the latest generation in an evolution of over-under shotguns going back to the original John Browning Superposed design produced from 1931 until 1960. The Citori, produced by Japanese gunmaker Miroku, emerged in 1973 with some improvements intended to streamline production and improve durability. Several cosmetic and construction changes over the ensuing decades resulted in multiple generations of this popular over-under, starting with the Citori 325 and culminating in the 825 design introduced in the fall of 2024.
It has been more than 10 years since the last significant generational change occurred in the Citori line, and with the 825, there are some notable differences. Externally, avid shotgunners will notice that the steel receiver has been restyled, reducing the overall profile compared to previous Citori receivers. Even with this lower profile, the 825 retains the full-width hinge pin and self-adjusting locking blocks of the previous generation.
Possibly the most notable feature of the 825 is the inclusion of Browning’s new Firelite 2 trigger system, which is a mechanical trigger design rather than an inertia design. While inertia triggers are reliable enough for most shotgunning applications, those who absolutely demand second-shot capability with light field loads rely totally on mechanical triggers, and Browning offers that dependability while still ensuring a smooth trigger pull and clean break.
Several ergonomic changes round out the new Citori 825 package, with Browning notably reconfiguring the tang-mounted safety and barrel selector, as well as redesigning the top lever to make it easier to operate. The new top lever also blends in, stylistically, with the new receiver design, giving the 825 Field a new, sleek aesthetic that you won’t find on previous Citoris. Ease of maintenance is enhanced, too, with a redesigned forearm latch that makes the shotgun easier to take down for cleaning and storage.
Other notable differences emerged when the Rifleman staff headed to the range with the Browning Citori 825 Field. The lower-profile receiver means the shotgun’s bores were more in line with the shooter’s shoulder, allowing for more controllable felt recoil. We also noticed that the gun swung effortlessly, too, a testament to the tweaks Browning made to this new generation of Citori. Shouldering the gun was also seamless, thanks to a smooth heel that reduced any snag points, and the Inflex II recoil pad softened the blow nicely from heavier shotshell loads. For a hunt-ready shotgun that can pull clays duty as well, the Browning 825 Field is a solid, do-it-all option backed by a legendary brand.
Browning Citori 825 Field Specifications
Importer: Browning Arms Co.
Action Type: bloxlock, over-under, break-action shotgun
Gauge: 12; 3″ chamber
Receiver: engraved steel; silver nitride finish
Barrels: 26″ or 28″; blued finish
Chokes: replaceable Invector-DS; full, modified, improved cylinder
Sights: ventilated rib; brass mid bead, ivory front bead
Stock: grade II/II walnut; gloss oil finish
Trigger: Fire Lite 2; mechanical
Overall Length: 43.75″
Length Of Pull: 14.25″
Weight: 7 lbs., 5 ozs.
MSRP: $3,150
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