First Look: Browning Citori 825

Few other shotguns in history can boast of a reputation like that of a Browning B25 Superposed. Designed by John M. Browning, it was the first commercially successful double-barrel shotgun that featured staked barrels. The new Citori 825 shares a number of design features of the Superposed and its namesake—the Citori—and deftly straddles the line between tradition and technology, with appearance and features that enhance performance and maintain tradition.

Citori 825 Field

Like its predecessor, the Citori 725, the Citori 825 features a low-profile receiver that puts your eye closer to the axis of the barrels for superb hand/eye coordination and improved recoil control for more accurate follow-up shots. The compact design also results in a shotgun that has a lighter feel and faster swing to promote a smoother follow-through. 

Like the B25 and other Citori models, Citori 825 shotguns rely on the blueprint of the renowned full-width hinge pin and tapered locking lug design that “wears in, not out,” providing maximum strength and extreme reliability. The reduced height of the receiver lowers the bore line of the barrels to optimize swing and pointability, while also placing the barrels more in line with the shoulder to better control felt recoil and minimize muzzle jump for more accurate follow-up shots.

The 825’s receiver features sharper lines that elevate the appearance to match the shotgun’s performance. Expertly applied finishes adorn the finely grained and checkered stocks sculpted to match the shape of the restyled receiver. A Browning trademark has always been the high level of hand finishing goes into every firearm, and this craftsmanship results in exquisite looks and a level of fit and finish that produces a shotgun you'll be proud to call your own.

Browning’s new Fire Lite 2 mechanical trigger offers immediate second shot capability without using recoil to set the next shot, and features a light pull, reduced take-up, a crisp break and less overtravel to improve accuracy. Trigger performance has also been enhanced when using extra-light loads.

Other new features added to the Citori 825 center around the interface with the shooter. The safety/barrel selector has been redesigned for easier manipulation, and matches the styling cues of the Citori 825. It is located within easy reach on the top tang. The safety and barrel selector switch is intuitive to operate and allows the user to select which barrel fires first. The top lever has been made more ergonomic and easier to operate, and the styling blends with the appearance of the new receiver. The forearm latch features a larger lever to make it easier to remove.

Browning’s Inflex II recoil pad makes shooting more comfortable with the combination of a soft material and internal ribbing that forces the comb down and away from the face to reduce felt recoil. A smooth heel eliminates snagging when shouldering.

Citori 825 Sporting with Adjustable Comb

There are currently eight Citori 825 models available: The Citori 825 Field ($3,149.99), Citori 825 Sporting ($3,679.99), Citori 825 Trap ($3,949.99), Citori 825 Sporting with Adjustable Comb ($4,079.99), Citori 825 Trap with Adjustable Comb ($4,359.99), Citori 825 Trap Max ($7,499.99), Citori 825 Pro Sporting with Pro Fit Adjustable Comb ($4,649.99) and Citori 825 Pro Trap with Pro Fit Adjustable Comb ($4,899.99).

For more information on the new Citori 825, visit browning.com.