Browning Citori 725: Reviewed By A Gunsmith In 2025

There are a lot of good shotguns out there, but the Browning Citori 725 stands out. Here's why it’s one of my favorite over and under shotguns.

FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.

Being from Utah, I have to enjoy Browning guns, and I do, in fact, love these fine works of art. The Citori 725 is one of my favorite shotguns. Around here in Utah, most folks who have them use them almost exclusively for trap shooting. It's easier on my nerves to haul out the old, scratched-up Winchester Model 12 and walk in the rain through the sagebrush than to my "show the guys" Browning Citori. But remember it comes in different configuration: Trap, Sporting, Skeet and Field.

1. Chokes and Barrel Configuration

For the ultimate over and under gun, this is at the top of the list for greatness. The only thing I don't like, and this goes for any modern double-barreled gun, is the removable chokes that stick out the ends of the barrels. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that; it just looks weird to me, and for some reason, it makes me feel like something is wrong. But note that I had aftermarket extended chokes installed in my Citori, and that’s why they stick out. Normally, the flush chokes sit inside the barrel. I come from the time of set chokes or sawed-off coach guns, and the new, better-made, removable chokes are a thing I have to get used to and get over myself.

2. Trigger Performance

Let's start with the way it shoots, and since we have to have a point to start from, the trigger. Suppose anyone reading this has shot anything made by Browning. In that case, you know how excellent and buttery-smooth their triggers are, and this gun is no exception. Browning uses a technology called Fire Lite trigger system that provides less friction and lighter pull weight, compared to older Citori models. So, combining a smooth, light trigger makes this gun amazing for new shooters and deadly to bet beers on the trap line later when going against. One thing I will say before getting too high and mighty on the trap line: make sure to get used to using that trigger. When I first started to trap with mine, the smooth was so smooth that I shot at the wrong time. And now, when I go back to the Remington 1100, my old standby, I shoot way behind the clays; it is nowhere near as smooth.

3. Tang Safety and Handling

The safety is on the tang of the gun, like a Mossberg setup, easy to reach with either hand, and in cases when I, er, some folks forget to take the safety off, it's a quick thumb flick and the birds become dust. My days of trying to find the little cross trigger button behind the trigger guard are over when I use this gun. The safety is large enough that I can operate it with gloves on if I need to, and that is great when living in the high desert, especially in winter or when it's just flat-out cold, windy, and rainy.

4. Weight and Field Use

The Citori 725 is not considered lightweight, although I do consider it pretty light at around 7.5 pounds. To me, this shotgun is actually light. But lightweightness is a relative term, and this gun is a full-size, full-barrel-length model. So if I plan to walk a ways with it, I may consider a shoulder strap to take the weight after a while. But if the shotgun is on a sling, and a dirty rotten pheasant blasts out from a sagebrush, the only thing that will be heard is the cussing from my mouth since the bird just about gave me a heart attack, and that my shotgun was out of action to shoot.

5. Reliability

Browning has always been synonymous with quality and durability. The thousands of rounds reported with no issues or malfunctions are common with the 725. Now let's be practical and fair about this: it's a break-action over-under; there isn't a lot that can go wrong, but the ejectors will launch spent shells over my shoulder every time. I don't take it easy on the guns, which means I don't follow my own cleaning advice, and the 725 doesn't seem to care; it just keeps working.

6. Shooting Feel

For a 12-gauge shotgun, this thing is smooth in profile. Most over-under shotguns are, but the Citori is just "Ferrari sexy" in its design. The receiver is low-profile, making it easy to get on target and follow through. I can't really say what they did to make it this easy to use and sleek to operate. Still, it is different from other over/unders I have used, and is much easier to use than a side-by-side gun.

7. Beginner Friendliness

For a beginner, the Citori 725 will be a great choice, but the price is a bit steep for a beginner's gun. Using the gun and operating it are very beginner-friendly, and everyone will love it, especially the new owner. The simplicity of operating the break-action gun is a winner for many new shooters. Pump guns can be awkward for some beginners, and a semi-automatic is easy to shoot but somewhat complicated to operate. The break action is a simple function of moving the top lever to the side, letting the barrels drop forward, and loading shells.

Final Takeaway

The Browning Citori 725 is not a bargain-priced gun; even used ones will run over a thousand bucks. If someone is selling a Citori for less, it is a gun that needs to be avoided unless ya know the seller. It's either stolen or broken, or too bad to fix. This shotgun is definitely a fit for the "you get what you pay for" motto; great, great-grandkids will be shooting this gun. The materials are excellent, the artistry is top-notch.

Get it from Guns.com: from $2,499.99 + FREE Returns