When heading out this spring to break clays, you want a shotgun that checks factors like fit, performance, reliability, and quality. A new shotgun may be in the mix if your current clay buster doesn’t follow suit. The Browning Citori CXT with Adjustable Comb is a stellar choice for enthusiasts looking to dominate the trapshooting scene. It offers a blend of reliability, performance, and customization that sets it apart as a top-tier trapshooting option. 

Let’s examine how this shotgun performs and look into its features, which will have you turning clays to dust!

I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to have shot several of the firearms in Browning's lineup. Honestly, my first impression of this gun was that it was remarkable. I remember whispering to myself, “This gun rocks,” after shooting it for the first time.

The Citori CXT features an impressive gloss-finished Grade II American walnut Monte Carlo stock, which gives the over/under a stylish look. But this stock isn’t all about looks. It also offers an adjustable comb that allows you to set up the exact fit and feel you need. The CXT is also available in a non-adjustable comb model, and it’s fantastic as well. 

Whether you have the adjustable comb model or not, the CXT has a very inviting and comfortable feel. When I shouldered the CXT, I noticed right away that the firearm was very balanced, which significantly affected my ability to make a smooth swing efficiently and consistently. After shooting several hundred rounds, it’s easy to say this will be a gun that shooters will enjoy for a lifetime.  

There are several reasons the Citori line is coveted, but its top-the-list features are durability and longevity. Without getting into the nitty gritty scientific details, the internal monoblock and bolt construction of the Citori receiver is one of the most robust and reliable systems out there. Add in the full-width hinge pin and hammer ejectors, and you have a firearm that will open, close, and eject shells like a dream whether you’ve shot 500 shots, 5,000 shots, or, in the case of one of my Citori shotguns, over 500,000 shots. 

Building one of the most trusted shotguns in the world takes work. Browning has listened to customers and delivered with the whole line of CX shotguns. Whether you’re shooting trap, sporting clays, or crossing over into hunting applications, you’ll find a suitable shotgun at an affordable price. 

Looking specifically at the CXT, these guns have a point of impact (POI) of 70/30, which is approximately 6 inches high at 40 yards. To understand POI, it is the percent of shot that hits above and below the center dot you're aiming at, always adding up to 100 percent. For trap shooters, a 70/30 POI is a great starting point that allows shooters to aim at the bottom of the clay target and always see the clay target when pulling the trigger. This is handy when you have windy days with unpredictable targets that can rise or dip on you. 

Moving onto the barrel, the CXT showcases Total Barrel Dynamics. Starting at the front with the Browning Vector Pro lengthened forcing cone that allows the shot more time to constrict, which gives you less pellet deformation, more uniform patterns, and less recoil. 

After the shot leaves the forcing cone, it travels down the barrel, which features Browning’s Back Bored Technology. The inside of the barrel (bore) is increased to the ideal, maximum allowed specification, creating less friction and more consistent velocities to help result in fewer deformed pellets. When one target will make or break the difference between going home or not, I enjoy knowing Browning has stepped up and delivered its promise to be the best.

The gun swings incredibly well. Whether in the field hunting or on the line shooting clays, you get a well-balanced shotgun that gives you smooth and consistent swinging to the bird. Walking in the field pheasant hunting with a lightweight firearm is nice, but using that firearm for trap can create chaos as it’s harder to generate a consistent swing to, and through, the bird without speeding up or slowing down. With the CXT, I get a buttery smooth swing for the best of both 

The CXT is offered with a vented raised rib, while the CX and CXS have a lower or flat rib. I’m a big fan of a raised rib for both hunting and trapshooting, as it allows for a better sight picture and field of view when initially locking on the target. 

This firearm comes with an ivory bead sight and mid-bead, which I love as it’s another way to ensure your mount is consistent every time you pull up the gun. The grade II American walnut stock with gloss finish adds to an impressive-looking firearm, and over the years, I’ve been impressed with how well the wood and finish hold up. My Citori firearms have been through about everything: Wind, rain, dirt, and sun (luckily, no fire) with no issues. 

The Browning CXT is one of my go-to firearms when recommending a great shooting shotgun. Its blend of customizable features, reliable performance, and ergonomic design make it a standout choice for shooters of all skill levels looking for a consistent shotgun at a reasonable price point. It’s a superb trapshooting companion for summertime outings and one heck of an excellent late-season pheasant gun when walking fields in South Dakota. 

Whether you’re a dedicated trapshooting enthusiast or someone looking to elevate their game this spring, the Citori CXT is sure to impress with its precision, versatility, and overall shooting experience. I always recommend purchasing an adjustable comb model for better customization to your gun fit needs, but the Monte Carlo stock is also a beautiful choice. 

If you’re in the market for a new shotgun, ready to make the switch, or simply shopping around, I recommend checking out the Citori CX line to find the absolute PERFECT gun for you. I’ve heard stories from several other passionate hunters and shooters who run this gun, and they’ve all been incredibly positive. 

As always, safety is the priority in the field. Enjoy your time outdoors with friends and family!