Estimated studying time: 11 minutes
Have you ever ever had “the gun”? If that sentence resonates with you, then you’ve gotten. Whether or not it was a bolt-action lengthy gun, semi-auto shotgun, AR platform, or six-shooter doesn’t matter. All the things felt excellent everytime you put it in your arms, pressed it tight to your shoulder, or swung on a fast-flying clay. The gun crammed you with confidence, is a cherished possession, and can sometime get handed on as a household heirloom.
I’ve two of those weapons, and through my outside writing tenure, I’ve shouldered and wrapped my arms round a whole lot. That’s how uncommon it’s to discover a gun that feels custom-made for you. And for a few of you, possibly you’ve gotten a number of {custom} builds—a gun crafted to your specs. I don’t have a custom-made rifle, shotgun, or handgun; I’m referring to manufacturing facility fashions that come proper off the shelf out of your supplier. Discovering certainly one of these gems is uncommon.
After spending over a month testing Browning’s all-new Citori 725 Subject, I can confidently say that I now have three factory-made weapons that really feel like they had been made only for me.
A Little Historical past
Browning launched its Citori shotgun in 1973, and the over-under turned an immediate hit. The objective was to offer the taking pictures lots, clay busters, and hunters a extra reasonably priced various to its uber-popular superposed shotguns.
In 2011, Browning strengthened the Citori legacy by launching the Citori 725 in varied fashions and configurations. The hope was to include extra fashionable developments whereas sustaining the normal qualities that made the Citori a legend.
The Citori 725’s low-profile receiver was a game-changer. By bringing the shooter’s eye nearer to the axis of the barrels, it considerably improved dealing with and steadiness. Clay shooters observed a right away enhance in accuracy. Additionally, fowl hunters praised the brand new receiver for enabling a extra fluid swing and enhanced in-the-field dealing with. This enchancment instills a way of confidence within the shooter, figuring out that their accuracy and management have been enhanced.
Why the Citori 725 Hits Totally different
The Citori 725 additionally featured a mechanical set off. In contrast to the earlier Citori, which used an inertia set off system, the 725 makes use of a mechanical set off, which ensures a extra constant set off pull no matter recoil. This was appreciated extra by upland goers who dropped heavier masses into the barrels.
Different options resembling Vector Professional Lengthened Forcing Cones, decreased felt recoil, and improved shot patterns. The Invector-DS (Double Seal) Choke System boosted sample efficiency whereas making the chokes simpler to take away and clear.
Because the Citori 725 grew in recognition, extra makes and fashions had been added. Most lately, with the large progress of the sub-gauge period, Browning added the 28-gauge to its fantastic lineup of Citori 725 Subject fashions.
I’ll by no means half with Browning’s Citori 725 Subject chambered in 28 gauge. It IS the gun that has turn into my third-ever gun that seems like it was made to my actual taking pictures needs and specs.
First Impressions
Pulling a gun from the field showcasing such a craftsmanship intimidates me from the get-go. Not with the meeting—this shotgun guarantees an easy meeting that takes seconds. As an alternative, I’m afraid to deal with and take the shotgun to the sector.
Why?
Within the case of the Citori 725 Subject, options just like the metalwork, which depicts engraved flushing quail on one aspect of the receiver and doves on the opposite, seize the attention. The inventory is a Grade II/III walnut inventory that sports activities a easy satin end. The barrels on top-end Metal Shot Efficiency make.
Designed to Hunt, Constructed to Final
I needed to remind myself that Browning purposely put the phrase “Subject” into the shotgun’s identify. This gun was engineered to crack clays, bust doves, hammer fast-flushing roosters, and deal with puddle geese on days when they’ll suck tight to the deeks.
I appreciated the Tapered Locking Bolt, which I knew would assist battle towards on a regular basis put on and tear and guarantee a good receiver lock-up. Chrome chambers enhance sturdiness and battle off corrosion, and I’d learn sufficient concerning the FireLite Mechanical Set off to know the break ought to be clear with zero slop or creep.
I’ve loads of expertise with Inflex Expertise and knew that this, mixed with the gauge, would scale back shoulder abuse.
Efficiency from the Citori 725
Browning despatched me a 28-gauge Citori 725 Subject with a 28-inch barrel, however a 26-inch barrel possibility is out there. Measuring 45 3/4 inches lengthy, this 7-pound shotgun feels mild as a feather and ultra-maneuverable. The gun will deal with 2-3/4- and 3-inch masses, so you should use this shotgun for every thing from doves to geese to turkey.
The Inflex Recoil Pad II has confirmed its salt, and I do know from shouldering different Brownings that it soaks up recoil like a sponge. Browning consists of Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes, and after putting the IC choke within the backside barrel and the M choke within the prime barrel, I used to be able to go growth.
In The Subject
I’ve realized to not get in a rush when testing a brand new firearm. As badly as I wished to drop a pair of Federal Prime Gun goal masses within the barrels and bust some clays, I first wished to additional familiarize myself with the shotgun’s features and swing it proper to the left, left to proper, up and down, and down and up earlier than sending a lead.
The complete-width Hinge Pin maximizes energy and longevity. After sliding the break-action lever to the proper and pulling downward barely on the vented prime barrel, the motion broke open easily. Lock-up can be easy, and also you’ll hear a click on while you shut the motion.
Barrel Management and Security Perform
Shooters have completely different opinions about which barrel ought to be fired first. Most competitors shooters agree that the underside barrel delivers much less felt recoil as a result of it’s decrease within the gun and extra in keeping with the shoulder. This has been my expertise as nicely. For that reason, I slid the top-tang security, which additionally serves because the barrel selector, to the proper to show the branded U, telling me the underside barrel would hearth first. A slide to the left exhibits an O, which implies the underside barrel will hearth first. A ahead push of the security makes the shotgun sizzling, and a reverse pull makes it protected.
28-gauge ammo can be exhausting to come back by. I solely had Winchester’s Xpert Excessive-Velocity Metal Masses in #6 for the primary two weeks of testing. Nonetheless, I busted the primary two crossing clays I squeezed the set off on. The shotgun felt easy and balanced and was a pleasure to shoot.
For the previous two weeks, I’ve shot the Citori 725 Subject with Federal’s #7-1/2 Prime Gun goal masses, Remington’s Premier STS 28 Gauge #9s, and Federal’s Prairie Storm FS Lead #6s.
Design That Drives Efficiency
As with different Browning shotguns I’ve examined, I found that Browning’s 50/50 POI (Level of Influence) is 100% legit. The POI share is the variety of pellets that fall above and under the entrance sight bead. Whereas that is important regardless of the gauge, I’ve discovered it pivotal for normal success when taking pictures sub-gauges. There are far fewer pellets in a 28-gauge shotshell than a 12-gauge shotshell, however taking pictures confidence snowballs when the shooter is aware of that half the shot will likely be above the fowl and half under.
Whereas I used to be cracking clays with my metal shot #6s, which the Metal Shot Efficiency barrels dealt with fantastically, I used to be turning the orange discs into puffs of smoke with the #7-1/2 (1,330 fps) and #9 (1,200 fps) shot dimension rounds. The objective of the #6 Prairie Storm (1,300 fps) ammo was to check the shotgun’s recoil with a load engineered to smash upland. The Inflex Recoil Pad II dealt with the recoil like a dream.
I applaud the flat-bottomed, lengthy forearm, which permits the shooter to get their hand additional out on the forearm. This design forces the shooter to make use of their physique and never simply their arms when taking pictures, which boosts shot-to-shot consistency.
Easy, Constant Operation
One other successful characteristic is fluid shotshell ejection, whether or not you hearth a single barrel or each. The ejectors produce an audible click on, and clearance is superb. You’ll be able to place your hand over the shotshells and eject them straight into your hand, or you’ll be able to break the gun together with your hand clear, and the ejectors will ship spent shotshells into the air. It’s vital to know, and a very good characteristic of this shotgun, that the mechanical ejectors solely eject fired shotshells. In the event you hearth solely the underside barrel or solely the highest barrel and break the gun open, solely the fired shotshell will eject. The unfired spherical will stay in place and be prepared while you load one other spherical and shut the motion.
The 725 Subject handles amazingly, as a top quality shotgun sporting this price ticket ought to, however the gun is greater than spectacular—it’s a murals that matches and features completely. You must shoot it to totally perceive how balanced and easy this shotgun feels.
Although a sub-gauge, the design of the ultra-low-profile receiver improved recoil management, creating much less muzzle bounce, which permits the shooter to deal with shot execution. The shotgun swings with a {custom} really feel that you simply should expertise to understand absolutely, and I like the texture of the Hearth Lite Mechanical Tirger.
Accessible on GunsAmerica Now
READ MORE HERE:Alaska Examined: Browning’s Citori 825 Subject
Closing Ideas On the Citori 725
Whether or not you’re a sub-gauge nut or a sub-gauge snob, there isn’t a denying the efficiency of Browning’s Citori 725 Subject chambered in 28 gauge. This will likely be my go-to dove gun come September 1. Earlier than that, I’m toting the gun to Alaska for a date with ptarmigan. It has earned my respect, love, and admiration.
To study extra, go to Browning
Browning Citori 725 Subject 28-Gauge Specs:
Gauge: 28
Chamber: 3 inch
Barrel Size: 26 and 28-inch choices
General Size: 43 3/4 w/26-inch barrel
Size of Pull: 14-1/4 inch
Drop at Comb: 1-1/2-inch
Drop at Heel: 2 3/8 inch
Weight: 6 kilos 14 ounces
Rib Width: 1/4 inch
Barrel End: Polished Blued
Inventory End: Gloss Oil
Wooden Grade: Grade II/III
Chokes: Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver End: Silver Nitride
Chamber End: Chrome Plated Chamber
Entrance Sight: Ivory Bead
Barrel Materials: Metal
Inventory Materials: Black Walnut
Set off Guard Engraving: Buck Mark in Gold
*** Purchase and Promote on GunsAmerica! ***
A hardcore western bowhunter, Jace writes for a number of media platforms. He’s the previous editor-in-chief of Bowhunting World journal and archery enterprise. Additionally a gear knowledgeable, Jace tinkers with and assessments all the most recent and biggest the archery business presents.
Past the archery world, Jace is keenly taken with firearms and pens quite a few rifle and shotgun critiques annually and how-to/tip-and-tactic articles.
Expertise:
-Former editor-in-chief of Bowhunting World journal
-Over 250 articles revealed yearly.
-Achieved full-time freelance outside author.
-Licensed bow technician.
-Aggressive archer and rifle (PRS) shooter
