With workings based on the legendary Citori, the low-profile shape of the Browning Citori 725 Sporting combines otherworldly durability with modern ergonomics and an awesome trigger — must have features for today’s sporting clays shooting crowd. In addition to the 12-gauge offerings, you’ll also find several sub-gauge guns in 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410 bore. 

Browning sub-gauge guns are built using a scaled-down, small-gauge receiver, rather than a 12-gauge receiver with small-gauge barrels attached. The smaller receiver contributes to the lighter weight and ease of handling these models are lauded for with most 725 sub-gauge shotguns tipping the scale in the mid seven-pound range — significantly lighter than their 12-gauge counterparts. Whether shouldering and swinging all day during competition or carrying your gun for miles, fatigue is a critical factor that shotgunners should consider and one that a lightweight over and under will help prevent.

One of the many things that makes a Citori 725 Sporting special is the manufacturer’s attention to detail, going beyond a shotgun that merely looks nice. The quality of workmanship begins with the tight gaps between wood and metal and extends into the precise fit of the mechanical components that yields precise function and even wear. When you choose a 725, you can expect longevity and a lifelong field and range companion to make you smile whenever you pull the trigger.

Moving to the interior, the 725 features the same full-width steel hinge pin and tapered locking lug design as its predecessors, the Superposed and Citori. The locking lug is engineered to settle deeper into the matching recess in the receiver to keep the action locked up tight. Combined, these components give the 725 a level of durability that is unmatched by trunnion-style guns. 

Another highlight of the 725 is the Fire Lite mechanical trigger. Unlike many triggers out there that use the recoil from the first shot to set the firing mechanism for the second barrel, Fire Lite offers instant second shot capability after the first barrel is fired. It also offers a lighter feel with less take-up and overtravel than the competition.

The barrels are polished blue steel and feature the legendary durability of Browning barrels. The chambers are chromed for improved resistance to wear and easier cleaning. 20- and 28-gauge models are recipients of Browning’s Total Barrel Dynamics, a system of features that improves the performance of shot patterns. All sub-gauge 725 Sporting models have five choke tubes: Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Skeet. These many tube options allow hunters and clay busters to experiment with different loads and patterns.

The rib on the Citori 725 Sporting is a slightly raised, tapered rib topped off with a HI-VIZ Pro Comp Fiber Optic Sight  and ivory mid bead. This contrasts with the flat rib of the Field models that measure a consistent 1/4" wide. POI for both Sporting and Field models is a flat 50/50.

Browning has long been regarded for the quality of wood on their over and unders and the 725 Sporting guns don’t disappoint. III/IV is the norm for standard guns, with top-range models like the Sporting Medallion High Grade coming with beautifully figured Grade IV Turkish walnut. The tried-and-true Inflex Recoil Pad, which makes high-volume shooting comfortable, is featured on the Citori 725. 

The fit and feel of the sub-gauge Citori 725 shotguns is incredible. They are sleek and streamlined, even more so than standard Citori models. The 725s shoulder and balance like a dream, and if you’re a small-framed shooter or just a shotgunner who loves sub-gauge makes, you won’t find any better than the Citori 725 Sporting sub-gauges.

I have used my 725 Sporting 20 Gauge in Argentina on four dove hunts and have put thousands of rounds per day through this gun without a single hiccup. Going through this many rounds daily says a lot about how well a Browning is made.

The 20-gauge has 3-inch chambers and comes with Vector Pro Forcing Cones, back-bored barrels, and the same Invector-DS choke technology as its bigger 12-gauge brother. The 20-gauge is safe for shooting steel. This shotgun handles high-power duck and goose loads with ease; it’s where the 3-inch chamber comes in handy.

The 28-gauge and .410 bore 725 Sporting shotguns come with Standard Invector extended chokes that allow for a quick choke change when needed. This pair is ideally suited for hunting small game birds like quail, dove, etc. With the advantage of some of the non-toxic shot available on the market now, fellow hunters are taking waterfowl and even turkeys at extended ranges with these dandy sub-gauges.

I have taken my Citori 725 Sporting 28-gauge with 32-inch barrels on many quail hunts. In the piney Georgia woods where I grew up, I find it the perfect shotgun to carry. It has enough weight to swing smoothly but not enough to make it cumbersome.

The .410 bore is lovely to shoot when you don't want to be pushed around by a larger gauge. From my skeet shooting days, it was affectionately known as the "idiot sick." If your timing is on, this shotgun can break perfect scores on skeet day in and day out. Shooting and carrying in the field is a pleasure, and recoil is non-existent.

Overall, with a Citori 725 you could not make a better choice in a shotgun with this many standard features. There is no other brand that competes with it, even compared with shotguns costing thousands more dollars. Remember, Browning is The Best There Is!