Bartholow Brothers Clinics > Test Drive NEW! Browning Citori 825

The Browning Citori 825 is an ideal shotgun for both seasoned competitors and newcomers to
trapshooting. The Pro Trap model includes Pro Balance stock weights to fine-tune swing and curb felt recoil.

Matt and Foster Bartholow

The new Fire Lite II mechanical trigger has been enhanced to offer even better performance and lighter pull weights.

Despite its luxurious appearance, the Citori 825 is more than a display piece — it’s a workhorse designed for competition and maybe a little field in between.

The grip and forearm are meticulously checkered for enhanced control and comfort.

01 Apr 2025

Bartholow Brothers Clinics > Test Drive NEW! Browning Citori 825

By
Foster Bartholow

If you’re like us, the warm wind, bright sunshine and green grass after a long winter only means one thing…trapshooting time!

If you’ve been on the fence about upgrading your shotgun selection, in a slump or looking to purchase a firearm for your upcoming shooting star, you will be thrilled to know there’s a brand-new offering from Browning. We’re confident in saying this is a gun you’ll want to test out!

The Browning Citori line has long been a staple in the shotgun world, combining elegance and craftsmanship, all within a price point that’s sure to leave a few more coins in the piggy bank. Their latest addition, the Citori 825, was unveiled and raises the bar yet again for trapshooters, sporting clay enthusiasts and hunters. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Citori 825 stand out from the rest, as well as how it performs on the trap line and in the field.

Available Offerings of the Citori 825

The Browning 825 shotgun is available in several options for any flying challenge. For trap specific, Browning has more options with adjustable combs. If you prefer a fixed Monte Carlo stock, the Citori 825 Trap is what you’re after. If you prefer an adjustable comb, you’ll have options of the 825 Pro Trap and 825 Trap Max, each with their own feel, aesthetics and price points available in either 30" or 32" barrel lengths.

For sporting clays shooters, your options begin with the 825 Sporting (choose with or without an adjustable comb). If you prefer an adjustable comb, another option is the 825 Pro Sporting which offers enhanced aesthetics and adjustability. All sporting guns are available in either 30" or 32" barrel options.

Currently for the 825 Field, there is either a 26" or 28" barrel. I always love that 28" barrel for hunting but both are mighty fine options.

From the moment you uncase the Citori 825, it’s clear this shotgun is built to impress — aesthetic excellence meets practical design. Browning has refined the aesthetics with elegant scroll engraving and a polished, satin-finished walnut stock on their Pro and Trap Max versions. The grip and forearm are meticulously checkered for enhanced control and comfort. Despite its luxurious appearance, the Citori 825 is more than a display piece — it’s a workhorse designed for competition and maybe a little field in between.

Features Built for Enthusiasts

The Citori 825 incorporates several features tailored to shooters:

  1. Advanced Barrel Technology: Browning has implemented an updated back-bored barrel system to reduce recoil and improve shot pattern consistency. Paired with the Invector-DS Extended choke tubes, this system ensures precise hits and clean breaks.

  2. Adjustable Stock: A fully adjustable comb allows for a custom fit, ensuring the shotgun can be tailored to shooters of all sizes and preferences. Pro Fit Adjustable Comb makes it easy to dial-in bead alignment.

  3. Enhanced Recoil Pad: The new Inflex Technology recoil pad significantly reduces felt recoil, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.

  4. Improved Balance and Weight: Weighing in around 7½ to 8 pounds depending on your preferences, the Citori 825 strikes an ideal balance, offering enough heft to stabilize your swing without becoming cumbersome during long shooting sessions. Pro Balance System fine-tunes the balance point for a smooth swing and mount.

  5. Trigger Control: The popular mechanical trigger from the Citori 725 has been enhanced to offer even better performance and lighter pull weights than ever before.

On the Trap Line: Performance Impressions

After putting the Citori 825 through its paces on the trap range, it’s clear this shotgun is more than just a pretty face. The sturdy design feels natural when shouldering, and the balance is spot on, allowing for smooth swings to track targets effortlessly. The adjustable stock settings make finding the perfect fit easy, giving shooters confidence when taking the shot.

The barrel system truly shines, delivering tight, consistent patterns that make every target break feel like a rewarding accomplishment. Even after multiple rounds, the recoil management kept fatigue in check, making it an excellent choice for those marathon sessions at the range.

The most noticeable difference is how much better the personal fit was when holding the 825. It feels like they redesigned the stock to make the palm swell more comfortable in hand from the 725. Another noteworthy mention is the enhanced trigger in the 825. Personally, it felt smooth as butter and is a huge upgrade from the 725.

Is It Right For You?

The Citori 825 is an ideal shotgun for both seasoned competitors and newcomers to trapshooting. Its adjustability, low recoil and excellent craftsmanship make it versatile enough for a wide range of shooters. The investment is well worth it for those seeking a high-performance, reliable shotgun for a cost that’s a fraction of other brands on the market.

Editor’s note: Below are listed MSRPs at the time of publication

Citori 825 Trap $3,949.99

Citori 825 Trap – Adjustable Comb $4,359.99

Citori 825 Pro Trap with Pro Fit Adjustable Comb $4,899.99

Citori 825 Trap Max $7,499.99

Citori 825 Sporting $3,679.99

Citori 825 Sporting with Adjustable Comb $4,079.99

Citori 825 Pro Sporting with Pro Fit Adjustable Comb $4,649.99

Citori 825 Field $3,149.99

Final Thoughts

Browning’s new Citori 825 is a testament to their commitment to innovation and quality. For shooters looking to elevate their game, this shotgun delivers in every category — from style to performance and everywhere in between. Whether you’re hunting or breaking clays for sport and competition, the Citori 825 is a mighty fine and worthy companion. SS

The Bartholow Brothers, Foster and Matt, are two of the winningest competitors in trapshooting history. In 2008, Foster Bartholow was named Co-Champion along with Leo Harrison III for the Clay Target Championship at the Grand American, after a total of 1,100 targets straight (200 in the CTC program and 900 in the tie-breaking shootoff). This was the first time in the history of the Grand they named co-champs in a championship event. Their record for the longest shootoff in the history of the ATA still stands. Matt Bartholow, the Grand Doubles Champion in 2011, 2021 2022 and 2023, was the 2600 HOA winner (2553) at the Grand American in 2019. Matt’s three consecutive Grand Doubles Championships set an ATA record. In 2017-18, he held second longest run in registered doubles with 910 broken doubles targets, and holds record for second longest run in singles with 1,840 consecutive registered targets broken. For more career highlights as well as clinics and coaching offered by the Bartholow Brothers, visit trapshootingbros.com.

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