Frequent the uplands enough, and you're bound to run into a man, his dog and a Citori. There's a reason for that: They're ultra-accurate and incredibly dependable guns. They're also a bit weighty...until now. The 725 Feather over/under is just 6 pounds, 7 ounces and carries 28-inch barrels, but it's still a Citori through and through.
The stepson of the renowned Browning Superposed, this line has the same locking mechanism. Barrels pivot on a receiver-wide hinge (not trunnions). A huge receiver-wide tapered bolt moves forward upon closing the gun to engage lugs milled into the base of the barrels, in this case the monobloc, thus ensuring tight lock-up for many, many rounds.
Because of this lock-type, some occasionally criticized the Citori for having a receiver with too much depth. But with the 725, Browning has reduced the depth of the receiver for a more streamlined look.
The steel forend weighs 11.2 ounces, and its shape is also a bit different from what you have seen on Browning over/unders in the past. The machine-checkering on the grip and forend is both ample and well done.
The FireLite mechanical triggers are another upgrade to the 725. This system is not operated by recoil, so follow up shots can be taken faster (international skeet shooters will appreciate this feature).
The look and feel of the 725 is elegant. The stock shape and finish — rubbed oil — should please even the most critical. The Inflex recoil pad is Browning's own design, and built so recoil cannot come up into the face; plus the Inflex is soft and well rounded so the pad will not catch on clothing during the gun mount.
The receiver is bright (silver nitride coating, offering solid corrosion resistance) with rolled engraving — rising ducks on the right and a pair of flushing pheasants on the left. In gold at the bottom of the receiver are "725" and a feather design. The trigger is gold-plated. The barrel selector is part of the top tang safety — the same as on all Citori models.
Ideally, I recommend taking this gun with 1- to 11/8-ounce loads to the grouse woods, woodcock bottoms, quail brambles or sharptail and Hungarian partridge prairies, maybe even some early-season wild pheasant and especially preserve gunning of any kind.
I think you will find pure joy owning and carrying the 725 Feather. Its light weight is just about perfect for all-day hunts.
Specifications
Model: Browning Citori 725 Feather
Action: Over/under FireLite mechanical trigger
Gauge: 12 and 20
Barrel length: 28 inches; ventilated top rib
Chamber: 3-inch
Chokes: Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Overall length: 453/4 inches
Weight: 6 pounds, 9 ounces
Stock: Grade II/III walnut with floss oil finish and close radius pistol grip
Length of Pull: 141/4 inches
Drop at combo: 1 5/8 inches
Drop at heel: 21/4 inches
Receiver finish: Silver Nitride
MSRP: $2,550