Dominate Upland Birds with These Top-End Shotguns from Browning

In 2024, Browning started a phase-out. The goal: Improve the tried-and-true Citori 725 over/under and give hunters, trap shooters, and sporting-clays goers more. Mission accomplished. 

I airballed the first flush. It wasn’t the shotgun, it was me. This was my first hunt in Alaska, and I freaked out. The next flush was different. The Citori 825 Field 12-gauge came to the shoulder smoothly. The newly designed low-profile receiver made the shotgun easy to point. The ivory bead stood out, and when I swung through the first bird and pulled the trigger, the bird folded into the brush. Instinctively, I swung to the next. The Inflex II Recoil Pad soaked up post-shot recoil like a sponge. My cheek never left the stock, and the second bird hit the tundra with a thud. 

That was an amazing trip. We shot a lot of ptarmigan and tested the 825 Field in rain, sleet, and a boat ride across a section of the Bering Sea. What I loved most is that the 825 retained features I loved in the 725, notably the Invector-DS choke tube system and 50/50 POI. But Browning gave the 825 even more. Each upgrade, from the receiver with updated styling and engraving to the Fire Lite 2 Mechanical Trigger to redesigned controls, was purposeful.

If you’re an upland hunter, you can’t think of fast-flushing quail or hard-flushing roosters without thinking of Browning and now is a great time to invest in an upland shotgun that’s more than just that. It’s time to invest in a piece of gun-making history; a family heirloom that can be passed down from one generation to the next. 

Here are seven great Browning upland shotguns to consider.

You asked, and Browning responded. Many upland hunters, not just youth and smaller-framed hunters, prefer a sub-gauge shotgun. Browning answered with the Citori 825 Field Sub-Gauge.

Available in 20- and 28-gauge and .410 bore, the 825 Field Sub-Gauges are chambered for 3-inch shotshells and feature 26- and 28-inch barrels. Like its older 12-gauge brother, this over/under sports Browning’s low-profile receiver, Inflex II recoil pad, Fire Lite 2 Mechanical Trigger, and redesigned, easier-to-use controls. 

Citori 825 Field Sub-Gauge Features

• Traverse-mounted, full-length hinge pin for strength and longevity
• Tapered locking lug that self-adjusts to reduce wear and ensure tight lockup
• Vector Pro Lengthened Forcing Cones

If you want elegance and performance, the 825 Gran Field is for you. This over/under epitomizes upland hunting sophistication and usability.

This shotgun features an upgraded Grade III Turkish walnut stock with a gloss oil finish, complemented by highly polished blued barrels. The polished receiver proudly showcases gold-plated game bird engravings, adding artistry that reflects the craftsmanship behind Browning firearms.

The Citori 825 Gran Field keeps the low-profile receiver, enhanced Fire Lite 2 Mechanical Trigger, and redesigned controls for improved functionality, ensuring every shot feels instinctive and smooth. Like its predecessors, it emphasizes durability and reliability with a full-width hinge pin and tapered locking lug.

Citori 825 Gran Field Features

• Gloss oil finish Grade III Turkish walnut stock
• Polished blued receiver with gold-plated game scenes
• Three extended Midas Grade choke tubes
• Inflex II recoil pad for comfort and reduced recoil
• Ivory bead sight for precision aiming

Lightweight and effortless to shoulder, the Citori 825 Feather is poised to redefine your upland hunting experience. This shotgun boasts a low-profile receiver crafted from a high-strength alloy that weighs roughly three-quarters of a pound less than its full-steel counterparts. This significant weight reduction makes a noticeable difference as you cover miles in the field, improving comfort and ease with every step. If you like to wander, this shotgun should be your go-to. 

Rooted in Browning’s illustrious legacy of over/under shotguns, the Citori 825 Feather retains the intuitive handling that Browning is known for. Quick to the shoulder and natural to point, it facilitates an effortless swing, making it ideal for fast-moving targets.

This model features the renowned full-width hinge pin and tapered locking lug design, ensuring maximum strength and reliability for a shotgun built to last. The low-profile receiver improves pointability, aligning the bore line closer to your shoulder for better control of felt recoil and reduced muzzle jump.

Citori 825 Feather Features

• Lightweight, high-strength alloy receiver for reduced weight
• High-grade steel breach face and hinge pin for added durability
• Enhanced Fire Lite 2 Mechanical Trigger
• Redesigned ergonomic controls for improved usability
• Inflex II recoil pad for comfortable shooting experience

Harnessing the rich heritage of Browning’s shotgun craft, the A5 Lightning instantly stands out with its classic Lightning Style stock. This grip design, identifiable by its rounded knob, adds visual appeal while enhancing functionality. This relaxed grip angle allows for instinctive handling, making it ideal for quick shots at fast-flushing upland birds like pheasant, quail, and chukar.

Don’t let the humpback receiver profile fool you; it’s a modern twist on a timeless design. The long sighting plane delivers the same advantage the original Auto-5s were celebrated for, while incorporating the cutting-edge, high-performance features of today’s autoloaders. The A5 offers unrivaled reliability thanks to its short-recoil-operated action, backed by an impressive 5-year/100,000-round guarantee.

The A5’s Kinematic Drive System optimally uses kinetic energy to power its operation. This ingenious mechanism captures recoil energy, turning it into the smooth mechanical motion needed to cycle through a variety of loads, even in challenging conditions. 

A5 Lightning Features

• Available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge with 3-inch chambers
• Barrel lengths of 26 and 28 inches for improved swing and reach
• Gloss finish, Turkish walnut with Lightning Style, shim-adjustable stock
• Classic 18 lines-per-inch point pattern checkering for enhanced grip
• Gloss black anodized aluminum receiver for durability
• Three Invector-DS choke tubes for versatile shooting options

For a day spent chasing pheasant or chukar, the Browning A5 Upland stands out among autoloaders. With its oil-finished walnut stock, elegant, nickel-plated receiver, and blued barrel, this shotgun effortlessly combines aesthetics with functionality. 

The A5 is built on Browning’s proven Kinematic Drive System, which uses efficient recoil operation and delivers unmatched reliability backed by a 5-year/100,000-round guarantee. This system ensures dependable performance across a wide range of loads and conditions, with clean operation directing gases away from the action.

A5 Upland Features

• Walnut stock with oil finish and shim-adjustable grip
• 18 lines-per-inch checkering for a secure hold
• Fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead for quick targeting
• Three Invector-DS choke tubes (F, M, IC)
• 50/50 point of impact for precise shooting
• Ideal for hunting and sporting clays

The new slim, lightweight 20-gauge autoloading upland hunting shotgun, the Browning A5 Upland 20 Gauge, is a win. Engineered for those who appreciate the benefits of a sub-gauge, this shotgun features a 3-inch chamber and is available in 26-inch and 28-inch barrel lengths. It is the perfect companion for a day spent chasing pheasants or chukar.

The A5 Upland features a walnut stock with a rich oil finish, complemented by a striking nickel-plated receiver with contrasting brushed sides and a gloss blued barrel that exudes elegance and functionality. This lightweight marvel sits on a smaller frame than its 12-gauge counterparts and weighs under six pounds, making it a joy to carry all day without fatigue.

A5 Upland 20 Gauge Features

• Oil-finished walnut stock with a close radius grip
• Shim-adjustable for length of pull, cast, and drop
• Compact receiver and dimensions tailored for a slender profile
• 18 lines-per-inch checkering for a secure hold
• Fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead for fast aiming
• Three Invector-DS choke tubes (F, M, IC) for adaptability in the field
• 50/50 point of impact for precise shooting
• Ideal for upland hunting and sporting clays

Built for upland hunts and sporting clays, the Maxus II Upland combines refined styling with practical field features. Its oil-finished walnut stock, nickel-plated receiver with contrasting brushed sides, and gloss-blued barrel give it an elegant, functional look.

The Maxus II pairs the Power Drive Gas System, designed to function reliably across a wide range of ammunition while reducing felt recoil, with Browning’s fast-lock-time Lightning Trigger. Comfortable ergonomics, trim dimensions, and excellent balance help make it a smooth-swinging autoloader for the field, marsh, or range.

Maxus II Upland Features

• Turkish walnut stock and forearm with oil finish
• Close-radius grip and shim-adjustable stock
• Nickel-plated receiver with contrasting brushed sides
• Gloss-blued barrel
• Fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead
• Three Invector-Plus choke tubes (F, M, IC)
• Ideal for hunting and sporting clays

Browning’s upland lineup offers a shotgun for nearly every hunter, whether you favor the balance of an over/under or the quick follow-up of a semi-auto. The Citori 825 family brings thoughtful updates, durable construction, and options ranging from sub-gauges to lightweight designs. The A5 pairs familiar styling with recoil-driven reliability, while the Maxus II adds refined details with gas operation for less felt recoil. The right choice comes down to fit, feel, action preference, and the birds you pursue. Shoulder several models before deciding and choose the one that feels natural to mount and swing. A well-fitted Browning can earn its place in family hunting stories for generations.