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Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate 30” Review — Limited Edition Clay & Hunting Shotgun Worth Owning.
1. Introduction Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
2. Design & Build Quality
3. Technical Specifications
4. Performance in Clay Shooting & Hunting
5. Choke System & Accessories
6. Available Modifications
7. Price & Value
8. Pros & Cons
9. User Feedback
10. Final Verdict
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1. 🎯 Introduction
The Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate 30” is a limited-edition over-and-under shotgun designed for competitive clay shooters and precision-minded hunters. Manufactured by Browning Europe and built on the proven 525 action, this model combines modern laminate aesthetics, adjustability, and competition-grade performance. With only a limited number available, it’s a collector’s piece that’s also a serious tool for the field and range.
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2. 🪵 Design & Build Quality
• Stock: Black laminated wood with a satin varnish finish, offering enhanced moisture resistance and stability.
• Adjustable Comb: Browning’s Pro Fit system allows precise adjustment of drop and cast.
• Action: Brushed silver finish with minimalist branding; forged steel frame with nitrided coating for durability.
• Grip: Full pistol grip with laser-cut checkering and Browning Buckmark logo.
• Fore-end: Trap-style beavertail, designed for control and balance.
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3. ⚙️ Technical Specifications Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
• Gauge: 12 bore
• Chamber: 76 mm (3”)
• Barrel Length: 30” (762 mm) — also available in 32”
• Barrel Type: Back-bored, blued matte finish
• Rib: 13–10 mm ventilated top rib
• Choke System: Invector Plus Midas Extended (8 included)
• Trigger: Olympic adjustable, single-selective
• Safety: Non-automatic
• Weight: Approx. 3.65 kg
• Recoil Pad: Inflex II (20 mm standard, optional 12/25/32 mm)
• Stock Length: 14¾”
• Drop at Comb/Heel: 36 mm / 56 mm
• Packaging: ABS Browning case with spare chokes, trigger blades, comb tool, and accessories
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4. 🏹 Performance in Clay Shooting & Hunting
While primarily designed for sporting clays, the Ultra XS Black Laminate also performs well in upland bird hunting and trap disciplines. The back-bored barrels and extended chokes deliver tight, consistent patterns with reduced recoil. The adjustable comb and trigger allow shooters to fine-tune fit and response, making it ideal for long shooting sessions or competitive events.
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5. 🔧 Choke System & Accessories
• Included Chokes: 8 Midas Extended chokes — X-Full, Full, Light Full, IM, 2x MOD, IC, Cylinder
• Choke Key: Included
• Additional Accessories: Spare trigger blades, comb adjustment tool, rod for auto safety, spare sight beads
• Case: ABS travel case with foam inserts and compartments
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6. 🛠️ Available Modifications Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
• Trigger Blades: 3 styles included (swept, straight, wide)
• Recoil Pads: Optional Inflex II pads in 12, 25, and 32 mm
• Stock Weights: Pre-drilled for counterweights
• Barrel Weights: Optional for balance tuning
• Left-Hand Version: Available
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7. 💰 Price & Value Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
• Retail Price: Approx. £2,599–£2,695 (≈ $3,300 USD)
• Warranty: 3-year Browning warranty + 10-year action warranty
• Value: Exceptional for a limited-edition competition-grade shotgun with full accessories and adjustability
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8. ✅ Pros & ❌ Cons Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
Pros:
• Excellent build quality and finish
• Adjustable comb and trigger for custom fit
• Comes with full set of premium chokes
• Moisture-resistant laminate stock
• Ideal for both clay shooting and light hunting
Cons:
• Slightly heavy for some shooters
• Beavertail fore-end may not suit all hand sizes
• Laminate aesthetics may divide opinion
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9. 💬 User Feedback Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate
Shooters praise the Ultra XS Black Laminate for its balance, recoil control, and customization options. One user noted the gun’s performance in clay competitions was “exceptional,” and appreciated the straight stock for left-eye dominance. Gunsmiths recommend regular servicing and checking firing pins, which may wear over time. Overall, it’s considered a high-value, high-performance shotgun for serious shooters.
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10. 🏁 Final Verdict
The Browning Ultra XS Black Laminate 30” is a top-tier shotgun for those who demand precision, durability, and style. Whether you’re smashing clays or stalking game birds, this limited-edition model delivers performance that matches its premium look. With full adjustability, a complete accessory kit, and Browning’s legendary reliability, it’s a standout choice for hunters and competitive shooters alike.
Browning Citori Composite: A Modern Classic Over Under Shotgun Review
The Browning Citori is a name synonymous with quality, reliability, and performance in the world of over-under shotguns. The Citori Composite takes the classic design and brings it into the 21st century with modern materials and features, offering a blend of tradition and innovation. This article delves deep into the Citori Composite, examining its various aspects, intended for both seasoned hunters and clay target enthusiasts.
Overview and Design Philosophy
The Browning Citori has earned a well-deserved reputation for reliability, durability, and performance. The Citori Composite aims to enhance these features through innovative design, creating an all-weather shotgun that offers both functionality and aesthetics. The Composite’s appeal lies in its ability to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining the classic Citori feel.
Available Modifications and Configurations
The Citori Composite is offered in several configurations to suit a variety of shooting disciplines. Here are a few key variants:
Barrel Lengths: Commonly available in 28", 30", and 32" barrel lengths. Shorter barrels (26") may be available on some models or by special order.
Gauge Options: Primarily available in 12 gauge, which is the most versatile option for hunting and clay target shooting. Some models may be available in 20 gauge, offering lighter recoil and handling.
Stock Options: The composite stock is the signature feature, but variations in grip style (e.g., pistol grip, palm swell) might be available depending on the specific model year.
Adjustable Comb: Certain Citori Composite models may feature an adjustable comb, allowing shooters to fine-tune the stock for optimal eye-to-rib alignment.
Key Features and Systems Browning Citori
Receiver: The Citori's receiver is machined from a solid block of steel, ensuring strength and longevity. The blued finish (or sometimes a nickel finish on certain models) provides corrosion resistance and a traditional aesthetic.
Composite Stock and Forearm: The black composite stock and forearm provide superior weather resistance compared to traditional wood stocks. The composite material is durable, impervious to moisture, and helps reduce felt recoil.
Invector-Plus Choke System: Browning's Invector-Plus choke system is a common feature, allowing shooters to easily change chokes for different shooting scenarios. These chokes are longer than standard chokes, providing a more gradual constriction for improved patterns.
Mechanical Triggers: Citori shotguns are known for their crisp, mechanical triggers that offer consistent pull weight. This is particularly beneficial for clay target shooting.
Ejectors: The Citori features strong, reliable ejectors that automatically eject spent shells, allowing for quick reloading.
Vent Rib: A vent rib along the top of the barrel helps dissipate heat and provides a clear sight picture.
Calibers and Specifications Browning Citori
Calibers: Primarily 12 gauge (20 gauge models may exist, but are less common).
Chamber: Typically 2 ¾" and 3" chambers, allowing for a wide range of ammunition options.
Weight: Approximately 7.5 to 8 pounds, depending on the barrel length and specific configuration.
Overall Length: Varies based on barrel length, typically ranging from 45" to 50".
Length of Pull: Usually around 14 ¼" to 14 ½", but adjustable comb models can offer some flexibility.
Drop at Comb: Typically around 1 ½"
Drop at Heel: Typically around 2 ¼"
Effective Range and Target Applications
The Citori Composite's effective range depends heavily on the choke used and the gauge.
Hunting: For upland birds like quail and pheasant, improved cylinder or modified chokes are suitable, providing effective patterns out to 30-40 yards. For waterfowl, tighter chokes like modified or full are needed to reach birds at 40-50 yards.
Clay Target Shooting: For skeet, cylinder or skeet chokes are preferred. For trap and sporting clays, modified, improved modified, or full chokes are commonly used to break targets at longer distances.
Ideal Game and Target Types Browning Citori
The versatility of the Citori Composite makes it suitable for a wide array of game and target types:
Upland Birds: Quail, pheasant, grouse, woodcock
Waterfowl: Ducks, geese
Small Game: Rabbits, squirrels
Clay Target Sports: Skeet, trap, sporting clays
User Reviews and Feedback
Positive:
Durability: The composite stock is highly praised for its resistance to weather and wear.
Reliability: Citori shotguns, in general, have a reputation for being reliable and long-lasting.
Recoil Reduction: The composite stock helps absorb some recoil, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
Aesthetics: While opinions on aesthetics are subjective, many appreciate the modern look of the composite stock combined with the classic Citori receiver.
Performance: Users consistently report excellent patterns and consistent trigger pulls.
Negative:
Weight: Some users find the Citori Composite to be slightly heavier than other over-under shotguns.
Aesthetics: Some traditionalists prefer the look and feel of a classic wood stock.
Price: Citori shotguns can be relatively expensive compared to some other brands.
Why Choose the Browning Citori Composite?
The Browning Citori Composite is an excellent choice for shooters who value durability, reliability, and versatility. Its composite stock ensures that the shotgun can withstand harsh conditions without sacrificing performance. The Citori Composite is suitable for any shooter looking for a high-quality over-under shotgun that will last for years.
Final Thoughts
The Browning Citori Composite represents a modern take on a classic design. Its weather-resistant composite stock, combined with the Citori's proven reliability and performance, make it a top contender for hunters and clay target shooters alike. #Browning #Citori #Composite
