Shooting the Browning 725 Feather in 20
Though it weighed in a little heavier than expected, the Browning Citori 725 Feather is a well-balanced straight shooter. MSRP for this 20 gauge is $2549.
Though it weighed in a little heavier than expected, the Browning Citori 725 Feather is a well-balanced straight shooter. MSRP for this 20 gauge is $2549.
Brian founded Ultimate Upland in 2010 to be the most comprehensive resource for upland hunting enthusiasts. Since then it has grown into a community where bird hunters congregate and share their love for the sport. Brian shares detailed accounts of Ultimate Upland adventures in pursuit of wild birds in the wildest places.
Koch is joined afield by hunting partners Labs and Llews.
A super-heavy pen and a super-light knife, like peanut butter and chocolate. I could tell you to JUST get the Gerber Zilch because it’s a joy to carry: razor sharp right out of the box, holds that edge and is the best pocket knife you’ll find for the price. But, if you just get the…
Biting bugs can ruin a backcountry trip. Since most of our hunting occurs after the frosts of fall, insects are rarely a nuisance. But when training in the off-season or even hunting in early-season those bugs can be absolutely maddening. I was one of the original testers of the Thermacell Backpacker at high elevation. The…
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with training collars that seem to be adding more and more features. But sometimes the classics are just hard to beat. The SportDOG FieldTrainer® 425 was the first collar I ever purchased for training my very first dog. It still works flawlessly. And though I’ve added new collars with added…
If you own bird dogs, you need to know about Ruffwear. Their dog boots have been a part of our essential gear for years because of the premium design and construction. And now Ruffwear is making the Mt. Bachelor Pad dog bed ($70 – $90) which shares the same awesome construction of their other products and is perfect…
Initially I got the Keen Explore to wear around camp and on restocking trips to town between hunts. But they proved too light and comfortable to limit. These wear like running shoes but perform like hiking boots and that combination is the sweet spot for upland pursuit. Breathable, waterproof, low, mid, men’s, women’s — whatever…
I often see bird hunters profess that they hunt for food. But when I think about my days afield, meat is often the last thing that comes to mind. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Sharptail Fajitas and my Pheasant Chowder but eating game birds has always been one of the bonuses of being…
The higher weight is probably the wood. It is most likely denser than then the model used for average weight. I had the same thing happen with one of their 12 gauges.
Agree. But you wouldn’t think wood density would push it to 5-6 oz. I only believe the significance is because they obviously were trying to get to the sub 6 lb mark like some of the competitive break action 20s.
Great to see you having fun out there with Rio and Wyatt … still working so not much time to be at the range … still buying though. Will catch with you next year or so … love your stuff.
That doesn’t seem like a feather from the looks of the weight. I expect that weight from the regular field 725.
Agree, but I assure you it is a feather and weighed it on a digital scale.
I purchased one this spring and it weighed exactly 5# 15 oz. with two 7/8 ounce 20 gauge shells on the postal scale beside it. The Citori 725 feather thin (er)/ lighter barrels
make a big difference for balance and handling IMHO. I have shot 600 rounds of sporting clays through it this summer with 7/8 ounce shells. With the Browning inflex
recoil pad the result is negligible recoil for report or true pair doubles. I have a Browning Citori Lightning Combo (20ga/28ga) that I have used for grouse, quail and pheasant hunting the last 5 years. While you get used to any gun you shoot and carry often , and the Lightning Combo is no different, Browning has done its homework for handling, balance, trigger pull and carry weight with the 725 20 gauge feather. Looking forward to being in the uplands with this fall. Best……
Go get ’em Tim.
For shooting purists the idea of sub 6# guns can seem silly. It takes a bit of getting used to, but for those of us carrying long days afield, the weight savings over time makes a big difference.
And now there is no going back. A 7# gun feels like a telephone pole.
Agree! I know I am spoiled. For 2 years I have owned a Citori Feather 725 in 12 gauge.
It tips the scale at 6# 11 ounces. Proportionally larger with 28″ barrels, it is very well balanced for carry in the field. I do not feel fatigue with it like I did with other 12 gauge shotguns I have owned over #7 when you are an hour or two into a hunt.
In fact, my experience with this 12 gauge feather made it a no-brainer to purchase the 20 gauge version. This 12 & 20 combo covers any upland game I will ever hunt in North America. IMHO the 725 is best upland over/under shotguns Browning has ever produced with the 725 feather versions a hidden gem always under reported in the trades and internet sites. Which is why I appreciated your video posting above here in 2016.Thank You. Best, Tim