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.
I think the level of exertion at sporting clays courses should extend beyond the trigger finger. The name “sporting clays” implies a certain level of physical activity. But, a number of courses have paths for vehicles and even golf carts for transporting shooters and their gear from one station to the next. Distances between each…
There may be blades more appropriate for breaking down birds, but being able to design your own knife in real-time online makes this Benchmade a must-have. You can choose from 12 different handle colors, three blades, different pocket clips and component colors….. the possibilities seem endless. After you have the knife formatted to your liking…
Staying warm is great, but I can’t stand feeling like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man while hunting. I was able to wear Filson’s Ultralight Hooded Jacket in single digit temps with just one layer beneath and retain that sweet spot between sweating and hypothermia. Yet, this jacket is sheer enough that the bird vest slides easily…
A well-constructed wool shooting sweater that keeps you warm in the field can pull double duty as an outer layer. The Beretta Windshield Sweater ($125) with its soft wool exterior and windproof liner, is an attractive mid-layer that acts as a wind block.
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…
Get caught in an unexpected storm in the backcountry where there is no cell service and you learn quickly just how valuable weather forecasts can be. That’s why I got the Midland MXT115 – the 50-mile range and the NOAA weather scan and alert can be a true lifesaver with the latest forecast at the…
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