Browning 825 Review - Worthy of the Hype?
Oct 24, 2025
From the 425 to the 725, Browning’s Citori line has been popular for decades. Browning released a first look at its latest iteration of the Citori lineup, the 825, in the fall of 2024. The 825 steps it up with fresh styling and a few bold changes — including no porting and a brand-new Fire Lite 2 trigger. There was a fair amount of hype around the 825 lineup, so we got our hands on to see if it was worth all the fanfare.
If you have experience with the Browning 825 Sporting, let us know your thoughts on the TFL COMMUNITY!
Browning 725 vs. Browning 825 — What’s Changed
The Browning 825 Sporting is built on the same proven Citori foundation as the 725, but Browning made several key updates shooters will notice right away:
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Trigger: The 825 introduces the new Fire Lite 2 trigger, offering a lighter, crisper break compared to the original Fire Lite system in the 725.
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Receiver & Controls: The receiver’s been reshaped — slimmer and more streamlined — with a new top lever and safety design that feel a bit more modern and “sporty.”
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Finish: The 825 moves from the 725’s high-gloss look to a matte barrel and matte walnut stock, giving it a more subdued, competition-ready appearance.
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Porting: Browning dropped barrel porting on the 825 Sporting, aiming for less muzzle blast and noise. Some shooters may miss the slight porting recoil benefit, but it’s definitely quieter.
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Weight & Swing: The 825 comes in lighter, which means it’s quicker to shoulder and swing — but it also has a bit more muzzle jump and recoil pop. The 725 feels heavier and smoother in motion.
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Gauge Options: The 725 lineup covers 12, 20, 28, and .410, while the 825 Sporting currently launches in 12 gauge only.
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Model Lineup: Both offer Sporting, Pro Sporting, Trap, and Field versions — but the 825 Pro adds more weight-adjustment options for balance tuning.
Bottom line:
The 825 keeps everything that made the 725 great but adds a crisper trigger, lighter handling, and updated looks. Whether that’s an upgrade or a trade-off depends on your swing style — smooth and steady shooters may still prefer the 725’s extra weight, while fast movers will love the 825’s speed.
Browning Citori 825 Sporting
The Browning 825 Sporting is the newest evolution in the legendary Citori line, following the 725. It’s built to bring a sportier, streamlined look and feel — a matte receiver and barrel, no porting, and Browning’s updated Fire Lite 2 trigger.
- MSRP: $3,869 (base Sporting)
- Available Gauges: 12 GA
- Barrel Length Options: 30" or 32"
- Chamber Size: 2 ¾"
- Weight: 7 lb 13 oz (tested model)
- Length of Pull: 14 ¾"
- Trigger: Fire Lite 2, adjustable
- Shims/Comb: Non-adjustable (adjustable available on higher models)
- Chokes: Invector-DS Extended (set of 5)
- Extras: Inflex recoil pad, silver nitride receiver, matte walnut stock
Ergonomics
The 825 feels lighter than it looks — a little surprising when you shoulder it. When it comes to the Sporting model, it may be a little too light. The matte-finished walnut stock is comfortable and the grip angle hits just right, though my pinky barely hangs on the end. The adjustable trigger shoe is a win, especially if you like a little flexibility. If you’re serious about fit, though, I’d think about spending the extra for the adjustable comb model. Fit equals consistency, and consistency breaks clays.
Recoil and Reliability
With its lighter frame, the 825 kicks a bit more than some other Citoris I’ve shot. It’s not too harsh — just snappier. The Inflex recoil pad does an okay job, but if you shoot long sporting sessions or prefer a heavier swing, you’ll feel the difference. On the plus side, that Fire Lite 2 trigger is excellent — crisp, consistent, and clocked in just over 3 pounds on both pulls. That’s top-tier performance in this price range.
Want even less recoil? We love the FalconStrike recoil reduction systems.
Breakdown / Quality of Build
Browning didn’t reinvent the wheel here — the 825’s internals are familiar if you’ve handled the 725. What’s new is the look: a matte black barrel, silver nitride receiver, and a bit more contouring around the action. Clean, simple, and sporty. The machining and inletting are sharp, and while there’s not much engraving, it has a modern performance vibe.
Shooting Experience
On the range, the 825 Sporting swings quick — maybe a little too quick for me. Its light weight gives it some pop and jump on recoil, which took a few rounds to settle into. It’s forward-heavy with the 30-inch barrels, but not unbalanced. I shot it fine, but I’d love a bit more mass to smooth out transitions. That’s where the Pro Sporting model shines, letting you add weights and fine-tune balance to your style.
Final Thoughts
The Browning 825 Sporting is a great-looking, modern evolution of the Citori line. The Fire Lite 2 trigger is a standout, the fit and feel are solid, and it’s a performer — just expect a lighter, faster-handling gun with a little extra pop. If you want adjustability or a heavier swing, check out the 825 Pro Sporting. Either way, Browning’s kept the Citori tradition alive and well with this one.
What do you think about the 825 Sporting? Share your thoughts in the TFL COMMUNITY!
Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we’ll only hit what we’re focused on — live the #targetfocusedlife
