A dozen years after the release of the 725 series, https://chuckhawks.com/browning_citori_725.htm . Browning has introduced the 825 as what I would call a light refresh of the shotgun. It is the same action, the same barrel set, the same DS chokes, and so forth.

This example, at 7 lbs. 5.9 oz., is about a quarter pound heavier than the tested 725 Field.

What is actually new isn't a very long laundry list: the two major changes are the improved forearm last and the new Firelight 2 trigger. The most remarkable is the trigger, breaking at 2 lbs. 13 oz. to 3.1 lbs. on my example: they are absolutely superb, the best trigger array Browning has ever put on a shotgun.

The barrel bores (claimed as .742 in.) are consistent on this example, both measuring .740 inch. As for the DS Invector chokes, three are supplied. They measure as follows.

IC = .736 in. (.004 constriction)

MOD = .731 in. (.009 constriction)

FULL = .702 in. (.038 constriction)

While the “Full” is Full, the other two are miserably mismarked. You'll be buying choke tubes quickly, one way or another. Fortunately, they are readily available: https://trulockchokes.com/?target=choke_results&category_id=11&filter%5Battribute%5D%5B7%5D%5B112%5D=112&filter%5Battribute%5D%5B4%5D%5B11%5D=11 .

The only flaw I found on this example was a ridiculously stiff tang safety. Other than that, the 825 is a very well finished O/U with excellent balance and remarkable triggers.

Browning already has eight models available in 12 gauge, with four different barrel lengths, and no barrel porting (a good thing). Seven of those models are clay target guns. The 725 has been a big winner for Browning, the 825 will be as well. I'd expect the line to fill out to the sub-gauges in short order. As it is today, there are numerous standard Citori models available as is the case with the 725 Citori. The Cynergy line has shrunk to just one 20 gauge model and five 12 gauge models, so I look for the Cynergy to eventually go away.

The Citori has long been the most popular O/U on the planet. Made by Miroku of Japan, which also makes machine tools, Miroku O/U shotguns have always had excellent barrel regulation compared to most stack-barrel shotguns. I expect the 825 to find the most favor with clay target shooters, where the new Firelight 2 trigger is likely to be most appreciated.