Browning Cynergy: The Modern Evolution of the Over-and-Under
While the legendary Browning Citori represents tradition, the Browning Cynergy was built to represent the future. Introduced as a radical departure from classic stack-barrel designs, the Cynergy is defined by its ultra-low profile and innovative mechanical systems. It is engineered for the shooter who wants the reliability of a Browning but prefers a faster-handling, more aggressive, and technologically advanced platform.
The MonoLock Hinge: The Lowest Profile in the Industry
The most striking feature of the Cynergy is its MonoLock Hinge. Traditional over-and-under shotguns rotate on a hinge pin or trunnions located underneath or to the side of the barrels, which adds height to the receiver.
The Cynergy’s MonoLock design integrates the hinge and the locking system into a single unit. This provides 300% more surface area for the action to pivot on compared to traditional designs. More importantly, it creates the lowest-profile receiver of any 12-gauge over-and-under on the market. This low bore axis aligns the barrels more closely with the shooter’s shoulder, significantly reducing muzzle jump and allowing for instinctive, “point-and-shoot” target acquisition.
Reverse Striker Ignition System
Most over-and-under shotguns utilize an inertia-based trigger system, which requires the recoil of the first shot to reset the hammer for the second. The Cynergy utilizes the Reverse Striker Ignition System, a completely mechanical, striker-based trigger.
- No Recoil Required: Because it is mechanical, the second barrel will fire even if the first round is a dud or a light-recoil “trainer” load.
- Faster Locktime: The striker-based design offers a significantly faster locktime than traditional hammers, meaning the shot is initiated more quickly after the trigger is pulled.
- Crisp Break: The trigger feel is more akin to a high-end rifle, featuring minimal overtravel and a clean, predictable break.
Recoil Management and Inflex Technology
Despite its lighter weight and low profile, the Cynergy is remarkably comfortable to shoot due to the Inflex Recoil Pad system. Unlike standard flat pads, the Inflex pad is designed with internal directional ribs that pull the comb down and away from the shooter’s face during recoil. This “long-travel” recoil system can reduce felt recoil by up to 25%, making it ideal for high-volume clay shooting or heavy waterfowl loads.
Total Barrel Dynamics
Like Browning’s other premium offerings, the Cynergy features Total Barrel Dynamics, which includes:
- Vector Pro Lengthened Forcing Cones: A gradual taper from the chamber to the bore that minimizes pellet deformation for more uniform patterns.
- Back-Bored Technology: An increased bore diameter that reduces friction, increasing shot velocity and further reducing felt recoil.
- Invector-Plus Choke System: A stable and proven interchangeable choke system that provides consistent, dense patterns at varying distances.
The “Crossover” Concept: Cynergy CX
A standout in the lineup is the Cynergy CX. Designed as a “crossover” shotgun, it is built to perform equally well on the trap field, at the sporting clays course, and in the hunting blind. It typically features a 60/40 point-of-impact (POI), which is the ideal compromise for rising clay targets and flushing upland birds. With its lightweight profile barrels and ventilated top and side ribs, the CX balances perfectly between the hands for a smooth, controlled swing.