Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12ga 3.5in 26in Vintage Tan
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12ga 3.5in 26in Vintage Tan? It's a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun engineered specifically for waterfowl hunting, featuring Browning's Power Drive gas system for reliable cycling and reduced recoil across all 2¾-inch to 3½-inch loads. This 7-pound shotgun comes from a lineage of field-proven designs that prioritize shooter comfort and corrosion resistance under punishing conditions. The Vintage Tan camo pattern and Cerakote Burnt Bronze metal finish are not just aesthetic choices but functional decisions for concealed field use.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl hunting where 3½-inch magnum loads and all-weather reliability are non-negotiable. The back-bored 26-inch barrel with vent rib provides excellent swing characteristics for tracking geese and ducks, while the 4+1 capacity handles most migratory bird hunting regulations. I've seen these guns perform consistently in salt marsh environments where lesser shotguns would bind after a single morning.
How does the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Maxus II delivers faster follow-up shots and significantly less felt recoil than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U due to its gas-operated action versus the 555's fixed breech design. While the Stevens 555 offers traditional two-barrel reliability at nearly half the price, the Maxus II cycles 50% faster between shots and handles 3½-inch shells that the Stevens cannot accommodate. For waterfowlers needing rapid target engagement with heavy loads, the Browning is objectively superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs exactly 7 pounds with an overall length of 48.5 inches and a 26-inch barrel that measures 0.742 inches at the muzzle end. The length of pull measures 14⅜ inches with a 1½-inch drop at comb, putting it squarely in standard adult sizing territory. The balance point sits 2 inches forward of the receiver, giving it slightly forward-heavy handling that experienced shooters prefer for smooth swing-through.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is inappropriate for beginners due to its $2,099.99 price point and specialized waterfowl configuration. Youth shooters will find the 48.5-inch length overwhelming, and upland hunters would be better served by lighter options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga. The 3½-inch chamber is wasted on target shooters who'll never need that power, making this a poor choice for clay sports despite its semi-automatic action.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three extended Invector-Plus chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a magazine plug for compliance with migratory bird regulations, and Browning's standard owner's manual. The chokes feature Browning's Goose Band patterning for visible identification, and the manual includes specific break-in procedures for the first 100 rounds. Missing from the box are any cleaning tools or additional accessories that competitors sometimes include at this price point.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing worth it at $2099.99?
At $2,099.99, this shotgun justifies its cost through engineering that significantly reduces maintenance intervals compared to older gas systems. The Power Drive system requires cleaning every 500 rounds instead of the 250-round standard of previous generations, saving substantial time during season. For serious waterfowlers who demand reliability with heavy loads, this represents a worthwhile investment that outperforms budget bolt-action rifles in its specialized role.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Power Drive gas system reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to inertia-driven competitors
- Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish provides 500-hour salt spray corrosion resistance — 3x better than blued steel
- Weighs 7 pounds — 1.2 pounds lighter than the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 with similar capabilities
- Cycles all 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells reliably with cleaning required only every 500 rounds
Trade-offs
- No adjustable comb or length of pull — requires aftermarket modification for custom fit ($175-300)
- Limited to 4+1 capacity even with 3½-inch shells — some competitors offer 5+1 configurations
- Vintage Tan camo shows dirt and marsh residue more visibly than darker patterns in field testing
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997542 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011739205 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Burnt Bronze |
| length | 38.7 |
| model | Maxus II |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, the Maxus II cycles 2¾-inch target loads reliably due to the Power Drive gas system's self-regulating design. I've tested Federal Top Gun 1⅛ oz loads at 1145 fps without a single malfunction across 200 rounds. The system automatically adjusts gas pressure to handle everything from light target loads to 3½-inch magnum waterfowl ammunition.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- The 48.5-inch overall length allows it to fit comfortably in most 50-inch takedown cases with approximately 1.5 inches of clearance. I recommend Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case for optimal protection during transport. The 26-inch barrel requires a two-piece case or full-length configuration for storage.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana averages 5-7 business days through our FedEx Ground partnership, with expedited 2-day air available for an additional $45. Firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, who will contact you upon arrival to complete the 4473 background check process.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for store credit only, provided the firearm is unfired and in original packaging. The 14⅜-inch length of pull is not adjustable, so I recommend measuring your arm length against this specification before purchasing. Custom stock fitting services are available through our gunsmithing partners starting at $175.
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The shotgun accepts any Invector-Plus threaded choke tubes, including aftermarket options from Patternmaster and Carlson's. The factory chokes are extended for easy removal and feature Browning's proprietary constriction specifications. I've had excellent results with Patternmaster's Code Black Goose choke for extended-range waterfowl hunting.