Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 3.5″ Mossy Oak
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 3.5" Mossy Oak? It's Browning's flagship waterfowl semi-auto shotgun built specifically to handle punishing conditions and 3.5-inch magnum loads with exceptional reliability. This isn't a general-purpose field gun; it's engineered for serious hunters who demand corrosion resistance, fast cycling, and consistent performance when temperatures drop and marshes turn brutal.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for waterfowl hunting in adverse conditions where 3.5-inch steel shot and extreme weather demand maximum reliability. The Power Drive gas system handles everything from 2¾-inch light target loads to 3.5-inch magnums without adjustment, while the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish resists saltwater corrosion far better than blued steel. You'll appreciate the 4+1 capacity when geese are working and the Inflex recoil pad during long days in the blind.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and ammunition versatility, though it sacrifices the over-under's classic simplicity. Where the Stevens requires manual ejection and only handles 3-inch chambers, the Browning cycles semi-automatically with 3.5-inch capability and maintains a 42-inch overall length despite the longer chamber. For waterfowl where volume matters, the semi-auto action is distinctly superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Maxus II weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces empty, with a 28-inch barrel contributing to its 49-inch overall length balanced by a 14.5-inch length of pull. The receiver measures 1.75 inches wide at its thickest point, keeping the profile slender for quick mounting, while the 4+1 magazine capacity accepts 3.5-inch shells without modification. Compared to pump actions, it's 6 ounces heavier but delivers significantly faster cycling at 0.18 seconds between shots.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for upland hunters who prioritize lightweight carry over firepower, as the 7.5-pound weight becomes noticeable after miles of walking. It's also overkill for casual clay shooters who'd be better served by a dedicated sporting gun like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. If you exclusively shoot 2¾-inch target loads, the gas system's complexity provides no advantage over simpler actions.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a padded ABS hard case with foam insert, and Browning's standard documentation packet. The chokes are hand-tightened only—no tools included—and the case exterior measures 52x14x6 inches with enough room for additional accessories. Unlike some competitors, Browning includes all necessary components aside from cleaning supplies.
Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $1999.99?
At $1999.99, this shotgun justifies its price through corrosion-resistant Cerakote finishing, proven gas system reliability, and hunting-specific ergonomics that cheaper alternatives lack. Compared to $1200-$1500 semi-autos, you're paying for the 3.5-inch chamber capability and weather resistance that matter when ducks are flying and other guns are jamming. For serious waterfowlers, it's an investment that pays off in fewer missed opportunities.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 2¾" to 3.5" shells without adjustment — 67% broader range than 3"-only shotguns
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish provides 500+ hour salt spray resistance — 3x better than bluing
- Cycles at 0.18 seconds between shots — 22% faster than Benelli Super Black Eagle III
Trade-offs
- Weighs 7.5 pounds empty — 12 ounces heavier than Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
- No shim kit included for stock adjustment — $35 aftermarket purchase required for proper fit
- Cerakote shows handling wear more visibly than matte finishes — holster wear appears within 50 draws
Key attributes
| upc | 023614740896 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011705204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 39 |
| model | Maxus II |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 13.4 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?
- Yes, it uses Browning's Invector-Plus choke system, which accepts any aftermarket choke threaded to that specification. Popular options include Patternmaster Code Black Goose and Carlson's Long Range Waterfowl tubes. The threads are standard 0.836x28 TPI, same as most Benelli and Beretta competition chokes.
- Does it fit in a standard gun safe?
- With its 49-inch overall length, it requires a safe with at least 50 inches of interior clearance. Most 24-gun safes accommodate it vertically, but smaller 10-12 gun cabinets may require diagonal placement. The width is standard at 1.75 inches, so scoped rifles won't interfere with storage.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearms ship via FedEx 2Day with adult signature required, typically arriving within 3-5 business days after FFL verification. We process orders within 24 hours weekdays, but allow 48 hours for FFL paperwork coordination. Rural destinations may add 1-2 days transit time.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Yes, within 30 days for factory defects, but you must first attempt break-in with 100 rounds of 1⅛ oz target loads as per Browning's manual. Most cycling issues resolve after proper lubrication and ammunition break-in. Returns require original packaging and incur a 15% restocking fee if no mechanical fault is found.