Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing Auric 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in
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Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing Auric 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in? It's an over/under field shotgun engineered for waterfowl and upland hunting with mechanical precision and regulatory compliance built into its design. This shotgun features Browning's low-profile Cynergy receiver paired with synthetic Auric camouflage stock and Burnt Bronze Cerakote metal surfaces for optimal field concealment. The adjustable comb and Inflex recoil pad allow shooters to tailor fit and manage recoil across various hunting scenarios.
What is the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing Auric used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl and upland hunting where concealment and adaptability matter most. Its 28-inch barrel and 3.5-inch chamber handle everything from early-season teal to late-season geese, while the Auric camouflage pattern breaks up your silhouette in marsh grass or timber. The included Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) cover shot patterns from tight waterfowl spreads to open-field pheasant shots.
How does the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing Auric compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in recoil management and corrosion resistance, making it better for harsh wetland environments. While both are over/unders, the Browning's Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to the Stevens' standard pad, and its Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish provides superior protection against saltwater corrosion. The Stevens 555 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious upland hunters who don't need 3.5-inch chamber capability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.37 pounds (118 ounces) and measures 45 inches in overall length. The 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for waterfowl shooting, while the weight distribution balances forward for smooth follow-through. The receiver width measures 1.75 inches at its narrowest point, keeping the profile low for quick acquisition.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical or home defense applications due to its 2-round capacity and hunting-specific features. If you need higher capacity or accessory rails for lights and optics, consider a the semi-automatic platform instead. It's also overkill for casual clay shooters who don't need camouflage or 3.5-inch chamber capability.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a Browning hard case, and owner's manual. The choke tubes are serialized to match your barrel, and the case provides adequate protection for transport to and from the field. No additional tools or cleaning kits are included—plan to add those separately.
Is the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing Auric worth it at $2419.99?
At $2419.99, this shotgun justifies its price through superior materials and Browning's proven mechanics. The Cerakote finish alone adds about $200 value over standard bluing, and the adjustable comb system typically costs $150-$200 aftermarket. For serious waterfowl hunters who need reliability in adverse conditions, this represents a solid investment compared to lower-priced alternatives review.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.37 pounds—balances forward for smooth swing dynamics
- Handles 3.5-inch shells—35% more payload than standard 3-inch chambers
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish—3x more corrosion-resistant than blued steel
- Adjustable comb provides 0.75 inches of vertical customization
- Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30%
Trade-offs
- 2-round capacity—limits tactical applications compared to semi-autos
- No accessory rail—cannot mount optics or lights without gunsmith modification
- Synthetic stock lacks traditional aesthetics—some hunters prefer walnut
- Price point at $2419.99—$1000+ more than entry-level over/unders
Key attributes
| upc | 023614855378 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018730204 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 36.7000 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 8.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 10.25 |
| sights | Ivory Front & Mid Bead Sights |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Browning's Invector-Plus threading system, which accepts any Invector-Plus compatible choke tubes from brands like Carlson's or Patternmaster. The barrel is threaded to accept these tubes without modification, and the included tubes are standard constrictions: Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- With its 45-inch overall length, it requires a case designed for shotguns with 28-inch barrels—most standard cases accommodate up to 48 inches. The included Browning hard case measures 47x10x4 inches internally, providing adequate clearance for transport and storage.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days, with shipping via FedEx 2Day to your selected FFL. Total transit time typically ranges from 5-7 business days from order confirmation to FFL arrival, depending on your location relative to our Montana facility.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms are final sale due to federal regulations, but we accept returns for defects within 30 days through Browning's warranty service. If the stock length doesn't fit, we recommend consulting a gunsmith for adjustment—the adjustable comb provides 0.75 inches of vertical travel for customization.