Browning Maxus II Auric 12 Gauge 28″ Barrel

About this product

The Browning Maxus II Auric 12 Gauge with 28-inch barrel is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for hunters who need reliable performance across varied field conditions and shell types. Built to handle 3.5" magnum loads without hesitation, it combines Browning's proven gas system with practical ergonomics that matter when you're miles from the truck. At 49.25 inches overall and weighing 7 pounds 8 ounces, it balances quick handling with stable swing characteristics that waterfowl and turkey hunters will appreciate.

What is the Browning Maxus II Auric used for?

This shotgun excels in waterfowl and turkey hunting where weather resistance and 3.5" shell capability are non-negotiable. The 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for pass shooting and the AURIC camo finish breaks up your silhouette effectively in marsh or timber. I've found it cycles everything from 2¾" target loads to 3.5" magnum turkey rounds without adjustment, making it genuinely versatile for hunters who pursue multiple species.

How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Maxus II offers faster follow-up shots and higher shell capacity than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, trading the over-under's simplicity for autoloading versatility. While the Stevens gives you two immediate choke options, the Maxus II's 4-round capacity and gas-operated action handle rapid sequences better when ducks are cupped and committed. For solo hunters who need that third or fourth shot opportunity, the Browning's semi-auto operation is objectively more effective.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces with an overall length of 49.25 inches and 28-inch barrel. The balance point sits 3 inches forward of the receiver, which gives it a slightly forward-heavy feel that stabilizes swing through follow-through. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most shooters wearing winter layers, though smaller-framed hunters might find our Stevens 555 Sporting Compact with its 13-inch LOP a better fit.

Who is this NOT for?

This isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily shoot clays—the $1,919.99 price puts it well above entry-level options. The 28-inch barrel also makes it less maneuverable in tight blinds than shorter-barreled models, so hunters in dense timber might prefer something more compact. If you're shooting fewer than 200 shells annually, a simpler pump-action or the Stevens 555 series will serve you equally well at half the cost.

What's in the box?

You get the shotgun with three extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), an ABS hard case, and Browning's standard documentation. The chokes are precisely machined and include wrench flats for tool-free tightening—a detail I appreciate when changing patterns between fields. The hard case provides adequate protection for transport but isn't waterproof, so I recommend adding silica gel packs for long-term storage.

Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $1,919.99?

At this price, it's justified for serious waterfowlers who shoot 500+ rounds annually and need unquestioned reliability in harsh conditions. The gas system's self-cleaning design reduces maintenance time by approximately 15 minutes per cleaning session compared to older inertia systems. If you're upgrading from a pump-action or budget autoloader, the reduction in perceived recoil and increased shot speed will feel like a legitimate tactical advantage when birds are working.