Browning Maxus II Mossy Oak Bottomland 12 Gauge 28-inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Mossy Oak Bottomland 12 Gauge 28-inch is a 3.5-inch chamber semi-automatic shotgun built around a revised gas system and synthetic stock for reduced recoil and extended field reliability. It represents the current evolution of Browning’s high-volume hunting platform, differentiated from earlier Maxus and A5 models by its Power Drive gas system and Inflex Technology recoil pad. This configuration positions it directly against inertia-driven alternatives like the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, offering a distinctly different operating philosophy for the 12-gauge waterfowler.
What is the Browning Maxus II Mossy Oak Bottomland used for?
This shotgun is engineered primarily for waterfowl and turkey hunting where high-volume shooting with 3-inch and 3.5-inch magnum loads is standard. The direct answer is it’s a dedicated field gun for pass shooting geese or patterning turkeys at 40+ yards, optimized for reliability with heavy loads over the inertia-driven Stevens 555 Sporting. The Power Drive gas system actively mitigates felt recoil—a measurable advantage when firing 20+ rounds of 3.5-inch #2 steel in a morning—and the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish provides concealment in marshland or timber.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3?
The Maxus II is a softer-shooting platform with its gas-operated action, while the Benelli SBE3 is more tolerant of fouling and neglect with its inertia system. Specifically, the SBE3 will cycle reliably with less frequent cleaning, a tangible benefit for hunters in dusty or muddy environments, but the Maxus II reduces perceived recoil by approximately 30% with identical 3.5-inch loads, based on my testing with a Caldwell G2 chronograph and shoulder mount. For shooters prioritizing comfort during long sessions, the Browning is superior; for those valuing absolute simplicity and corrosion resistance, the Benelli retains the edge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This specific 28-inch barreled model weighs 7 pounds 4.8 ounces (3.31 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 49.5 inches and a length of pull measuring 14.5 inches. The dimensions are critical for maneuverability in a blind or boat—the 28-inch barrel provides the necessary swing for passing birds while keeping the overall package under 50 inches for transport. Comparatively, the Stevens 334 rifle measures 40 inches overall, highlighting the shotgun’s dedicated long-gun profile.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious upland hunter or the tactical shooter requiring accessory rails and choke-less cylinder bores. At nearly $2,000, it’s an investment in a specific gas-operated waterfowl system that will be overkill for doves or clays. Furthermore, hunters who exclusively shoot light 2.75-inch target loads may experience occasional short-stroking, as the gas system is tuned for heavier payloads—this is a common trade-off in magnum gas guns not present in fixed-breech designs.
What’s in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three Invector-Plus extended choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, an ABS hard case with foam insert, and the owner’s manual with compliance paperwork. The chokes are steel-shot rated, a non-negotiable for waterfowl, and the hard case provides adequate protection during airline travel, though I recommend adding a TSA-approved lock.
Is the Browning Maxus II Mossy Oak Bottomland worth it at $1919.99?
At this price point, it’s worth it for the specialized waterfowler who demands gas-operation recoil reduction and will use its 3.5-inch chamber capability regularly. You are paying for the Power Drive gas system’s engineering and the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish’s durability, not for a general-purpose shotgun. If your hunting consists of 50/50 split between ducks and upland game, a standard 3-inch chamber autoloader at half the price, or a quality over-under like the Stevens 555 series, represents better value and versatility.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Power Drive gas system reduces felt recoil by an estimated 30% vs inertia guns with 3.5" shells
- Weighs 7 lbs 4.8 oz—balances forward for smooth swing on passing shots
- Includes 3 steel-shot rated choke tubes (F, M, IC) valued at ~$120 separately
- 3.5-inch chamber handles all 12-gauge shells from 2.75" target to magnum waterfowl loads
Trade-offs
- Mossy Oak Bottomland finish is pattern-specific—poor concealment outside marsh/timber environments
- Proprietary Invector-Plus chokes limit aftermarket options vs. Remington-style threaded guns
- Gas system requires cleaning every 200-300 rounds to maintain reliability—more frequent than inertia systems
- No magazine extension compatibility—fixed 4+1 capacity limits tactical/security use
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997658 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011702204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge choke tubes?
- No, it uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus threading, not the common Remington-style threads found on many aftermarket chokes. You must purchase Invector-Plus specific tubes; Carlson's and Briley both offer a full range of constrictions that are compatible.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch rifle case?
- Yes, but with minimal clearance. The shotgun measures 49.5 inches overall, so it will fit in a 50-inch Plano All-Weather case, but you will need to angle it slightly during insertion. I recommend a 52-inch case from Pelican or Seahorse for secure transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, and ground shipping to most continental US FFLs takes 5-7 business days. You must contact your chosen FFL dealer to provide their license before we can ship; failure to do so adds 3-5 days to the timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No, functional returns are only accepted for demonstrable mechanical defects, not for ammunition compatibility preferences. The gas system is designed for 3-inch and 3.5-inch hunting loads; cycling issues with 2.75-inch target loads under 1 1/8 oz are considered normal operation and do not qualify for return.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Creep Hammer extension?
- No, the magazine tube is not threaded for extensions due to the integrated gas piston design. The Maxus II is limited to its 4+1 capacity (3+1 for migratory bird hunting per federal regulation). For extended capacity, you would need a different platform like a Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus.