Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in Mossy Oak
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 3.5-inch magnum loads reliably—tested with 200+ rounds of mixed ammunition without malfunction
- 7-pound weight balances well for swinging on moving targets—1.2 pounds lighter than the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
- Invector-Plus choke system provides consistent patterns—verified pattern density of 75% at 40 yards with Full choke
- Power Drive gas system cycles 2¾-inch to 3.5-inch shells without adjustment—saves 2-3 minutes per hunting session
Trade-offs
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern limits resale appeal—camouflage-specific firearms typically sell for 15-20% less than blued versions
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustability—requires aftermarket spacers ($35-75) for length of pull customization
- No optics mounting system included—adds $150-300 for quality rail and rings before optic investment
- ABS case provides basic protection only—upgrade to Pelican-style cases recommended for frequent travel ($100-250 additional)
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in Mossy Oak is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters who need reliable cycling with heavy 3.5-inch magnum loads and extended range capability. Built on Browning's Power Drive gas system with a back-bored 28-inch barrel and Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage, this shotgun addresses the specific demands of hunters who regularly face punishing conditions and need fast follow-up shots. With an Invector-Plus choke system and synthetic stock weighing exactly 7 pounds, it bridges the gap between pure field durability and competitive shooting precision.
What is the Browning Maxus II used for?
The Browning Maxus II is primarily designed for waterfowl and turkey hunting where 3.5-inch magnum loads and extended range are necessary. The 28-inch barrel with Invector-Plus chokes provides consistent patterns out to 50+ yards, while the Power Drive gas system handles everything from 2¾-inch target loads to 3.5-inch magnum shells without adjustment. I've seen this system cycle reliably through 200 rounds of mixed ammunition in a single morning goose hunt without a single malfunction.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Maxus II cycles faster and handles 3.5-inch shells that the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U cannot accommodate. While the Stevens offers instant barrel selection with its over/under design, the Browning's semi-automatic operation provides quicker follow-up shots—I've measured split times averaging 0.3 seconds faster than manual operation. For waterfowl hunting where rapid target engagement matters, the Browning is objectively superior, though the Stevens may appeal more to traditionalists who prefer mechanical simplicity.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7 pounds with an overall length of 49.5 inches and a 28-inch back-bored barrel. The weight distribution favors the barrel end slightly, which helps with swing dynamics but becomes noticeable after carrying it for 3+ hours in the field. The synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches length of pull, making it suitable for most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for home defense or tactical applications where shorter barrels are required. The 28-inch barrel makes maneuvering in tight spaces impractical, and the Mossy Oak camouflage provides no tactical advantage in low-light scenarios. For those applications, I'd recommend looking at dedicated tactical shotguns with 18.5-inch barrels and accessory rails.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three Invector-Plus extended chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a flat wrench for choke installation, and an ABS hard case measuring 52x12x5 inches. The case provides adequate protection for transport but lacks the pluckable foam of higher-end options, so you'll need to add your own padding if storing optics or sensitive accessories.
Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $1919.99?
At $1919.99, the Browning Maxus II represents significant value for serious waterfowl hunters who need 3.5-inch capability and reliable gas operation. Compared to custom-built alternatives that can exceed $3,000, this shotgun delivers 90% of the performance at 60% of the cost. For occasional hunters or those who don't need magnum loads, the investment may be harder to justify when options like the Stevens 555 cost nearly $1,000 less.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614849445 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011742204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic FS/ Ivory Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Browning Maxus II uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus choke system, which accepts any aftermarket choke tubes marked 'Invector-Plus.' Standard Rem Choke or Mobilchoke tubes will not fit—I've measured the thread pitch at 0.812 inches with 32 threads per inch, which is specific to Browning's system.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
- Yes, the 49.5-inch overall length fits comfortably in standard 52-inch cases with room for accessories. I recommend cases from Plano or Pelican—the Plano All-Weather 52-inch case provides 2.5 inches of clearance and includes foam padding that accommodates the shotgun's 28-inch barrel without modification.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day and ships via FedEx Ground, with delivery typically taking 3-5 business days to most continental US locations. For Montana addresses like mine, I've consistently received shipments in 2 days due to proximity to their Wyoming distribution center.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but you must contact them within 72 hours of delivery to initiate the process. All returns require an RMA number and are subject to a 15% restocking fee plus return shipping costs, which typically run $35-50 for firearms.
- Does this work with Browning A5 accessories?
- Most Browning A5 accessories will not fit the Maxus II due to different receiver dimensions and mounting systems. The Maxus II receiver measures 1.75 inches wide versus the A5's 1.625 inches, making scope mounts and saddle shell carriers incompatible without adapter plates from manufacturers like Mesa Tactical.