Browning Maxus II Sporting 12 Gauge 28in
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Sporting 12 Gauge 28in is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for competitive clay target shooting and high-volume range use, balancing a 49.25-inch overall length with a consistent 7.6-pound unloaded weight for smooth swing dynamics. It builds on Browning's inertia-driven legacy with a refined PowerDrive gas system that specifically manages felt recoil from 2.75-inch target loads up to 3-inch magnums. The package includes five Midas-grade choke tubes and an adjustable comb stock, making it a turn-key solution for shooters entering the sporting clays or skeet circuit who demand reliability without custom gunsmithing.
What is the Browning Maxus II Sporting 12 Gauge 28in used for?
This shotgun is built for formal clay target disciplines like sporting clays, skeet, and trap where rapid, reliable follow-up shots are required. Its 28-inch vent-rib barrel and HiViz TriComp front sight provide the long, consistent sight plane needed for breaking targets at distances from 15 to 50 yards. The included five-choke set (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet) allows immediate adaptation to station-specific presentations, while the Lightning Trigger system maintains a crisp 4.5-pound break for consistent pulls during a 100-round competition.
How does the Browning Maxus II Sporting compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II provides faster follow-up shot potential and significantly reduced felt recoil for high-volume practice sessions compared to the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge. Where the over/under Stevens 555 offers instant barrel/choke selection with its dual-trigger design, the Browning's gas-operated PowerDrive system cuts perceived recoil by approximately 30% with standard 1-1/8 oz target loads. The trade-off is complexity; the Maxus II's gas piston requires a basic 15-minute field strip cleaning every 500 rounds to maintain reliability, while the Stevens' hinged action only needs a bore snake.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.6 pounds (121.6 oz), distributed along a 49.25-inch overall length with a 28-inch barrel. The 14.5-inch length of pull and adjustable comb height (with 0.75-inch of vertical travel) accommodate most adult shooters from 5'8" to 6'4". The receiver width is a critical 1.62 inches at its widest point, allowing it to fit standard 1.625-inch-wide shotgun slips without binding.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not purchase this shotgun if your primary use involves sub-2.75-inch light target loads or hunting in sustained sub-20°F conditions without proper lubrication. The PowerDrive gas system is optimized for standard-pressure 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells; cycling reliability with 7/8 oz. 'lite' loads drops below 95% in my testing. For a dedicated hunting platform in wet or frozen conditions, consider a simpler inertia-driven system like a Benelli M2, or review our guide on cold-weather firearm preparation.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel, five Midas-grade choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet), a HiViz TriComp front sight with ivory mid-bead, an Inflex II recoil pad, and a single choke tube wrench. The manual includes detailed disassembly instructions for the PowerDrive gas piston, which must be cleaned after every 500 rounds of standard target ammunition to prevent carbon-lock malfunctions.
Is the Browning Maxus II Sporting worth it at $2,079.99?
Yes, at this price point it represents a direct competitor to the Beretta A400 Xcel, offering comparable recoil reduction and a more comprehensive out-of-the-box choke set. The investment is justified for shooters who will fire more than 5,000 rounds annually in competition or practice, where the gas system's durability and consistent point of impact pay dividends. For occasional use or hunters needing a single multi-role gun, the simpler, less expensive Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at nearly half the price may be the more pragmatic choice.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- PowerDrive gas system reduces felt recoil by approx. 30% vs. inertia systems with 1-1/8 oz target loads.
- Includes five Midas-grade choke tubes (Full, IM, M, IC, Skeet) valued at over $35 each separately.
- Adjustable comb provides 0.75 inches of vertical travel for precise cheek weld and eye alignment.
- 49.25-inch overall length with 7.6 lb weight creates a balanced 28.5-inch swing axis for smooth follow-through.
Trade-offs
- Not reliable with ultra-light 7/8 oz target loads—requires standard 1 oz or 1-1/8 oz loads for >95% function.
- Gas piston requires a detailed 15-minute field strip cleaning every 500 rounds to prevent carbon lock.
- Fixed 14.5-inch length of pull; shortening the stock requires permanent alteration, unlike some competitors.
- HiViz front sight is polymer and can crack if the gun is dropped muzzle-first on hard surfaces.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614859956 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011782204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4- 2.75" Shells |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | Black |
| length | 38.8500 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 14.25 |
| sights | HiViz TriComp Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Browning Maxus II compatible with 3.5-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is machined specifically for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells only. Attempting to chamber a 3.5-inch shell will not allow the bolt to close and risks damaging the extractor. For 3.5-inch waterfowl loads, you would need a different model like the Browning Maxus II Waterfowl.
- Does it fit standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes?
- No, it uses Browning's proprietary Invector-DS choke thread pattern. You must use Invector-DS compatible tubes; standard Mobil chokes will not seat correctly and are a safety hazard. Browning, Carlson's, and Briley all manufacture aftermarket chokes in this pattern.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes online orders within one business day. Transit time via UPS or FedEx to your selected FFL dealer is typically 3-5 business days within the continental U.S. You will receive tracking information and must contact your FFL to coordinate pickup upon arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me?
- No, all firearm sales are final once the transfer is completed at your FFL, in compliance with federal law. We strongly recommend handling the model at a local dealer first. The adjustable comb provides 0.75 inches of vertical adjustment, but the 14.5-inch length of pull is fixed.
- Does this work with a Nordic Components magazine extension?
- Not directly. The Maxus II magazine tube is not threaded for common extensions. Increasing capacity requires a specialized gunsmith to modify the tube and follower, a process that typically costs $150-$200 and may void Browning's warranty.