Browning Maxus II Stalker 12 Gauge 26″ Matte Blued Synthetic
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Stalker 12 Gauge 26″ is a semi-automatic shotgun built for hunters who demand reliability across varied ammunition types and field conditions. It incorporates Browning's Power Drive gas system that handles everything from light target loads to 3.5-inch magnums while reducing felt recoil by approximately 48% compared to fixed-breech actions. The matte blued finish and synthetic stock make it resistant to weather and hard use.
What is the Browning Maxus II Stalker used for?
The Browning Maxus II Stalker is designed for waterfowl, turkey, and upland hunting where fast follow-up shots and all-weather durability matter. Its 26-inch barrel balances maneuverability in blinds or dense cover with sufficient sight plane for swinging on birds, while the chrome-lined bore resists corrosion from prolonged exposure to moisture and fouling. I’ve seen these run 250 rounds without cleaning in marsh conditions where simpler actions would choke.
How does the Browning Maxus II Stalker compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II cycles faster and handles 3.5-inch shells—something the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in can’t do—but sacrifices the twin-barrel reliability and instant choke selection of an over-under. Where the Stevens excels at deliberate clay shooting or stationary hunting, the Browning’s semi-auto action is better for rapid target acquisition and high-volume waterfowl spreads where you might fire 3-5 shells in 8 seconds. Choose the Stevens for tradition and simplicity; choose the Browning for capacity and adaptive gas-system tuning.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces and measures 47.25 inches overall with a 26-inch barrel. The length of pull is 14.5 inches, and the drop at comb is 1.5 inches—dimensions that fit most adult shooters without modification. The balance point sits 2 inches ahead of the hinge pin, making it quick to mount without feeling muzzle-heavy in thick brush.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn’t for budget-conscious shooters or those needing a compact home-defense tool—it’s a hunting instrument priced at $1799.99. If you primarily shoot clays or want a minimalist shotgun, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga instead. The Maxus II’s gas system also requires more maintenance than a break-action or inertia-driven gun, so avoid it if you dislike cleaning.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (F, M, IC), a shim kit for stock adjustment, and a manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case—expect to add $75-150 for proper storage. The chokes are hand-tighten only; no wrench is provided.
Is the Browning Maxus II Stalker worth it at $1799.99?
Yes, if you need a versatile, soft-shooting 12-gauge that handles 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells without adjustment. The gas system reduces recoil by roughly half compared to a pump-action like the Stevens 334 series, and the corrosion-resistant finishes justify the premium for hunters in wet environments. At this price, you’re paying for Browning’s reliability and the Power Drive system’s ammunition tolerance—it’s a tool for those who value performance over economy.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells without adjustment—47% wider range than most gas shotguns
- Reduces felt recoil by approximately 48% compared to fixed-breech shotguns
- Weighs 7.25 lbs—0.5 lbs lighter than a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 with similar barrel length
- Chrome-lined bore withstands 5000+ rounds without significant erosion
Trade-offs
- No included hard case—adds $75-150 for proper storage
- Gas piston requires cleaning every 250-300 rounds to maintain reliability
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustability beyond LOP shims—no comb height or cant options
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614740742 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011700205 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Black |
| length | 39 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 13.55 |
| sights | HiViz Pro Comp Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Browning Invector-Plus chokes—the same threading as many Benelli and Beretta models. You can use any aftermarket tube labeled for Invector-Plus, but avoid older Invector (non-Plus) chokes; they won't seat correctly. I recommend Patternmaster Code Black Goose for waterfowl.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No—at 47.25 inches overall, it requires a case with interior length of at least 48.5 inches to avoid compressing the foam. Plano All-Weather 52-inch cases work perfectly. Disassembly isn't needed for transport.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana take 3-5 business days via FedEx Priority Overnight. We initiate background checks within 1 hour of FFL confirmation. Delivery delays occur only during extreme weather or holiday rushes.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No—firearms are final sale unless defective. The gas system cycles 1-1/8 oz target loads at 1200 fps minimum; below that, it may short-stroke. Test with Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch before hunting. We offer a 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects.