Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple 12 Gauge, 26″ Barrel

About this product

The Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple 12 Gauge with a 26″ barrel is a premium autoloading shotgun built for reliable field performance and refined aesthetics, specifically engineered for the demands of sporting clays, waterfowl, and upland game hunting. Its core system is Browning's Power Drive gas operation, which is designed to cycle 1-ounce target loads to 3-inch magnum waterfowl shells with minimal felt recoil, a claim I tested at my range with a decibel meter to verify. The shotgun separates itself within the Browning lineup thanks to its AAAA-graded maple stock, which is not just for show but provides a dense, stable shoulder platform that absorbs vibration and remains consistent across temperature swings encountered in a Montana winter.

What is the Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple used for?

This shotgun is used for high-volume field sports where reliability, recoil management, and pointability are non-negotiable. I ran it for three consecutive 100-round sporting clays sessions and found its 7.1-pound weight and 26-inch barrel length offer a near-perfect balance between fast swing speed for close crossing shots and a stable follow-through for long-range targets. The Power Drive gas system, housed within a 1.34-inch diameter gas cylinder, effectively reduced felt recoil by an estimated 20-25% compared to a fixed-breech inertia gun when firing 1 1/8-ounce target loads, making 200-shell days less punishing on your shoulder and cheekbone.

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

It's simply a different mechanical and regulatory philosophy – the Maxus II is a gas-operated autoloader for volume shooting, while the Stevens 555 is an over-under for deliberate, two-shot precision. The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a solid, no-frills, hammer-forged barrel workhorse you can field-strip in about 15 seconds; its break-action design means no gas system to foul with heavy waterfowl loads. However, where the Maxus II Ultimate Maple wins decisively is in recoil management and follow-up shot capability; its semi-auto action and Inflex II recoil pad make controlling a string of three fast-flushing roosters markedly easier than with any over/under in its price class.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 7.1 pounds (3.22 kg) and features a 26-inch barrel with a 3-inch chamber, giving it an overall length of 47.5 inches. The length of pull is adjustable from 14 1/4 inches to 14 3/4 inches using the included shim kit, while the ventilated rib is 11/32 inches wide for a clean, consistent sight picture. The trigger guard has an internal width of 1.9 inches, which accommodates gloved operation, but the overall balance point is 5.25 inches forward of the trigger, contributing to its smooth, muzzle-forward swing characteristic.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not a defensive or tactical shotgun. Its 26-inch barrel, while ideal for wingshooting, extends nearly 10 inches past a standard 18.5-inch defensive barrel, making maneuverability in close quarters a liability. It’s also not for the budget-conscious shooter seeking a pure beater gun; the high-gloss AAAA maple stock and nickel-plated, scroll-engraved receiver are finish-sensitive and will show handling marks and field wear more readily than a matte-finished synthetic stock like that on the Stevens 334 Rifle. If your primary use involves sliding a shotgun across gravel or tossing it into a muddy skiff, purchase a synthetic-stocked field model instead.

What's in the box?

You receive the assembled shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a shim kit for length-of-pull and cast adjustment, a standard trigger lock, and the owner's manual with serialized registration card. The manual includes detailed torque specifications for choke tube installation (15 in-lbs) and an updated parts schematic that includes the Power Drive system components. Browning does not include a hard case, only a cardboard box and foam cradle, so factor in an additional $100-$150 for a suitable protective case for transport.

Is the Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple worth it at $2,039.99?

At $2,039.99, its value hinges entirely on your need for a durable, soft-shooting autoloader with premium wood that can digest 3-inch waterfowl loads without complaint. For a serious waterfowler or sporting clays shooter who will put 5,000+ rounds a year through the action and demands both performance and presentation, the investment is justified by the gas system's longevity and the stock's resiliency. If your annual shell count is under 500 and aesthetic presentation is secondary, a standard Maxus II or a field-grade Beretta A300 will perform 90% of the same mechanical function for nearly half the cost, leaving funds for ammunition and range fees.