Browning Maxus II Upland 12ga 28in Walnut Semi-Auto

About this product

What is the Browning Maxus II Upland 12ga 28in Walnut Semi-Auto? It's a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered specifically for the sustained firing sessions and mobility demands of upland bird hunting and sporting clays. You're looking at a 7-pound platform with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel chambered in 12 gauge, built around Browning's Power Drive gas system to ensure reliable cycling with a wide range of shell loads. This isn't a generalist firearm; it’s a purpose-built tool for shooters who measure their seasons in miles walked and who understand that mechanical reliability in the field is non-negotiable.

What is the Browning Maxus II Upland used for?

This shotgun is built for upland hunting—specifically pursuing pheasant, grouse, and quail over pointing dogs—and for sporting clays courses that simulate those hunting scenarios. Its 28-inch barrel provides the smooth, consistent swing plane required for fast-moving, crossing bird targets, while the lightweight polymer receiver and durable walnut stock keep the overall unloaded weight at approximately 7 pounds for all-day carry. The Power Drive gas system and Inflex II recoil pad are configured to make firing 2 ¾-inch and 3-inch field loads at a sporting clays station—where you might shoot a box in 15 minutes—palpably more comfortable than many inertia-driven systems.

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

The Browning Maxus II is a mechanically simpler and faster-firing semi-automatic, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is a traditional over-under that offers immediate visual confirmation of an empty chamber. For the rapid, high-volume shooting of a sporting clays course, the Maxus II's semi-auto action allows for four follow-up shots from its magazine without breaking the gun, a clear advantage where seconds count. However, the Stevens 555 O/U is the superior choice for the shotgunning purist who values the absolute reliability of a break-action and the ability to quickly switch between two different chokes for specific target presentations.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, this shotgun weighs 7.0 pounds exactly, which is 1.3 pounds lighter than many comparable 12-gauge autoloaders built on steel receivers. Its overall length is 49.25 inches from buttpad to muzzle, and the barrel itself is the industry-standard 28 inches for field shotguns, with a vent rib width of 9 millimeters to reduce glare and improve sight alignment. The length of pull is adjustable from 14 inches to 14 ⅜ inches via an included shim kit, a small but critical range of motion that allows you to fine-tune fit for different layers of hunting clothing.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the shotgun for a shooter whose primary discipline is trap shooting, where a longer 30-inch or 32-inch barrel is preferred for its slower, more deliberate swing. You should also avoid the Maxus II Upland if you exclusively shoot extremely light target loads under 1 ounce, as the gas system is optimized for standard field and sporting loads between 1 ⅛ and 1 ¼ ounces and may short-stroke with lighter ammunition. Finally, if your use case is primarily home defense or tactical training, the 28-inch barrel and lack of accessory rail make the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 a far more practical and mechanically appropriate choice for that scenario.

What's in the box?

You receive the barreled action with the stock attached, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), the five-piece shim kit for adjusting length of pull and cast, a hard-sided plastic carrying case, and the owner's manual with warranty card. One notable omission is a bore snake or cleaning rod, which you'll need to purchase separately—plan for about 15 minutes with a proper 12-gauge kit to clean the gas piston and magazine tube after every 250-300 rounds to maintain reliable function. The choke tubes are hand-tightened and require no tools, a design choice that saves weight but demands you check their tightness every 50 rounds during a long session.

Is the Browning Maxus II Upland worth it at $1699.99?

At $1,699.99, the Maxus II Upland is worth the investment for the serious upland hunter or sporting clays shooter who prioritizes fast follow-up shots and reduced felt recoil over a multi-day hunt or tournament. You are paying a premium for Browning's gas system engineering—which cycles 2 ¾-inch target loads and 3-inch magnum pheasant loads within the same range session—and for the Grade I Turkish walnut stock, which is a step above the standard hardwood or laminate stocks found on shotguns under $1,200. However, if your budget is tighter or you favor the simplicity of a break-action, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers excellent reliability for nearly $700 less, albeit without the recoil mitigation of a gas-operated system.