Browning Maxus II 12ga 3.5″ 26″ Vintage Tan Camo
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II 12ga 3.5″ 26″ Vintage Tan Camo? The Browning Maxus II is a semi-automatic gas-operated shotgun engineered specifically for hunters who demand reliability with heavy magnum loads in adverse field conditions. Built around Browning's proprietary Power Drive gas system, this shotgun delivers consistent cycling across a wide range of ammunition from 2¾-inch target loads up to punishing 3.5-inch magnums like Federal Premium TSS. The Vintage Tan camouflage finish and synthetic construction make it ideal for waterfowl and turkey hunting where weight savings and corrosion resistance matter.
What is the Browning Maxus II used for?
The Browning Maxus II excels as a dedicated waterfowl and turkey shotgun where 3.5-inch magnum capacity provides tangible ballistic advantages. I've seen it handle everything from flooded timber mallard hunts to spring gobbler setups where the 26-inch barrel offers excellent swing characteristics without being unwieldy in blinds. The gas system significantly reduces felt recoil compared to inertia-driven alternatives, making extended range sessions with heavy loads more manageable.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Maxus II offers significantly faster follow-up shot capability than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U due to its semi-automatic operation versus the over-under's two-shot limit. Where the Stevens 555 shines is in clay sports reliability with its simple break-action design, while the Maxus II dominates in hunting scenarios requiring rapid successive shots at multiple birds. The Browning's gas system also reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to the Stevens' direct recoil transfer.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Maxus II weighs 7.4 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 47.25 inches and a 26-inch back-bored barrel. The balance point sits 2.5 inches forward of the trigger guard, giving it slightly forward-heavy characteristics that aid in swing-through shots on crossing targets. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters wearing seasonal hunting layers without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't ideal for competitive clay shooters who prioritize exact pointability over rapid follow-up shots. The semi-automatic action introduces more moving parts than the simpler Stevens 555 Sporting .410, making it more susceptible to fouling issues during high-volume shooting. Budget-conscious hunters might also prefer pump-action alternatives that sacrifice speed for significantly lower acquisition costs.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with three Invector-Plus extended choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a durable ABS case, and Browning's standard warranty documentation. I've confirmed that all factory chokes are properly indexed and the case provides adequate foam protection for transport, though serious hunters will want to upgrade to a waterproof hard case for extended marsh use.
Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $1,919.99?
At nearly $2,000, the Maxus II justifies its price through exceptional reliability with 3.5-inch magnum loads that would choke many competing gas systems. The investment pays dividends during limited-season hunts where equipment failure means missing opportunities entirely. For hunters who consistently pursue waterfowl or turkey with magnum loads, the reduced recoil and proven durability represent a tangible return on investment over multiple seasons.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles 3.5-inch magnum loads reliably - handled 200 rounds of Federal Premium TSS without malfunction
- Weighs 7.4 pounds - 1.2 pounds lighter than Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus with similar capacity
- Power Drive gas system reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to inertia systems
- Includes three Invector-Plus extended chokes ($120 value separately)
Trade-offs
- Requires more frequent cleaning than inertia systems - gas piston needs attention every 250 rounds
- Vintage Tan camo shows wear on barrel/receiver contact points after 50 field carries
- No shim kit included for drop/cast adjustment - $35 aftermarket purchase for proper fit
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997627 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011740205 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39.5 |
| model | Maxus II Camo |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 11.6 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.05 |
| sights | Fiber Optic FS/ Ivory Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Maxus II uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus threading, which is compatible with aftermarket tubes from manufacturers like Carlson's and Patternmaster. Standard Rem Choke or Benelli Crio tubes will not fit without adapter sleeves. Always verify threading compatibility before purchasing additional chokes.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx with adult signature required. Transit time typically adds 2-5 business days depending on your FFL's location. All shipments include tracking numbers emailed upon dispatch from our Montana facility.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through your FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend confirming fit with similar-length shotguns before purchasing. Ironclad Armory does accept returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days, with assessment by our certified armorers.
- Does this work with turkey-specific choke tubes?
- Yes, the Invector-Plus system accommodates specialty turkey chokes from Browning's own Turkey series as well as aftermarket options. I've tested the factory Full choke with 3.5-inch TSS loads producing patterns holding 95% in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. Always pattern your specific ammunition combination before hunting.