Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing Auric – 12 Gauge, 28″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Power Drive gas system cycles 2.75" to 3.5" shells without adjustment—proven reliability with 1,250 rounds of mixed ammo in testing.
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote on receiver/barrel and chrome-plated bore provide superior corrosion resistance vs. standard bluing in wet environments.
- Weighs 7 lbs 3 oz—balances point-of-impact naturally for swing-through shots on moving birds.
- Includes three extended Invector-Plus chokes (F, M, IC)—a $120 value if purchased separately.
Trade-offs
- No dedicated choke wrench included—requires separate purchase ($12-$25) for secure installation/removal.
- Synthetic stock lacks spacers for length-of-pull adjustment—fixed at 14.25" may not suit all shooters.
- SoftFlex cheek pad is not replaceable with a higher-comb model without significant gunsmithing.
- At 49.5" overall length, it is impractical for vehicle or blind storage compared to a 26"-barrel model.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing Auric is a gas-operated, semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun purpose-built for harsh-field hunting, specifically engineered for upland birds and waterfowl under variable conditions. This isn't a range toy or a tactical platform—it's a dedicated tool where reliable cycling with heavy 3.5-inch shells and corrosion resistance are non-negotiable. At $2,099.99, it occupies the upper-mid field of hunting shotguns, competing directly with workhorses like the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus while offering Browning's distinct Power Drive gas system and Auric camo finish.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing Auric used for?
This shotgun is engineered exclusively for field hunting, particularly waterfowl and upland game in wet, muddy, or highly abrasive environments. The fully chrome-plated bore, Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish, and synthetic overmolded stock are all concessions to corrosion and impact resistance over aesthetics. Its 28-inch barrel and extended Invector-Plus chokes optimize pattern density for pass-shooting ducks and geese at ranges out to 45 yards, while the ability to cycle 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells without adjustment handles everything from dove loads to heavy steel waterfowl rounds.
How does the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing Auric compare to the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus?
The Maxus II is better for shooters prioritizing a simpler, more aggressive gas system with fewer small parts, while the Beretta A400 offers a marginally softer perceived recoil impulse due to its more complex Blink/Kick-Off system. Both are 3.5-inch capable, corrosion-resistant hunting autos. The key mechanical difference is the Power Drive system’s single stainless steel piston versus the A400’s multi-component gas assembly, which translates to about a 15% faster field-strip time for cleaning—a significant advantage when you’re covered in marsh mud at dawn. For pure recoil management, the A400 has a slight edge; for ease of maintenance in the field, the Maxus II is superior. You can explore a more traditional over/under platform in our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces (3.27 kg), with an overall length of 49.5 inches, a 28-inch barrel length, and a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches. The 28-inch barrel specifically yields a sighting plane of 725 mm, which aids in consistent swing and follow-through compared to shorter field barrels. The weight distribution is neutral, with no significant muzzle or butt-heaviness, making it point naturally for a shooter of average stature between 5'8" and 6'2".
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the clay shooter seeking a dedicated trap or skeet gun, nor for the home-defense user needing a compact firearm. The 28-inch barrel and specific choke configuration are suboptimal for breaking 16-yard trap targets consistently, and the gun’s length makes it cumbersome for indoor use. It’s also a poor choice for a first-time shotgun buyer on a budget; its price and specialized features are wasted on someone who hasn’t developed the skill to leverage its pattern consistency or the need for its all-weather reliability. For a more versatile, entry-level option, consider our Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for big game.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three extended Invector-Plus goose-band choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a hard plastic Browning case, a chamber flag, a shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and the owner’s manual with compliance paperwork. The chokes are hand-tightenable and feature visible band markings—critical when your fingers are numb. Notably absent is a dedicated choke wrench, as Browning assumes you’ll use the provided key or your fingers, but having a separate, robust wrench in your kit is advised for stubborn chokes after extended firing.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing Auric worth it at $2,099.99?
Yes, if you are a serious waterfowler or upland hunter who logs over 20 days a season in demanding conditions and needs a gun that will cycle reliably without constant pampering. The combination of the corrosion-resistant finishes, the simple-yet-effective gas system, and the included premium chokes justifies the cost over a basic field auto. However, if you hunt fewer than 10 days a year in mostly fair weather, a more affordable auto like the Franchi Affinity 3 or even a reliable pump-action will perform 95% of the same tasks for nearly half the investment. You’re paying for durability and specialized performance, not basic functionality.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614855507 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011751204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 38.9500 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 14.1 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Invector Plus chokes?
- Yes, it uses the Browning Invector-Plus system exclusively. The included extended goose-band tubes are compatible with all Invector-Plus chokes, but standard Invector (non-Plus) or other brand chokes (like Beretta Mobil or Benelli Crio) will not fit. Confirm any aftermarket choke is stamped ‘Invector-Plus’ before purchase.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- No, it will not. With the 28-inch barrel, the overall length is 49.5 inches. A 50-inch interior-length case provides no protective padding at the muzzle or butt. You need a case with at least a 52-inch internal length for safe transport, ideally a hard case like a Plano All-Weather 52-inch model.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, we process and ship within 2 business days via UPS or FedEx Ground. Transit time to most continental US FFL dealers is 3-6 business days. You will receive tracking and your chosen FFL must have their license on file with us before the firearm ships.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my reloads?
- No, we do not accept returns for reliabiliity issues stemming from non-spec ammunition, including most reloads. The firearm is test-fired at the factory with SAAMI-spec 2.75-inch and 3.5-inch loads. For a return under warranty, the malfunction must be demonstrated with at least two different brands of factory-new ammunition, as per Browning’s requirement.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- Only if Carlson's specifically manufactures it for the Invector-Plus thread pattern. Their standard Cremator for Benelli/Beretta will not fit. The correct product number would be something like ‘Carlson's Cremator Invector-Plus Extended’—always verify thread pattern with the choke manufacturer directly before ordering.