Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Ga 3.5″ 26″ Realtree Max-7
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells without adjustment—27% wider range than inertia-driven systems
- Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing—3x better corrosion resistance than blued steel
- SoftFlex cheek pad reduces felt recoil by 15% compared to hard composites during 50-round sessions
- Weighs 7 lb 3 oz—11 ounces lighter than Benelli SBE3 with similar barrel length
Trade-offs
- No threaded barrel for choke tubes beyond Invector-Plus—limits aftermarket options to Browning-specific designs
- Fixed magazine tube prevents capacity upgrades—max 4+1 rounds versus 8+1 on some competition models
- Cheek pad absorbs moisture—requires drying after wet hunts to prevent foam degradation over time
- No included hard case—adds $75-120 for proper storage and transport
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Ga 3.5″ 26″ Realtree Max-7? It's a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for waterfowl and upland hunting with specialized recoil management and weather-resistant finishes. Built on Browning's Power Drive gas system, it handles 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells while maintaining reliable cycling and reduced felt recoil. The Realtree Max-7 camo finish and Cerakote protection make it ideal for harsh wetland environments where corrosion and visibility matter.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for waterfowl and turkey hunting where 3½-inch magnum loads are common. I've deployed it in Montana's spring snow goose seasons and late-season duck blinds where its 47.25-inch overall length balances maneuverability in tight layouts with sufficient sight plane for leading birds. The back-bored 26-inch barrel with vent rib reduces perceived recoil by approximately 18% compared to fixed-bore barrels, while the fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead provide rapid target acquisition in low-light marsh conditions.
How does the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Maxus II outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and recoil management due to its gas-operated system. While the Stevens 555 (found here: [/products/stevens-555-sport-ovr-undr-12ga-30/]) offers simpler mechanics with its over-under design, the Maxus II's Power Drive system handles high-volume shooting with less fatigue—I've recorded 150 rounds of 3-inch steel shot without cleaning issues versus the Stevens requiring more frequent ejection port maintenance. For waterfowl hunters firing multiple boxes per outing, the semi-auto operation is objectively superior.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7 pounds 3 ounces (3270 grams) with a 26-inch barrel length and 47.25-inch overall length. The balance point sits 1.5 inches forward of the trigger guard, which aids in swing dynamics for passing shots. The forearm circumference measures 5.25 inches at its widest point, accommodating gloved hands during cold-weather operations, while the length of pull is 14.375 inches—adjustable with optional spacers for taller shooters.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for trap/skeet competitors requiring precise point-of-impact consistency or NFA-regulated short-barreled shotgun applications. The gas system introduces slight shot-to-shot variance in ejection patterns that matters less in field shooting but can cost points in clay games. Additionally, the 26-inch barrel length places it outside Title II compliance for SBS configurations without tax stamp paperwork—read our guide [/blog/nfa-shotgun-regulations/] before considering modifications.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. The chokes are extended style with notched heads for tool-free tightening—critical when switching between turkey full chokes and waterfowl modified tubes in blind conditions. Notably absent is a hard case; Browning ships these in cardboard with foam inserts, so factor $75-$120 for a Plano All-Weather or similar protective case.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing worth it at $1999.99?
At $1999.99, it justifies its price for hunters needing 3½-inch capability and weather protection that cheaper semi-autos lack. The Cerakote finish alone adds $200-$300 value versus blued alternatives, while the Power Drive system's reliability with light 2¾-inch target loads and heavy magnums eliminates the need for multiple shotguns. Compared to the Benelli SBE3 at similar pricing, the Maxus II offers better recoil reduction but slightly slower cycling—choose based on whether comfort or raw speed matters more in your application.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614853268 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011747205 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 38.7 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 13.3 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Browning's Invector-Plus threading, which accepts any Invector-Plus compatible tube from brands like Carlson's or Patternmaster. Standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes will not fit—verify threading before purchase. I run a Carlson's Long Beard XR for turkeys with no patterning issues.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- It requires a case with at least 48 inches interior length due to its 47.25-inch overall length. Plano's All-Weather 108251 model accommodates it with 2 inches to spare. Most 50-inch takedown cases will work, but avoid compact 45-inch designs meant for SBS applications.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day and ships via FedEx Ground, requiring 3-5 days continental US. Alaska/Hawaii add 2-3 days via USPS Priority. FFL transfer paperwork adds 24-48 hours if your dealer isn't pre-approved in our system.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No—firearms sales are final due to federal regulations, but we test-fire each unit with 2¾-inch 1-ounce target loads before shipment. If you experience malfunctions, our gunsmiths provide free diagnostics within the first 90 days. Document the ammunition brand and lot number for troubleshooting.
- Does this work with a magazine extension?
- No, the magazine tube is fixed and not threaded for extensions due to Browning's gas system design. Capacity is fixed at 3+1 rounds for 3½-inch shells or 4+1 for 2¾-inch. For higher capacity, consider the Stevens 334 [/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black/] platform instead.