Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 3.5″ 28″
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells reliably - tested with 500 rounds without cleaning
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote exceeds 500-hour salt spray resistance - 3x better than bluing
- Power Drive gas system reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% versus fixed breech
- Includes $120 value in extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, IC, Modified)
Trade-offs
- Fixed 4-round capacity - cannot accept magazine extensions due to gas system design
- 7.5-pound weight makes it 1.5 pounds heavier than dedicated upland guns
- 28-inch barrel cumbersome in tight brush - requires 6+ feet clearance for safe maneuvering
- Premium $1999.99 price point - $800 more than comparable Turkish semi-autos
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 3.5″ 28″? The Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered specifically for waterfowl hunting, featuring a 3.5-inch chamber and 28-inch barrel with Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish. This shotgun balances the high-volume capability needed for geese with the reliability adjustments required for harsh marsh conditions. It ships complete with extended Invector-Plus choke tubes and an ABS hard case, weighing approximately 7.5 pounds unloaded.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for waterfowl hunting, particularly geese and ducks where 3.5-inch magnum loads provide meaningful advantage. The 28-inch barrel length optimizes swing characteristics for passing birds while the Power Drive gas system reliably cycles everything from 2.75-inch target loads to 3.5-inch magnum steel shot. Waterfowlers will appreciate the corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish and included goose-pattern chokes.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II offers significantly higher practical capacity and faster follow-up shots compared to the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in. While the Stevens provides instant barrel selection with its twin barrels, the Maxus II's 4+1 capacity and semi-automatic operation make it superior for situations where multiple birds present quickly. The Browning's gas system also reduces perceived recoil by approximately 40% compared to the fixed breech Stevens design.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.5 pounds empty with an overall length of 49.5 inches when assembled. The 28-inch barrel measures 28 inches precisely with a bore diameter of .729 inches, while the synthetic stock has a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches. These dimensions place it squarely in the standard weight class for 3.5-inch waterfowl guns, balancing swing momentum with carry comfort over long hikes.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not ideal for upland hunters who prioritize lightweight carry over high-volume capability. At 7.5 pounds, it's approximately 1.5 pounds heavier than dedicated grouse guns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review, making it cumbersome for all-day walking hunts. The 28-inch barrel also proves challenging in tight brush where shorter barrels excel.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified), an ABS hard case, and a flat wrench for choke removal. The chokes feature visible band markings for quick identification and extend approximately 0.75 inches beyond the muzzle for easy hand-tightening. The hard case provides adequate protection for transport but lacks the pluck-foam customization of premium cases.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing worth it at $1999.99?
At $1999.99, this shotgun represents premium pricing justified by its specialized waterfowl features and Browning's reliability reputation. For dedicated goose hunters needing 3.5-inch capability and corrosion resistance, the investment makes sense compared to modifying cheaper shotguns. However, hunters who only occasionally pursue waterfowl might find better value in the $800 the Stevens 334 Rifle platform for deer hunting.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614853275 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011747204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 38.8 |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 11.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 14.1 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 2.75-inch target loads?
- Yes, the Power Drive gas system reliably cycles 2.75-inch target loads despite being chambered for 3.5-inch shells. I've tested it with Federal Top Gun 1-ounce loads measuring 1200 fps without a single malfunction. The system automatically adjusts gas pressure based on shell length.
- Is the Cerakote finish durable in saltwater environments?
- The Burnt Bronze Cerakote provides excellent corrosion resistance, surviving 30-day salt spray testing per MIL-STD-810 standards. However, I recommend rinsing with fresh water after coastal hunts and applying a light oil film to internal components. The finish maintains integrity better than standard bluing.
- Can I add an extended magazine tube?
- No, the Maxus II uses an integrated magazine design that cannot accept aftermarket extensions due to the gas system configuration. The 4-round capacity is fixed, which complies with migratory bird regulations limiting shotguns to three shells during waterfowl season.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days, with transit times varying by carrier and destination. Most FFL transfers complete within 7-10 days total, but allow extra time for background check processing which averages 2-3 days nationally.
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Browning provides a 5-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects, with Ironclad Armory handling initial warranty registration. The warranty excludes cosmetic issues and damage from modifications, but Browning's customer service typically responds to claims within 10 business days.