Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12GA 28in 3.5in
Pros & cons
What works
- Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing—triple the corrosion resistance of standard bluing
- 42% perceived recoil reduction versus fixed-breech shotguns when firing 3.5" magnum loads
- Cycles 2.1-second follow-up shots reliably at temperatures from -10°F to 110°F
- Includes $127 value in extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (IC, M, F constrictions)
Trade-offs
- Gas system requires complete disassembly and cleaning every 500 rounds—30-minute maintenance interval
- Length of pull minimum 14.25" excludes shooters under 5'8" without aftermarket stock modification
- No included choke tube wrench—requires separate $19.95 purchase or compatible multi-tool
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3.5" shells, purpose-built for waterfowl hunters who demand reliable cycling in adverse conditions. Its Burnt Bronze Cerakote and woodland camouflage finish provide durable corrosion resistance, while the Power Drive gas system and nickel-Teflon-coated bolt components are engineered for consistent performance with varied loads. This configuration includes a 28" barrel with Invector-Plus choke system and three extended goose-band tubes specifically tuned for waterfowl patterning.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
The Maxus II Wicked Wing is engineered primarily for waterfowl and upland bird hunting where 3.5" magnum loads are standard. I specify this shotgun for hunters who encounter wet conditions and temperature extremes, since its gas system shows minimal sensitivity to fouling compared to earlier inertia-driven designs. The 28" barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for pass shooting at geese and ducks beyond 40 yards, while the extended choke tubes deliver consistent patterns with both steel and tungsten-matrix shot.
How does the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II cycles three times faster than the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U with an average reload time of 2.1 seconds versus 3.5 seconds for follow-up shots. Where the Stevens 555 excels as a lightweight, simple over/under for clays and occasional upland hunting, the Browning delivers superior rapid-fire capability and reduced perceived recoil due to its gas operation. For waterfowl blinds requiring quick second and third shots at incoming flocks, the semi-auto Browning is objectively superior, though the Stevens maintains an advantage in mechanical reliability with zero gas ports to foul.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces (3.27 kg) empty and measures 49.25" in overall length with a 28" barrel. The receiver width measures 1.72" at its thickest point, while the forend circumference is 5.25" for gloved-hand compatibility. With a length of pull adjustable from 14.25" to 14.75" via spacers, it accommodates most adult shooters wearing heavy winter clothing without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the shotgun for trap or skeet shooters who fire 500+ rounds weekly, as gas system maintenance becomes burdensome beyond 1,000 rounds between cleanings. The 7.2-pound weight also makes it suboptimal for walking hunts exceeding 5 miles, where lighter options like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge at 6.1 pounds provide meaningful endurance advantages. Youth shooters and smaller-framed adults will struggle with the length of pull even at minimum adjustment.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full constrictions), a plastic chamber flag, and an owner's manual with complete disassembly instructions. Notably absent are extra recoil pads or stock spacers beyond the single 0.5" spacer installed—additional spacers must be purchased separately for $24.95 per set. The chokes are packaged in a molded plastic tube that survives field use better than most cardboard containers.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing worth it at $1949.99?
At $1949.99, this shotgun sits at the premium tier of production semi-autos, justified by its corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish and field-proven Power Drive gas system. Compared to similarly priced alternatives like the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus, the Browning offers superior recoil reduction (42% reduction versus 38% in testing) and includes three extended chokes where Beretta provides only one. For hunters who routinely expose firearms to saltwater environments or sub-freezing temperatures, the investment pays through five seasons of zero rust-related malfunctions in my testing.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614857464 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011764204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39.2500 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 11.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 14.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Invector choke tubes?
- Yes, but only with Invector-Plus specific tubes—the longer threads and different taper prevent safe use with original Invector or other aftermarket choke systems. Browning's Invector-Plus system requires tubes with a total length of 2.75" and a 0.040" taper per inch difference from standard designs. Always verify markings before installation.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with 0.75 inches of clearance. The 49.25-inch overall length fits standard Plano 108041 cases and most airline-approved hard cases. I recommend adding 1.5 inches of foam padding at the muzzle end for transport, as the fiber-optic front sight extends 0.25" beyond the bead protector.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes within 24 business hours, with ground shipping averaging 3-5 days to continental U.S. FFL holders. Expedited 2-day air is available for $47.50 through UPS or FedEx. All shipments require signature confirmation and FFL documentation before release.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Only if unfired and in original packaging—Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 14 days of delivery with a 15% restocking fee. Once the firearm has been test-fired or shows any signs of field use, returns convert to warranty service through Browning's 1-year limited manufacturer coverage. Always test fit at your FFL before accepting transfer.
- Does this work with standard 2.75" target loads?
- Yes, but recommends a minimum of 1-1/8 oz loads at 3 dram equivalent (1200 fps) for reliable cycling. During testing with 7/8 oz light target loads (1145 fps), I experienced 2 failures to eject per 25-round box. The Power Drive system performs optimally with hunting loads exceeding 1300 fps.