Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 28 in Burnt Bronze
Pros & cons
What works
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish adds 500+ hours of salt spray corrosion resistance compared to blued steel.
- Reverse Striker ignition system uses durable coil springs rated for 30,000+ cycles versus 5,000-10,000 for traditional leaf springs.
- Adjustable comb provides 0.5 inches of vertical height adjustment for precise eye alignment with the rib.
- Weighs 7 lbs 8 oz — 10-12 ounces lighter than many competitors with similar barrel length and monoblock construction.
- Includes three extended Invector-Plus chokes (F, M, IC) valued at $35-45 each if purchased separately.
Trade-offs
- 14.25-inch length of pull is non-adjustable; taller shooters over 6'2" may find it short, requiring a $75-150 pad spacer.
- Synthetic Mossy Oak stock lacks the acoustic feedback and vibration dampening of walnut, transmitting slightly more perceived recoil.
- Online Only availability prevents hands-on fit check before purchase, a significant issue for a $2,300+ shotgun.
- No accessory rail or provisions for optics mounting; dedicated gunsmithing required for a rib-mounted plate.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 28 in Burnt Bronze is a low-profile over/under field shotgun engineered with reverse-strike ignition and a monoblock hinge for hunting and sporting clays use. This model applies modern protective finishes like Cerakote and an adjustable synthetic stock to a proven mechanical platform. Its 28" barrel length and included choke system provide a versatile shot column for waterfowl to upland game without excessive swing weight.
What is the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is designed primarily for field hunting, especially waterfowl and upland birds over extended walks and in damp conditions. The 28-inch barrel offers a 45-inch overall length, which provides a stable swing plane for crossing shots without becoming unwieldy in a blind or brush. The Burnt Bronze Cerakote and synthetic Mossy Oak stock resist corrosion from marsh moisture far better than traditional blued steel and walnut.
How does the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Cynergy is mechanically superior for high-volume shooting and offers better corrosion resistance, but it costs over $1,500 more. Browning's Reverse Striker system uses coil springs and a simplified sear arrangement for more consistent ignition over tens of thousands of rounds compared to the traditional hammer-and-sear design in the Stevens 555. The Cynergy's MonoLock hinge is a solid monoblock forging, while the Stevens uses a removable hinge pin; the former maintains headspace more precisely under sustained fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces (3.4 kg) and measures 45 inches (1143 mm) in overall length with a 14.25-inch (362 mm) length of pull. The 28-inch barrels contribute significantly to the balance point, placing it approximately 6 inches forward of the hinge pin. This results in a moment of inertia that aids in smooth follow-through on sporting clays or passing shots, though it feels marginally muzzle-heavier than a 26-inch model when carried at port arms for hours.
Who is this NOT for?
The Cynergy Wicked Wing is not for a budget-conscious shooter looking for a first over/under or a dedicated trap gun. At $2,369.99, its investment is justified by hunting-specific finishes and robust mechanics, not by the precise, weight-forward balance preferred for single-station trap. A shooter who primarily hunts from a fixed position in dry terrain would gain little from the Cerakote and synthetic stock, making a Stevens 555 with a walnut stock a more cost-effective choice.
What's in the box?
The shotgun ships with three extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manuals covering the firearm and the Cerakote finish warranty. Browning typically includes a plastic hard case with foam cutouts, though some distributors may substitute a soft case; verify packaging with the retailer before purchase if the case type is critical. You will not find additional comb inserts or a trigger lock beyond any state-required cable device.
Is the Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing worth it at $2369.99?
Yes, if your use case involves frequent exposure to wet, abrasive environments and you demand ignition reliability exceeding 15,000 rounds without spring replacement. You are paying for the Cerakote application ($250-400 if done aftermarket), the adjustable comb system ($150-200 as an add-on), and the Reverse Striker/MonoLock engineering that underpins Browning's higher-tier shotguns. If you hunt five days a year in fair weather, a $1,200 over/under will perform identically; if you're in a layout boat in the Chesapeake all season, this gun's specifications justify the premium.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614743330 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 018722204 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 36.8000 |
| model | Cynergy |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 10.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 10.4 |
| sights | Ivory Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, the chamber accepts 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without modification, and 3.5-inch magnum shells specifically. Always use ammunition rated for steel shot proofing if using non-lead shot for waterfowl; the Invector-Plus chokes are designed for both lead and steel. Avoid firing slugs unless you install a dedicated cylinder or improved cylinder choke tube, as tighter chokes can damage the barrel.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- No, you will need a case designed for an over/under with an overall length of approximately 46 inches to accommodate the 45-inch gun. Most universal 28-inch shotgun cases are cut for pump or semiauto actions and are too short. Look for a case with a 47-inch internal length, such as those from Boyt or Plano's All-Weather series, to ensure proper fit without compression.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock items within 1 business day, with transit times of 2-5 business days via FedEx or UPS Ground, depending on your FFL's location. The total timeline from order to your dealer's receipt is typically 3-7 business days, not including the mandatory NICS check and transfer time at the FFL. We provide tracking information within 24 hours of the carrier scan.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations, unless the firearm has a verifiable manufacturing defect. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer to confirm fit before purchasing. The adjustable comb provides approximately 0.5 inches of vertical height adjustment, which can accommodate most cheek weld variations, but it cannot change the 14.25-inch length of pull.
- Does this work with a Briley choke tube system?
- No, this model uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus threading, which is not compatible with Briley's Thin-Wall or other aftermarket systems without barrel machining. You must purchase Invector-Plus specific tubes from Browning, Carlson's, or Trulock. The included extended chokes have a nominal constriction of .040" for Improved Cylinder, .020" for Modified, and .000" for Full, measured at the muzzle end.