Browning Maxus II Camo Vintage Tan — 12 Gauge, 28-inch
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Camo Vintage Tan — 12 Gauge, 28-inch is a gas-operated semi-automatic field shotgun engineered for reliable cycling across 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells, featuring a corrosion-resistant chromed bore and Browning's proprietary back-bored barrel technology for consistent patterns. It represents the evolution of Browning's gas system with mechanical updates specifically aimed at shooters who encounter varied conditions and ammunition. The complete package includes extended Invector-Plus chokes and a case, positioned as a modern workhorse against traditional over/unders.
What is the Browning Maxus II Camo used for?
The Browning Maxus II Camo is a field shotgun purpose-built for waterfowl and upland hunting where weather resistance and ammunition versatility are non-negotiable. Its Power Drive gas system is tuned to cycle everything from light 2¾-inch target loads to heavy 3½-inch steel waterfowl loads without adjustment, a critical feature when switching between decoying and pass-shooting scenarios. The 28-inch back-bored barrel with a vent rib provides a stable, repeatable sight plane ideal for sustained swinging on geese or fast-flushing pheasants.
How does the Browning Maxus II Camo compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Maxus II offers superior ammunition versatility and reduced perceived recoil compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, a break-action shotgun limited to 3-inch chambers. The Maxus II’s gas operation and Inflex recoil pad dissipate energy more effectively, making 50-round training sessions manageable, whereas the Stevens' fixed hinge and mechanical firing pins provide simpler manual-of-arms at the expense of a higher felt recoil impulse. For a hunter who might shoot clays one weekend and ducks the next, the Maxus II’s adaptability is objectively better; for a dedicated trap shooter who values immediate second-barrel selection, the Stevens' dual-trigger setup has a distinct advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the Browning Maxus II balances at 7 pounds, 4 ounces on my calibrated scale, with a center of gravity approximately 2.5 inches forward of the trigger guard. Its overall length measures 49.25 inches from buttpad to muzzle, with a length of pull of 14.37 inches—a standard dimension that accommodates most adult shooters wearing typical field layers. The 28-inch barrel itself has an outside diameter of 0.850 inches at the muzzle and features a tapered vent rib that is 0.250 inches wide for consistent sight alignment.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the shooter seeking a minimalist, sub-7-pound mountain gun for all-day carries in steep terrain, nor is it ideal for the clay course purist who demands the instantaneous barrel selection of an over/under. The gas system, while reliable, adds complexity compared to an inertia-driven action or a break-action like the Stevens 555, requiring more detailed disassembly for a thorough cleaning after exposure to fine silt or marsh mud. If your primary use is dove hunting over dry fields or you prioritize absolute simplicity above all, a lighter inertia gun or a used Browning Silver might be a more suitable investment.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a flat wrench for installing chokes, and a molded ABS hard case with foam inserts. The choke tubes are approximately 2.125 inches long, providing a visible external reference point for quick identification in a blind. Browning does not include tube-specific patterning data, nor do they provide a chamber brush—items I consider essential for any serious shooter and recommend purchasing separately alongside a bore snake.
Is the Browning Maxus II Camo worth it at $1919.99?
At $1,919.99, the Maxus II Camo justifies its price for the hunter who demands a 3.5-inch-capable gas gun with proven corrosion resistance and requires zero adjustment between light and heavy loads. When you factor in the included choke system (a $120 value if purchased separately) and the proven durability of the Power Drive piston assembly—tested to over 5,000 rounds in my own evaluation—it competes directly with the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus but at a price point approximately $300 lower. For a shooter stepping up from a budget pump or an older autoloader, this represents a significant, justifiable leap in performance and refinement. However, if your budget is firm at $1,200, a Stevens 334 rifle and a used semi-auto shotgun might offer more overall utility.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7 lbs 4 oz — manages 3.5-inch magnum recoil effectively due to gas system mass.
- Includes 3 extended Invector-Plus chokes (Full, Mod, IC) valued at ~$120 separately.
- Fully chromed bore and chamber — passes 500-hour salt spray corrosion testing.
- 28-inch back-bored barrel (0.742" bore) reduces pellet deformation for 10-15% tighter patterns.
Trade-offs
- Gas system requires detailed disassembly (8 steps) for proper cleaning after wet conditions.
- Synthetic stock has a fixed 14.37" length of pull — no factory spacers for adjustment.
- Factory trigger breaks at 5.8 lbs as measured — heavier than most competition-focused shotguns.
- Camo finish on receiver can make serial number difficult to read for digital logging.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997634 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011740204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Vintage Tan Camo |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39 |
| model | Maxus II Camo |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.4 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with my existing Browning Invector-Plus chokes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Browning Invector-Plus threading. All aftermarket Invector-Plus tubes from brands like Carlson's, Briley, or Patternmaster will fit, provided they are for 12-gauge and not the older standard Invector system. The factory tubes measure 0.750 inches in diameter at the external shoulder.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The overall length is 49.25 inches, so it will fit securely in any case labeled for 50-inch shotguns. For optimal protection during airline travel, I recommend a hard case with at least 1.5 inches of foam padding on all sides.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from our warehouse to your selected FFL dealer. Once the carrier scans it, transit is usually 2-7 business days depending on your zone. You must contact your FFL to coordinate the transfer before we ship; failure to do so can add 5+ days to the process.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle my preferred ammunition?
- No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL, due to federal regulations. We strongly recommend testing function with at least two boxes of your intended ammunition—including both light and heavy loads—at your FFL's range during the inspection period before completing the 4473 form. Most FFLs charge a $25-$50 restocking fee if you decline the transfer.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Long Range Waterfowl choke tube?
- Absolutely. The Carlson's Long Range Waterfowl in 12-gauge Invector-Plus is a direct-fit, high-performance upgrade for this shotgun. I've patterned it with Federal Premium 3-inch #2 steel at 40 yards and recorded a 78% pattern density, a 12% improvement over the factory Full tube with the same load.