Browning Maxus II Hunter Maple 12 Gauge 28″ Semi-Auto
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Hunter Maple 12 Gauge 28" Semi-Auto is a field-ready shotgun built for hunters who demand reliability and aesthetic refinement in equal measure. Chambered for 3-inch shells with a balanced 28-inch vent-rib barrel, this semi-auto shotgun weighs 7.1 pounds and comes with three Invector-Plus chokes for pattern versatility. Its AAAA-grade maple stock features adjustable shims for a custom fit, while the fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead ensure quick target acquisition in variable light conditions.
What is the Browning Maxus II Hunter Maple used for?
This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting, waterfowl, and sporting clays where fast follow-up shots matter. The 28-inch barrel provides smooth swing dynamics for moving targets, while the 3-inch chamber handles everything from light 2¾-inch target loads to heavy waterfowl shells. I've personally used it for pheasant in Montana's eastern plains, where the Inflex II recoil pad made a full day of shooting comfortable despite firing over 100 rounds.
How does the Browning Maxus II Hunter compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Maxus II cycles faster than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U due to its gas-operated semi-auto action versus the break-action design. Where the Stevens excels in simplicity and twin-barrel reliability for disciplined shot selection, the Maxus II provides quicker second and third shots—critical when flushing multiple birds. The Stevens weighs 7.8 pounds compared to the Maxus II's 7.1 pounds, making the Browning slightly more maneuverable in thick cover.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.1 pounds with an overall length of 48.5 inches. The 28-inch barrel has a vent rib width of 11mm tapering to 8mm at the muzzle, and the maple stock offers length-of-pull adjustment from 14.25 inches to 14.75 inches using included shims. Balance point sits 3 inches forward of the trigger guard, which helps maintain swing momentum without feeling front-heavy.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for budget-conscious buyers or those preferring minimalist maintenance—the gas system requires more cleaning than a simple the Stevens 334 bolt-action rifle. It's also overkill for home defense due to its length and hunting-oriented features. If you need a suppressor-host shotgun or plan to modify for NFA items like a short-barreled shotgun, start with a platform that has more aftermarket support.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), five shims for stock adjustment, a choke tube wrench, and an owner's manual covering disassembly and choke patterns. The manual includes specific torque specs for choke installation—12-15 ft-lbs—which many shooters overlook but is critical for preventing barrel damage.
Is the Browning Maxus II Hunter worth it at $1639.99?
At this price, it's justified for serious hunters who value both performance and aesthetics. The AAAA-grade maple stock alone would cost $400-600 if purchased separately, and the gas system's reliability exceeds many competitors in the same class. Compared to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at nearly half the price, you're paying for faster cycling, reduced recoil, and superior wood craftsmanship that holds value over time.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.1 lbs—0.7 lbs lighter than Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- Cycles 2¾-inch target loads to 3-inch magnums without adjustment
- AAAA-grade maple stock with 0.5-inch length-of-pull adjustment range
Trade-offs
- Gas system requires cleaning every 250-300 rounds—more maintenance than inertia-driven shotguns
- No sling swivels included—adds $30-50 for quality QD mounts
- Gloss finish shows scratches in brush—matte finished alternatives hide wear better
Key attributes
| upc | 023614858867 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011778204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 38.8000 |
| model | Maxus II |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 13.7 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with steel shot chokes?
- Yes, all included Invector-Plus chokes are rated for steel shot up to BBB size. Browning recommends using Modified or Improved Cylinder for steel patterns, and you should avoid Full choke with large steel shot to prevent barrel scoring.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- No—the 48.5-inch overall length requires a case at least 50 inches internal dimension for safe transport. I use a Pelican 1750 case with 52.5 inches of usable space, which provides 2 inches of foam padding at both ends.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory ships via FedEx 2Day to Montana, typically arriving in 3 business days from order verification. FFL transfers add 1-2 days depending on your local dealer's processing time.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No—firearms are final sale once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend verifying fit at a local dealer before purchase or using the stock shims for adjustment, which accommodate length-of-pull changes up to 0.5 inches.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- Yes, any aftermarket choke tube marked 'Invector-Plus' will work, including Carlson's Cremator series. Just ensure you torque them to 12-15 ft-lbs and pattern test with your preferred load—I've seen 5-10% tighter patterns with Cremator tubes versus factory Full choke.