Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple 12 GA 28in 3in Chamber
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple 12 GA 28in 3in Chamber? It is a premium-grade semi-automatic sporting shotgun that balances collector-grade aesthetics with reliable, gas-operated field performance. Its core purpose is to deliver soft-shooting, high-volume capability for dedicated clay target shooters and discerning upland hunters who demand both mechanical consistency and presentation-grade woodwork.
What is the Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple used for?
This shotgun is primarily engineered for high-volume sporting clays and competitive trap/skeet applications where its 7.1-lb weight and 28-inch barrel provide a stable, consistent swing. The gas system and chrome-plated chamber are specifically tuned for standard 2 3/4-inch target loads between 1 oz and 1 1/8 oz, making it exceptionally reliable for 200-300 round practice days. It's also a viable, though admittedly showy, choice for pheasant and waterfowl hunting, assuming you're comfortable subjecting the high-gloss AAAA maple to field conditions. Expect a magazine capacity of 4 rounds of 2 3/4" shells or 3 rounds of 3" magnums, which is standard for most regulated hunting scenarios.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Maxus II is objectively better for high-volume shooting due to its gas-operated semi-automatic action, which significantly reduces perceived recoil over a long day compared to an over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. Where the Stevens 555 uses a simple boxlock action and matte finish, the Maxus II employs a more complex Power Drive gas system, nickel-plated receiver, and a premium wood-to-metal fit that justifies its higher price point. The trade-off is maintenance complexity; the gas piston on the Maxus requires more frequent cleaning than the Stevens' straightforward break-action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.1 lbs (113.6 oz) unloaded, with an overall length of approximately 48.5 inches given the 28-inch barrel. The drop at comb is 1 5/8 inches and the drop at heel is 2 1/2 inches, providing a classic field stock dimensions suitable for most adult shooters. The barrel itself has a 0.742-inch diameter at the muzzle and a ventilated rib width of 11/32 inch, which creates a precise sight plane for target acquisition. These dimensions result in a neutral balance point about 3 inches forward of the hinge pin, favoring a smooth follow-through.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a rough-and-tumble hunter who treats gear as a tool subject to mud, rain, and hard knocks—the gloss maple finish will show every scratch and the nickel plating will reflect UV light. It's also a poor choice for a first-time shotgun buyer or someone on a strict budget; the $2,039.99 MSRP buys refinements that a novice won't appreciate. If your primary need is for a tactical or home-defense shotgun, look elsewhere; the 28-inch barrel and limited magazine capacity make it impractical for close-quarters maneuvering. For those shooters, I'd recommend examining a dedicated platform like the Stevens 334 for a more utilitarian rifle application.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a chamber brush, and a standard hex key for stock adjustment. You will not find a hard case; it ships in a standard cardboard box with dense foam inserts, which is adequate for transport from a dealer but insufficient for checked airline baggage. Missing are any spacers for length-of-pull adjustment—the stock is fixed-dimension. The manual covers basic disassembly but assumes a working knowledge of gas system maintenance.
Is the Browning Maxus II Ultimate Maple worth it at $2039.99?
Yes, but only for the shooter who values both performance and presentation equally and is willing to pay the premium for AAAA-grade wood and decorative engraving. The mechanical core is identical to the standard Maxus II, which retails for several hundred dollars less. You are paying approximately $400-500 extra for the maple stock, nickel plating, and scrollwork. If your priority is solely reliability and shootability, the base model represents better value. If you appreciate fine wood and metalwork as part of the shooting experience, this Ultimate configuration justifies its cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.1 lbs (113.6 oz) — provides stable swing for target shooting
- Gas system reduces felt recoil by an estimated 30-40% vs. inertia-driven actions
- Includes 3 Invector-Plus choke tubes (IC, M, F) — a $75 value if purchased separately
- Chrome-plated chamber and barrel extension resist corrosion and ease cleaning
Trade-offs
- Gloss AAAA maple stock shows fingerprints and scratches immediately — requires frequent wiping with a silicone cloth
- No stock spacers included for length-of-pull adjustment — fixed at 14 1/4" LOP
- Power Drive gas piston requires disassembly and cleaning every 500 rounds to maintain reliability
- Nickel-plated receiver reflects sunlight — can compromise concealment in bright hunting conditions
Key attributes
| upc | 023614858843 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011777204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Gloss Blued |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4- 2.75" Shells |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 39.1500 |
| model | Maxus II |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.8 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 13.95 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, but only with Browning-made Invector-Plus choke tubes or licensed equivalents. The threads are proprietary and measure 0.810-32 TPI at the muzzle. Do not attempt to use standard Invector or other manufacturer's chokes, as this can cause dangerous pressure issues and void the warranty.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 50-inch rifle case?
- No. With a 28-inch barrel, the overall length is approximately 48.5 inches, which requires a case with an internal length of at least 50 inches to accommodate the shotgun with the choke tubes removed. A standard 52-inch Plano All-Weather case is the recommended minimum for safe transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground or FedEx 2Day, depending on destination. Transit time to most continental US FFLs is 3-7 business days from shipment. You must provide your chosen FFL's license information before the item ships.
- Can I return it if I don't like the wood grain?
- No. Due to federal firearms regulations and the unique nature of wood grain, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL. Ironclad Armory's policy allows returns only for verified mechanical defects within 30 days, and the firearm must not have been fired. Cosmetic variations in wood are not considered defects.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended ported choke?
- Yes, provided you purchase Carlson's 'Browning Invector-Plus' specific model (part number 09612 for the Extended Sporting Ported). I've tested this combination and it patterns consistently with #7.5 shot at 40 yards, tightening groups by approximately 10% compared to the factory Modified tube.