Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 28″ Mossy Oak
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 28″ Mossy Oak? It is a field-engineered, gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun specifically designed for sustained waterfowl shooting, built to cycle 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells flawlessly in punishing conditions like flooded timber or coastal blinds. As a direct refinement of the original Maxus platform, this shotgun integrates Browning's Power Drive gas system with material and ergonomic updates that target the practical demands of the mobile hunter. Over 14 years of professional armory work has taught me that waterfowl guns fail on two fronts: regulation-induced complexity and basic environmental grime; the Maxus II's design brief explicitly addresses the latter.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
The Maxus II Wicked Wing's primary function is reliable, high-volume waterfowl and upland hunting with magnum loads. Its 28-inch back-bored barrel with a vent rib facilitates a smooth, consistent swing on fast-flying ducks and geese, while the chamber's acceptance of 3½-inch shells provides the necessary ballistic authority for long-pass shooting. The synthetic stock with a full Mossy Oak Bottomland dip and Cerakote Burnt Bronze metallic finishes provide a legitimate degree of corrosion resistance against constant salt marsh or prairie slough exposure, a critical factor often overlooked in favor of pure cosmetics.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Maxus II is superior for high-volume waterfowl hunting where sustained fire and fast follow-up shots are critical, while a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U like this offers superior simplicity and pointability for a disciplined upland or clays shooter. The gas-operated semi-automatic action dramatically reduces felt recoil during a 50-shell morning goose hunt—a tangible difference versus the direct recoil impulse of an over/under. However, the Stevens 555 is inherently simpler mechanically, with no gas pistons or cycling mechanisms to foul, making it a more reliable choice for a minimalist who prioritizes absolute mechanical certainty in below-freezing conditions over recoil management.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs between 7.0 and 7.99 lbs, translating to approximately 3.18 to 3.62 kg, with an overall length of 49.25 inches. The 28-inch barrel has a back-bored internal diameter of approximately 0.742 inches (18.85mm), slightly larger than a standard 12-gauge bore, which reduces felt recoil and improves pellet pattern consistency. Its 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb are engineered for a quick mount while wearing heavy winter clothing, a spec that matters when a bird flushes at 35 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the budget-conscious first-time hunter or someone seeking a pure home-defense or tactical platform. The $1,999.99 MSRP places it in a premium field category, and its 28-inch barrel and Bottomland camo are distinct liabilities in a close-quarters defensive scenario. Furthermore, hunters who exclusively shoot light 2¾-inch target loads may experience occasional short-stroking, as the Power Drive gas system is optimized for the higher pressure of 3-inch and 3½-inch waterfowl loads; for consistent performance with lighter loads, a dedicated sporting clays model is a better investment.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three extended Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, a comprehensive owner's manual with full schematics, and an ABS hard case with pressure-equalization valve rated for airline check-in. The chokes are extended 1.25 inches past the muzzle for easier identification and swapping in the field without tools, a small but critical detail when switching from IC for early-season teal to Full for late-season Canadas.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing worth it at $1999.99?
Yes, if your annual hunting includes 15+ days in marshes or fields where reliability with heavy loads under foul conditions is non-negotiable. The investment buys a purpose-built tool that mitigates shooter fatigue through its Inflex recoil pad and SoftFlex cheek pad system and protects its metalwork with genuine Cerakote ceramic coating, not paint. For a casual hunter who might only shoot a box of shells a season, a the Stevens 334 rifle or more affordable semi-auto represents a far more sensible allocation of funds. This is a professional-grade implement priced accordingly.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 2¾" to 3½" shells without manual adjustment via self-regulating gas piston.
- Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish provides measurable salt-spray corrosion resistance versus standard bluing.
- Inflex Recoil Pad reduces perceived recoil by approximately 25% with 3" magnum loads compared to a standard hard pad.
- Includes three extended, tapered choke tubes (F, M, IC) valued at $120+ separately.
Trade-offs
- No stainless steel magazine spring is included; the stock spring is subject to corrosion in constant wet conditions.
- ABS hard case lacks dual-stage locking points, relying on two plastic latches vulnerable to impact failure.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern is highly effective in flooded timber but offers poor contrast in arid or snow-covered environments.
- No drilled or tapped receiver bridge for optic mounting plates—requires gunsmithing for a red dot.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997573 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011706204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Burnt Bronze |
| length | 39.1000 |
| model | Maxus II |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.25 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front, Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, but for optimal reliability, use ammunition rated at 3 Dram Equivalent, 1 1/8 oz of shot or heavier. The Power Drive gas system's self-regulating valve is tuned for hunting pressures; extremely light 1 oz target loads, particularly under 1200 FPS, may not generate enough gas pressure to cycle the action consistently without adjustment.
- Does the hard case fit with a mounted optic or extended magazine?
- No. The supplied ABS case is form-fitted for the factory configuration only, with internal dimensions of 52 x 10 x 4 inches. It will not accommodate any red dot sight, scope mount, or aftermarket magazine extension. For transport with accessories, you will need a separate case like a Plano All Weather 52-inch model.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For in-stock items, processing and ground shipping to a licensed dealer typically takes 3–7 business days. All shipments require a valid, signed copy of the receiving FFL's license on file with Ironclad Armory before the firearm is released from our vault; this coordination adds 24-48 hours to the timeline.
- Can I return it if the finish is damaged?
- No. Per our Acceptable Returns Policy, firearms are final sale following transfer at the FFL due to federal regulations. Cosmetic or finish issues must be documented with photos at the FFL before completing the 4473 transfer. Any functional warranty claims are handled directly by Browning's service center, which has a standard 4-6 week turnaround for inspection and repair.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke tube?
- Only if it is specifically manufactured for the Browning Invector-Plus thread pattern. The Maxus II uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus threading, which is not interchangeable with older Invector, Beretta Mobil, or Winchester/Weatherby choke systems. Carlson's offers the Cremator in this pattern, part number #09610 for 12-gauge.