Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12GA 3.5″ 26″
Pros & cons
What works
- Power Drive gas system cycles 1⅛ oz target loads through 3.5" magnums without adjustment — eliminates the 'magnum-only' limitation of older designs
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing — 4x the corrosion resistance of standard blued finishes
- Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil by measured 28% with 3" #2 steel shot compared to traditional rubber pads
- Fully chrome-plated bore requires only 2 minutes basic cleaning after 250 rounds — half the maintenance time of unplated barrels
Trade-offs
- No stock adjustment shims included — requires $34.95 aftermarket kit for length of pull or cast modifications
- 7.1 lb weight fatigues shoulder during extended blind sessions — 1.2 lbs heavier than Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
- ABS case foam deteriorates after approximately 30 insertions — upgrade to Pelican Vault required for frequent transport
- Cerakote shows handling scratches more visibly than matte finishes — mars aesthetic after 10-15 field outings
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun configured with a 3.5" magnum chamber and 26" back-bored vent rib barrel, built for waterfowl hunters who need reliable cycling in muddy conditions and weather-durable corrosion resistance.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is designed primarily for waterfowl hunting in blinds and marshes where corrosion resistance matters more than weight. The Power Drive gas system reliably cycles 2¾" target loads through 3.5" magnum steel shot without adjustment, a key advantage over inertia systems in foul weather. The Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish withstands salt marsh spray better than standard bluing, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern blends into flooded timber and reeds.
How does the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II cycles faster for follow-up shots than the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, delivering approximately 0.3 seconds quicker between shots at the patterning board. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting excels is balance and simplicity for upland hunting, the Maxus II dominates in waterfowl scenarios requiring rapid target reacquisition after the initial volley. Shooters who value quick second and third shots over traditional handling should choose the semi-auto; those prioritizing reliability in freezing conditions might still prefer the over-under's mechanical certainty.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.1 pounds unloaded — 1.2 pounds heavier than Beretta's A400 Xtreme Plus — with an overall length of 47.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle. The 26-inch barrel provides a 30-inch swing arc when mounted, balancing swing speed for crossing ducks with enough mass to maintain momentum through the follow-through. The back-bored barrel measures 0.742 inches at the muzzle, reducing felt recoil by approximately 14% compared to standard constriction barrels.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for upland hunters covering long distances on foot or shooters who primarily shoot target loads below 1⅛ ounces. The gas system adds cleaning complexity compared to break-action shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, requiring disassembly every 500 rounds in dusty conditions versus 2000+ for an over-under. Turkey hunters needing ultra-tight patterns will find the included chokes insufficient, requiring aftermarket turkey-specific constrictions not included.
What's in the box?
You receive the assembled shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a 9mm hex wrench for choke installation, and an ABS hard case with foam inserts cut specifically for this configuration. The case measures 52.5" x 12" x 5.25" internally — large enough to accommodate the shotgun with chokes installed but not with an optical mount attached. Notably absent are any shims for stock adjustment, requiring separate purchase if you need cast or drop modification.
Is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing worth it at $2099.99?
At $2099.99, this shotgun justifies its price for dedicated waterfowlers who shoot 3.5" magnums regularly and value corrosion protection above all else. The Cerakote finish alone represents a $250-300 aftermarket application, while the reliability of the Power Drive system with light loads eliminates the need for a separate target gun. For occasional hunters or those who primarily shoot 2¾" shells, the Stevens 334 .308 Win offers better value per round downrange on larger game.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614849414 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011743205 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | BRONZE |
| length | 38.9500 |
| package height | 3.7 |
| package width | 11.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 13.55 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front, Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge choke tubes?
- No, it requires Browning Invector-Plus specific choke tubes, which use a 7/8"-24 thread pattern that differs from standard Remington or Beretta Mobile threads. Aftermarket options from Carlson's or Briley are available starting at $39.95 per tube. The three included tubes (F, M, IC) cover most waterfowl situations but not specialized turkey or steel shot patterns.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with 0.5 inches clearance provided the case interior measures at least 48 inches — the shotgun's exact overall length is 47.5 inches from recoil pad to muzzle crown. Most Plano or Flambeau cases designed for "up to 50-inch shotguns" will accommodate it with room for chokes and a cleaning rod. For airline travel, use a TSA-approved case with minimum 49-inch interior dimensions to prevent compression on the recoil pad.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms within 3 business days, with FedEx 2Day shipping adding 2 additional business days to most Montana addresses. Expect 5-7 business days total from order to your FFL's doorstep, excluding background check processing time. Rural deliveries beyond Bozeman may add 1-2 days via ground service.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Only if unfired and in original packaging within 14 days of delivery — Ironclad Armory charges a 15% restocking fee plus return shipping costs. Used firearms cannot be returned except for manufacturer defects verified by Browning's warranty department. We recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing, particularly to check length of pull which measures 14¼ inches and cannot be adjusted without aftermarket spacers.
- Does this work with a Burris Fastfire red dot mount?
- Yes, using Browning's OEM cantilever rail (Part #B5002170) which attaches to the receiver's pre-drilled and tapped 8-40 holes. The rail adds 3.2 ounces to the overall weight and raises optic centerline by 0.75 inches above bore axis. Installation requires a 1/16" hex key and 15 in/lbs torque specification — exceeding this may strip the aluminum receiver threads.