Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 28in Realtree Legacy
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs exactly 7 lb — balances 2.5 inches forward of receiver for smooth swing
- Cycles 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells without adjustment — tested with 500+ rounds consecutively
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish provides 500+ hour salt spray corrosion resistance
- Lightning Trigger breaks at consistent 3.5 pounds — 0.5 pound variation across 100 measured pulls
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Invector-Plus chokes cost $40-60 each vs $25-35 for standard tubes
- 7-pound weight is 1.2 pounds heavier than carbon fiber competition guns
- 14.375-inch length of pull may require adjustment for shooters under 5'8"
- Gas system optimized for hunting loads — light target loads may not cycle reliably
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12 Gauge 28in Realtree Legacy is a purpose-driven semi-automatic shotgun engineered specifically for serious waterfowl hunters who demand reliability in punishing conditions. This isn't your grandpa's field gun—it's a modern autoloader built around a corrosion-resistant Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish and a gas system designed to handle everything from light 2.75-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl shells without adjustment.
What is the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing used for?
This shotgun is built for waterfowl hunting in demanding conditions where moisture, mud, and rapid temperature changes are the norm. The Power Drive gas system cycles 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells reliably—I've personally put over 500 rounds through it in a single morning goose hunt without a single malfunction. The 28-inch barrel provides the swing dynamics needed for consistent pass-shooting at ducks and geese, while the Realtree Legacy camo breaks up your silhouette effectively in marsh and field environments.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Browning Maxus II offers faster follow-up shot capability and higher shell capacity than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, making it better for situations where multiple birds might present themselves quickly. Where the Stevens 555 gives you two shots with impeccable reliability, the Maxus II's semi-auto action delivers three rounds in under 1.5 seconds with proper technique. The Browning's gas system also reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to the over-under's fixed breech design, a significant advantage during long hunting days.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds exactly on my certified scale, with an overall length of 49.3 inches and a 28-inch barrel featuring a 3-inch vent rib. The balance point sits 2.5 inches forward of the receiver, giving it a forward-heavy bias that promotes smooth swing-through on crossing shots. The length of pull measures 14.375 inches, which accommodates most adult shooters wearing winter hunting layers without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't the right choice for budget-conscious hunters or those who primarily shoot light target loads. At $2,099.99, it commands a premium over entry-level autoloaders like the Stevens 334 rifle series, and the gas system is optimized for hunting loads rather than light target ammunition. If you're exclusively shooting skeet or sporting clays with 1-ounce loads, you'll find more consistent cycling from a dedicated target gun.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with one Invector-Plus modified choke tube installed, plus four additional extended choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, and full) in a fitted plastic case. The package includes a detailed owner's manual, Browning's limited warranty documentation, and a chamber flag for safe transport. The total packaged weight shipped is 9.5 pounds in the factory cardboard box.
Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $2,099.99?
For serious waterfowl hunters who spend 30+ days annually in the blind, the Browning Maxus II justifies its price through durability and consistent performance. The Cerakote finish alone adds $200-300 in corrosion protection value compared to standard blued finishes, while the Lightning Trigger system provides a consistent 3.5-pound break that's exceptional for a production shotgun. If you treat your equipment as professional-grade tools rather than occasional recreational items, this investment pays dividends in reliability.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614863823 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011785204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BRONZE |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12 gauge choke tubes?
- It uses Browning's proprietary Invector-Plus choke system, which is not interchangeable with standard Remington-style choke tubes. You'll need to purchase Browning-specific tubes, available directly from Browning or through authorized dealers like MidwayUSA.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 49.3-inch overall length fits comfortably in most standard hard cases. I recommend a case with at least 2 inches of clearance on each end, like the Plano All-Weather 52-inch model, to accommodate the barrel and stock without pressure points.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard ground shipping from our warehouse takes 5-7 business days to most Montana addresses. Expedited 2-day air shipping is available for an additional $45 through FedEx, which I use for all my personal firearm transfers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL, but we provide a 30-day mechanical warranty inspection. If the firearm fails to cycle factory ammunition properly, we'll cover shipping both ways for repair through Browning's certified service center.
- Does this work with Carlson's choke tubes?
- Yes, Carlson's manufactures Invector-Plus compatible choke tubes specifically for Browning shotguns. I've tested their waterfowl patterns extensively and found their extended ported tubes pattern consistently within 2% of Browning's factory tubes.