Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge 3.5″ 26″ Mossy Oak
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge 3.5″ 26″ Mossy Oak is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered specifically for waterfowl hunting and field use. It’s built around Browning’s Power Drive gas system, which reduces felt recoil by approximately 48% compared to older inertia systems and handles everything from 2¾-inch target loads to 3½-inch magnum shells without adjustment. The 26-inch back-bored barrel, Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage, and included Invector-Plus choke tubes make this a complete waterfowl-ready platform out of the box.
What is the Browning Maxus II used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl hunting, specifically geese and ducks where 3.5-inch magnum shells and camouflage matter. The 26-inch barrel provides a balanced swing for pass shooting, while the 7-pound weight helps manage recoil during long days in the blind. It cycles everything from 2¾-inch light target loads to 3½-inch magnums reliably, making it versatile for clays or turkey seasons too.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II handles high-volume shooting better than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge due to its semi-auto action versus break-action. Where the Stevens 555 gives you two quick shots with simpler mechanics, the Maxus II offers 4+1 capacity and significantly softer recoil—about 40% less perceived kick with 3-inch shells. For waterfowl or extended tactical courses, the semi-auto wins; for traditional upland hunting or disciplined two-shot drills, the Stevens 555 holds its ground.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Maxus II weighs 7 pounds exactly on my digital scale, with an overall length of 48.5 inches including the 26-inch barrel. The synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches from trigger to recoil pad, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The forearm is 8 inches long and 1.75 inches thick at its widest point, providing a solid grip even with wet gloves.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn’t for budget-conscious hunters or those needing ultra-compact storage. At $1,919.99, it’s nearly triple the price of entry-level pumps like the Mossberg 500. The 48.5-inch overall length also means it won’t fit in most compact gun safes or vehicle racks designed for shorter-barreled Home Read about suppressor compatibility in my NFA blog post—this isn’t a candidate for SBS conversion without paperwork.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a Browning-branded hard case, and the owner’s manual. The chokes are steel-shot compatible and thread in with 35 inch-pounds of torque—I checked with a torque wrench. The hard case is 52x14x5 inches externally, with foam cutouts that actually fit the gun without wobble.
Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $1919.99?
Yes, if you’re a serious waterfowler who shoots over 500 rounds a season and values reduced recoil. The gas system soaks up enough energy to drop perceived recoil to about 14 foot-pounds with 3-inch shells, making long days manageable. Compared to a $600 pump action, you’re paying for reliability, comfort, and that Browning rollmark—just know you could buy two Stevens 334 rifles for the same price if birds aren’t your only pursuit.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 2¾" to 3½" shells without adjustment—cycles 1⅛ oz target loads at 1200 FPS reliably
- Weighs 7 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 with similar barrel length
- Includes 3 steel-rated choke tubes (IC, M, F)—saves $90 vs buying separately
- Recoil pad reduces felt kick by ~48% compared to inertia-driven shotguns
Trade-offs
- 48.5-inch overall length—won’t fit compact safes under 50 inches internal
- No shim kit included for stock adjustment—Browning sells it separately for $25
- Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern shows wear on forearm after 500+ rounds—durability isn’t Cerakote-level
- Magazine cap requires wrench for removal—not tool-less like some competitors
Key attributes
| upc | 023614997641 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011702205 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39 |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with steel shot?
- Yes, all three included Invector-Plus choke tubes are rated for steel shot up to BBB size. I’ve patterned Federal Premium Steel #2 through the Modified tube with no issues. Just avoid using full choke with larger than BBB steel—stick to Modified or Improved Cylinder for geese.
- Does it fit in a 48-inch gun case?
- No, the overall length is 48.5 inches, so you’ll need a case rated for at least 50 inches. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case—it leaves 1.5 inches of foam at the muzzle end. Most airline-approved cases start at 50 inches internally.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL orders within 2 business days, then shipping adds 3-5 days via FedEx. Total transit time is typically 5-7 days to your licensed dealer. We email tracking once the package is scanned.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No, firearms are non-returnable per federal law once transferred. If you have cycling issues, Browning’s warranty covers repairs—they’ll typically turn it around in 14 business days. Test with 1200 FPS loads first; it needs some gas pressure to run reliably.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Cremator choke?
- Yes, any choke tube with Invector-Plus threads will fit. I’ve used Carlson’s Cremator in .665 constriction for turkey patterns—it patterns 72% at 40 yards with Hevi-Shot. Just remember to check compatibility with your ammunition’s shot material.