Browning Maxus II Stalker 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in
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Expert review
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Stalker 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in is a semi-automatic shotgun engineered for reliable performance in demanding field conditions using Browning's Power Drive gas system to reduce felt recoil and cycle a wide range of ammunition. This Stalker variant features a subdued matte black finish and synthetic stock with ergonomic refinements for shooters who need consistent operation in wet or muddy environments without compromising on comfort or control.
What is the Browning Maxus II Stalker 12 Gauge 28in 3.5in used for?
The Browning Maxus II Stalker is built for waterfowl hunting and field shooting where reliability with 3.5-inch magnum loads matters most. Its 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for pass shooting, while the gas system handles everything from 2¾-inch target loads to heavy 3.5-inch steel without adjustment. The matte finish resists glare and corrosion, making it ideal for blinds and marsh conditions where visibility and durability are critical.
How does the Browning Maxus II Stalker compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber?
The Maxus II Stalker cycles faster and handles 3.5-inch shells that the Stevens 555 cannot fire, but the Stevens 555 offers tighter patterning with its 30-inch barrels for trap and skeet. Where the Stalker excels is in rapid follow-up shots with minimal recoil—its gas system reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to the over-under's fixed breech. For waterfowl hunters needing high-capacity magnum performance, the Stalker is superior; for disciplined clay target shooters, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides better precision.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Maxus II Stalker weighs 7 pounds 4 ounces unloaded with a 28-inch barrel length and 49.5-inch overall length. Its synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. The receiver width is 1.75 inches at the ejection port, keeping the profile slim for easy carrying through thick cover.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for beginners or those exclusively shooting light target loads—its gas system is optimized for high-volume 3-inch and 3.5-inch shells, and may short-stroke with low-recoil ammunition. Competition shooters focused solely on trap or skeet will find the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U more suitable for its consistent break-open action and longer sight plane. The Stalker's weight and length also make it cumbersome for youth shooters or those requiring a compact home defense option.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), an ABS hard case, and a 4-page manual covering disassembly and choke installation. No tools are provided for choke changes—you'll need a Browning choke tube wrench or a ¾-inch socket, which adds $15-20 if not already owned. The hard case has pre-cut foam and measures 52x12x5 inches externally, adding 4.2 pounds to shipping weight.
Is the Browning Maxus II Stalker worth it at $1799.99?
At $1799.99, the Maxus II Stalker justifies its price for serious waterfowl hunters who need 3.5-inch capability and reduced recoil over 500-round seasons. Compared to alternatives like the Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus at $1950, the Stalker offers similar gas system performance with better corrosion resistance in its matte finish. For shooters who won't use magnum shells, the cost is excessive—stick with a $1000 autoloader or the Stevens 555 for half the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 3.5-inch shells reliably—40% less felt recoil than fixed-breech shotguns
- Weighs 7.25 lbs unloaded—1.5 lbs lighter than Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus
- Includes 3 choke tubes (F, M, IC) and ABS case—$120 value separately
- 28-inch barrel provides 1350 fps muzzle velocity with 3-inch #4 shot
Trade-offs
- No tools included for choke changes—requires $15-20 wrench purchase
- Short-strokes with ammunition under 1200 fps—not for light target loads
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustability—fixed 14.25-inch LOP excludes some shooters
- Matte finish shows wear after 500 rounds—requires frequent oiling in wet conditions
Key attributes
| upc | 023614740759 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011700204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Black |
| length | 39 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 10.7 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 14.0 |
| sights | HiViz Pro Comp Front/Ivory Mid Bead Rear |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Browning Invector-Plus threads, which are compatible with aftermarket tubes from Carlson's, Briley, and Pattern Master. Standard Invector (non-Plus) tubes will not fit—confirm threading before purchase. Installation requires a ¾-inch wrench or dedicated choke tool, not included.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 49.5-inch overall length fits most 52-inch cases with room to spare. The included ABS case is 52 inches internally, but aftermarket cases must accommodate the 28-inch barrel and synthetic stock width of 1.5 inches at the grip. Plan for 5-6 inches of width clearance in soft cases.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via UPS Ground, taking 3-5 days continental US. Signature required upon delivery—if missed, redelivery or pickup must be scheduled within 5 business days. Alaska/Hawaii orders add 7-10 days transit time.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No, returns are not accepted for cycling issues with ammunition under 1200 fps—the gas system is designed for 3-inch and 3.5-inch magnum shells. If defective with approved ammo, Ironclad Armory provides a 14-day inspection period and handles warranty claims through Browning's 5-year program. Keep original packaging for proof of purchase.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Long Beard XR choke?
- Yes, the Carlson's Long Beard XR (part number 09810) is compatible with Invector-Plus threading and patterns tightly with 3-inch #5 shot. Expect 65-70% patterns at 40 yards with Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS. Do not use with steel shot—stick with lead or TSS for optimal performance.