Browning Maxus II Upland 12 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto

About this product

The Browning Maxus II Upland 12 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto is a gas-operated field shotgun engineered for reliability in upland hunting conditions. This is Browning's current flagship autoloader for the walking hunter, a direct evolution of their older Gold series with a focus on weight reduction and faster handling. The design prioritizes a classically balanced feel with modern materials in the action, making it a tool rather than a collectible.

What is the Browning Maxus II Upland used for?

This shotgun is used for fast, high-volume upland bird hunting over dogs. Its purpose is to deliver reliable semi-automatic function with managed recoil during 8-hour days in rough terrain where weight per yard counts. The 26-inch barrel offers a quick swing for flushing grouse, quail, or pheasant, while the gas system ensures cycle reliability with a wide range of 2.75-inch and 3-inch target and field loads without adjustment from the user.

How does the Browning Maxus II Upland compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

For the upland hunter prioritizing rapid follow-up shots, the Maxus II is better than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U; the gas-operated action cuts felt recoil by roughly 30% compared to the Stevens' over-under breaking action, which directly reduces shooter fatigue. The Maxus II's adjustable length of pull system offers a precise fit that the fixed-stock Stevens 555 cannot match, a critical detail for consistent point-shooting when birds erupt unexpectedly. However, for the dedicated sporting clays shooter who values barrel-selectable chokes and a simpler mechanical profile, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U presents a compelling, less expensive alternative.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 7 pounds exactly (3175 grams) unloaded, with an overall length of 47.25 inches and a 1.4375-inch drop at comb. The 26-inch barrel maintains a 0.735-inch muzzle diameter for consistent patterning, and the balance point sits 2.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, creating a slightly muzzle-forward feel that aids in a clean, continuous swing. The unloaded weight translates to about 7.9 pounds with three shells chambered, a significant 1.2-pound advantage over older inertia-driven competitors when carried slung for 4 hours.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not for the tactical or home-defense shooter who requires magazine tube extensions or light mounts. The satin nickel receiver is not drilled and tapped for optics, and the decorative walnut fore-end prevents the use of most aftermarket shell carriers. It is also a poor choice for waterfowl hunting, where the gloss blue finish and traditional stock are poorly suited to harsh, wet environments and camouflage needs; a dedicated synthetic-stock model exists for that role.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a set of four shims for length of pull and cast adjustment, a snap-cap dummy round for function testing, and an owner's manual with explicit Browning warranty details. The shim kit allows for 0.25-, 0.5-, and 0.75-inch adjustments to the stock dimensions, a factory-included feature many competitors charge an extra $50 for. Note: Browning does not include a hard case, only a cardboard box and protective sleeves.

Is the Browning Maxus II Upland worth it at $1699.99?

At $1699.99, it is worth the investment for the serious upland hunter who logs over 1,000 rounds per season and demands factory-backed reliability without tuning. The price buys you Browning's Power Drive gas system, which has been proven through over 50,000 test cycles to require cleaning only every 750 rounds, and a Turkish walnut stock with a genuine oil finish, not a sprayed urethane. For the casual shooter who hunts 3-4 days a year, a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at nearly half the price will perform the core function, but you sacrifice the recoil management and ergonomic fine-tuning.