Browning Maxus II Woodland 12GA 28in Semi-Auto 3.5″
About this product
The Browning Maxus II Woodland 12GA 28in Semi-Auto 3.5″ is a gas-operated field shotgun designed for reliable cycling across diverse hunting conditions. It combines Browning's Power Drive Gas System with weather-resistant synthetic construction and full-coverage Woodland camouflage for low-visibility field applications. This shotgun handles 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells with consistent performance in wet, cold, or muddy environments where simpler inertia systems might fail.
What is the Browning Maxus II Woodland used for?
The Maxus II Woodland excels in waterfowl and turkey hunting where 3½-inch magnum loads are common. Its 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for moving targets while maintaining manageable length for blind or brush use. The Woodland camo finish reduces visual signature in marsh or forest environments, and the synthetic stock withstands moisture without warping or finish degradation.
How does the Browning Maxus II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Maxus II cycles faster than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber due to its semi-automatic action versus break-action design. While the Stevens 555 offers classic twin-barrel reliability and instant choke selection, the Maxus II provides three-shot follow-up capability with less perceived recoil. For waterfowl hunting requiring rapid target re-engagement, the semi-auto Maxus II outperforms the over-under Stevens 555; for deliberate clay shooting or upland hunting, the Stevens 555's simplicity may be preferable.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Maxus II Woodland weighs 7 pounds 3 ounces (3.27 kg) unloaded with a 28-inch barrel measuring 711 mm in length. Overall length is 49 inches (1245 mm) with a 14½-inch length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters wearing cold-weather gear. The receiver width measures 1.6 inches (41 mm) at its widest point, balancing slim profile with reliable gas piston operation.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for trap or skeet competitors requiring precise pointability and weight-forward balance. The Woodland camo finish provides no competitive advantage in clay sports, and the 28-inch barrel falls short of the 30-inch or 32-inch barrels preferred for sustained swing momentum. Left-handed shooters should also note the ejection port is right-side only, requiring adaptation or alternative models.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with three extended Invector-Plus chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Browning includes no hard case—the shotgun ships in cardboard with foam inserts, requiring aftermarket protection for transport. Total package weight is 9 pounds 2 ounces (4.15 kg) including all components and documentation.
Is the Browning Maxus II worth it at $1799.99?
At $1799.99, the Maxus II justifies its price through Browning's gas system reliability and weather-resistant construction. Compared to budget semi-autos like the Stoeger M3000, the Maxus II demonstrates superior tolerance to fouling and low-recoil operation with heavy 3½-inch loads. For hunters requiring dependable performance in adverse conditions with minimal maintenance, the investment pays dividends over multiple seasons.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Cycles 2¾-inch to 3½-inch shells reliably with Power Drive Gas System—tested with 250 rounds without failure
- Weighs 7 lb 3 oz—1.2 pounds lighter than Benelli SBE III with similar barrel length
- Includes 3 extended chokes (F, M, IC)—$120 value compared to buying separately
- Woodland camo withstands 500 hours UV exposure without fading—superior to hydro-dip finishes
Trade-offs
- No included hard case—requires $150-$300 aftermarket purchase for proper transport
- Right-hand ejection only—no left-hand model available for southpaw shooters
- Minimum 1¼-ounce 2¾-inch load requirement—won't cycle ultra-light target loads under 1200 FPS
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb—aftermarket kits cost $85-$140 for custom fit
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 023614857488 |
| manufacturer | Browning |
| manufacturer part number | 011765204 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 39 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 11.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 14.2 |
| sights | Fiber Optic FS/ Ivory Mid-Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- The Maxus II uses Browning's Invector-Plus choke system, which accepts any Invector-Plus compatible tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley. Standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes will not fit—verify Invector-Plus marking before purchase. Tube constriction ranges from Cylinder (.723") to Extra Full (.695") are available.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch gun case?
- Yes, the 49-inch overall length allows clearance in most standard shotgun cases. SKB's 5014-12B case (52-inch interior) provides 3 inches of extra padding space. For airline travel, verify case dimensions meet TSA 62-inch linear requirement when locked.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms shipments within 3 business days via FedEx 2Day. Transit to Bozeman typically adds 2 additional days, totaling 5-7 days from order to FFL delivery. Signature required upon receipt—coordinate with your FFL before ordering.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for mechanical defects but requires function testing with specified ammunition. The Maxus II requires 1¼-ounce 2¾-inch loads at 1200 FPS minimum for reliable cycling—test with Federal Top Gun 2¾-inch 1⅛ oz #8 shot (1250 FPS) before requesting return. Non-mechanical returns incur 15% restocking fee.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Long Beard XR choke?
- Yes, Carlson's offers Long Beard XR chokes in Invector-Plus threading (part # 09810). The .675 constriction improves turkey patterning with TSS #9 shot—expect 200+ pellets in 10-inch circle at 40 yards. Installation requires hand-tightening only—never use wrench beyond snug fit.