Browning Maxus II 12ga Shotgun Review

shotgun review Jul 15, 2021

Browning claims that the Maxus 2 is the most reliable, softest shooting, best handling gas-operated semi-auto ever. Those are some big claims, and to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of the original Maxus, but once I saw the Maxus 2, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it for review.

The video includes the full review of the Browing Maxus 2 (Wicked Wing - Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat), but if you prefer to read about it, a quick summary is below.

Quick Specs

MSRP of $1,589.99 - 2,069.99 (Maxus 2 available at Reeds) which puts it up there with the higher end semi-auto 3.5" waterfowl shotguns as far a price.
12 gauge
3.5" chamber (also available in 3")
28" Barrell (also available in 26")
7.2lbs (3.5") 7.0lbs (3")
Length of Pull 14 7/16" Out of the Box. The composite stock has a straight heel section that makes it easy for a gunsmith to shorten the length of pull up to 3/4" and refit the Inflex Technology recoil pad.
Drop at Comb 1 3/4" (Adjustable with provided shims)
Drop at Heel 2"

Ergonomics/Look & Feel

The Maxus 2 really shines when it comes to it's egonomics.

Feels great in the hands and is well balanced
Rubber overmolding for a great grip
Oversized charging handle and bolt release for easy operating
Quick load feature - I probably wouldn't use this much but it's a neat feature if you use it.
Large tricker guard - If you're going to be shooting with gloves on, the trigger guard had plenty of room.
Loading ramp on the front of the trigger guard
Bored out loading port - This is something I love, there is nothing worse than beating up your fingers loading your gun. Loading the Maxus 2 is a breeze.
Forearm cap - Option to add an extended magazine tube

Trigger

5 lbs 9 oz Average
Crisp trigger with little travel. Feels great!

Quality of Build

I always look at the quality of the build relative to the price. Everything on the Maxus 2 comes together nicely and is tight, what you would expect for a gun at this price point.
Nickel Teflon coating on the bolt, bolt slide, shell carrier, bolt release and bolt handle protect, add lubricity, and make it easier to clean.
Burnt Bronze Cerakote camo receiver finish, Burnt Bronze Cerakote barrel finish looks great and will be very durable

Ease of Breakdown

Very simple to break down for a complete cleaning.

Recoil

Very light recoil!

Reliability

After a few hundred rounds, I believe this shotgun is ultra-reliable and will run for a long time without issue (when you shoot with the gun against your shoulder 😉)

Speed Shooting

I love to shoot fast and this gun does that well. I wasn't able to shoot this gun as fast as some others but it is a 3.5" gun. I would like to get my hands on a 3" model and see if I can run it any faster.