Browning Maxus II 12ga Shotgun Review

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 Maxus 2 has an 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.

Overall, I really enjoyed shooting the Maxus 2 and I am impressed with many aspects of this gun. 

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, below is a quick summary.

Quick Specs

• 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 simply to break down for a full 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.

All around, the Browning Maxus 2 is a great gun and one that I'd love to have in the blind with me.

Would you like to see a head-to-head comparison with another semiauto shotgun?

Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we will only hit what we are focused on so live the #targetfocusedlife

Stay Target Focused,

Steve