The Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing 12ga 28in 3.5in is a semi-automatic waterfowl gun built to handle everything from fast-flying teal to heavy steel loads. It pairs a back-bored 28-inch vent-rib barrel with a 3.5-inch chamber, giving you the reach and pattern density you need on open water or in flooded timber.
| Manufacturer | Browning |
|---|---|
| Model | Maxus II Wicked Wing |
| Material | Synthetic stock with overmolded grip panels, aluminum alloy receiver |
| Compatibility | 12 Gauge shells from 2.75in to 3.5in |
| Finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote receiver and barrel, Vintage Tan camo stock |
| Weight | 7 lbs 8 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Back-Bored Barrel & Invector-DS Chokes — The back-boring reduces pellet deformation and recoil, while Invector-DS chokes deliver tighter, more consistent patterns at 40+ yards. Why it matters: You get lethal pattern density on high-flying geese and mallards without switching shells.
- Burnt Bronze Cerakote Finish — The receiver and barrel wear a corrosion-resistant Cerakote that sheds mud, ice, and rust. Why it matters: One season in salt marsh or rain will destroy a blued gun; this finish keeps the action slick and the bore smooth.
- SoftFlex Cheek Pad & Overmolded Grip Panels — The stock integrates a SoftFlex pad that absorbs recoil and a textured grip surface that stays tacky even with wet gloves. Why it matters: You stay on target for follow-up shots without cheek slap or hand slip.
- Power Drive Gas System — Browning’s self-cleaning piston cycles everything from 1-ounce target loads to 3.5-inch magnums without manual adjustment. Why it matters: No gas port tuning, no fiddling with rings — just load and shoot.
- Speed Lock Action & 3.5-Inch Chamber — The rotating bolt and lightweight carrier reduce lock time and cycle fast enough for triple shots on crossing birds. Why it matters: The 3.5-inch chamber lets you use heavy steel or bismuth loads for geese, while still handling light dove loads in the same hunt.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the waterfowler who wants a dedicated marsh gun that won’t rust after a morning in the salt, and who demands reliability with steel, bismuth, and tungsten loads. It’s also for the tech-savvy shooter who appreciates Cerakote finishes, back-bored barrels, and a gas system that runs clean for hundreds of rounds.
Pros & Cons
- Pros: Corrosion-proof finish, cycles 2.75in to 3.5in without adjustment, SoftFlex pad reduces felt recoil, back-bored barrel improves pattern density, Speed Lock action for fast follow-ups.
- Cons: At 7 lbs 8 oz, it’s slightly heavier than some alloy-receiver competitors (e.g., the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is about 6.8 lbs), which can be noticeable on a long walk-in.
Comparison
| Feature | Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing | Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 | Remington V3 Waterfowl Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamber | 3.5in | 3.5in | 3.5in |
| Barrel Length | 28in | 28in | 28in |
| Finish | Burnt Bronze Cerakote | Realtree Timber camo | Mossy Oak Shadow Grass |
| Weight | 7 lbs 8 oz | 6.8 lbs | 7.5 lbs |
| Gas System | Power Drive (self-cleaning) | Inertia Driven | Versaport (gas) |
| Price | $2,099.99 | $1,999.00 | $1,499.00 |
The Maxus II Wicked Wing sits above the V3 in build quality and corrosion resistance, and matches the SBE3 in chamber capacity but adds a gas system that reduces felt recoil — a real advantage during long shooting days.
FAQ
What loads does the Browning Maxus II Wicked Wing cycle reliably?
Per Browning specs, the Power Drive gas system cycles all 12 Gauge loads from 2.75-inch target loads (1 oz) up to 3.5-inch magnum steel. It does not require break-in for light loads — the self-cleaning piston handles them from the first shell.
Is the Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish durable in saltwater?
Yes. Cerakote is a ceramic-based coating that resists salt corrosion, rust, and chemical exposure. Hunters in coastal marshes and tidal estuaries report no visible wear after multiple seasons, though the barrel exterior may show minor holster wear over time.
Does this shotgun come with a shim kit for drop and cast adjustment?
Yes. The Maxus II includes a shim kit that allows you to adjust the stock drop (up to 1.5 inches) and cast (left/right) to fit your face and shooting stance. The SoftFlex cheek pad is also removable for further customization.
Can I use this for turkey hunting or is it strictly waterfowl?
It works for turkey — the 28-inch barrel and Invector-DS chokes handle 3.5-inch turkey loads, and the Vintage Tan camo blends well into spring woods. However, the 3.5-inch chamber and gas system are optimized for waterfowl steel loads, so it’s not a dedicated turkey gun out of the box.
Trust & Delivery
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships in 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout (SSL encrypted)
Browse more semi-automatic shotguns in our Semi Auto Shotguns collection, or check out our Waterfowl Shotguns and Cerakote Shotguns categories for similar builds.
Last updated: April 2026





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