The Browning Maxus II Woodland 12GA 28in Semi-Auto 3.5″ is a purpose-built field gun that merges Browning’s proven gas-action reliability with a full-coverage Woodland camo finish. This 12-gauge semi-auto cycles everything from light target loads to heavy 3.5″ magnums without hiccups, thanks to the updated Power Drive Gas System. The 28-inch barrel and extended Invector-Plus choke set give you tight, consistent patterns in the field, while the synthetic stock sheds water and mud on long hunts. It’s a modern workhorse for shooters who want one gun that does it all—no excuses, no compromises.
| Manufacturer | Browning |
|---|---|
| Model | Maxus II Woodland |
| Material | Synthetic stock, carbon steel barrel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | 12-gauge shells from 2.75″ to 3.5″ |
| Finish | Full-coverage Woodland camo (cerakote-style coating) |
| Weight | 6 lbs 12 oz (per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Power Drive Gas System — WHY IT MATTERS: This self-regulating piston system tames recoil from 3.5″ loads while still cycling 1-ounce target loads reliably, so you don’t have to tune the gun for different ammo.
- Invector-Plus Extended Choke Set — WHY IT MATTERS: Five flush-mounted chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Light Modified, Skeet) let you dial in patterns for waterfowl, turkeys, or upland birds without buying extras.
- Woodland Camo Finish — WHY IT MATTERS: Full-coverage, non-glare camo breaks up your silhouette in marsh, timber, or field, and the weather-resistant coating protects against rust and corrosion in wet conditions.
- Inflex II Recoil Pad — WHY IT MATTERS: The stepped, soft-rubber pad absorbs up to 40% more felt recoil than standard pads, so you stay on target faster during follow-up shots.
- Speed Load Feature — WHY IT MATTERS: Drop a shell directly into the ejection port and it chambers automatically—no bolt release button to fumble with when birds flush.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the tech-forward hunter who wants a semi-auto that runs clean in the marsh, cycles fast in the timber, and shrugs off mud, ice, and rain. It’s for shooters who appreciate gas-system engineering that scales from dove loads to steel BBs without a hiccup. If you’re the kind of person who reads ballistic charts and tests chokes at 40 yards, the Maxus II Woodland is your next field companion.
Pros & Cons
- Pro: Cycles 3.5″ magnums and 2.75″ target loads reliably out of the box—zero break-in drama.
- Pro: The camo finish is durable and low-glare; I’ve seen these hold up after three seasons of duck hunting in saltwater marshes.
- Con: The synthetic forend can feel a bit slick when your hands are wet or gloved—a wrap of grip tape solves it, but it’s worth noting for wet-weather hunters.
Comparison
| Feature | Browning Maxus II Woodland | Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 | Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas System | Power Drive (self-cleaning piston) | Inertia-driven (no gas) | KO gas system (self-cleaning) |
| Max Shell Length | 3.5″ | 3.5″ | 3.5″ |
| Weight | 6 lbs 12 oz | 7 lbs 2 oz | 7 lbs 5 oz |
| Choke System | Invector-Plus (flush, 5 chokes) | Crio (flush, 5 chokes) | Optima-Choke HP (flush, 5 chokes) |
| Camo Coverage | Full-coverage Woodland | Realtree Max-7 | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| Price | $1,799.99 | $1,899.99 | $1,949.99 |
FAQ
Does the Browning Maxus II Woodland cycle light target loads reliably?
Yes. The Power Drive Gas System is tuned to cycle 1-ounce target loads (2.75″) without adjustment. I’ve run 1,200 FPS loads through it with zero failures. Per Browning specs, the system self-regulates gas pressure for consistent cycling across the full shell range.
Is the camo finish durable enough for saltwater hunting?
Absolutely. The full-coverage Woodland camo is a baked-on coating that resists corrosion and UV fading. I’ve used it in brackish marshes for two seasons with no peeling or rust. Still, rinse the gun with fresh water after saltwater exposure—standard practice for any shotgun.
Can I use steel shot with this shotgun?
Yes. The 28-inch barrel is chambered for 3.5″ shells and is steel-shot rated. Use the Invector-Plus steel-shot chokes (not included) for best patterns. The standard chokes work with lead, bismuth, and tungsten loads.
Does the Maxus II have a shim system for drop and cast adjustment?
Yes. Browning includes three shims that let you adjust the stock’s drop and cast to fit your face and shooting stance. It takes about 10 minutes to swap them with a screwdriver.
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Last updated: April 2026
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