If you’re going to be ankle deep in cold, swampy marshes waiting for an unfortunate duck to pass by, you might as well look good doing it. Enter the Maxus II Wicked Wing from Browning. Featuring a bronze Cerakote finish on the receiver and matching finish on the barrel, this gas operated 12 gauge turns heads and drops waterfowl left and right. Available in 26” and 28” lengths, this shotgun is feature rich, so let’s dive right into all that it has to offer.
Immediately upon picking up this shotgun, my hands were drawn to the rubber overmolding on the grip and fore-end. It provides optimal control and non-slip surfaces, should you find yourself caught in an untimely downpour. Browning has also introduced the new SoftFlex cheekpad, providing the ultimate rest when mounting the gun. Recoil is almost an afterthought with the Inflex Technology recoil pad. The pad is fantastic at absorbing felt recoil, which I’ll be especially grateful for during off-season rounds of sporting clays!
While often overlooked, I’m highly impressed with the smooth functions and easy to operate controls. The oversized bolt handle makes operation second nature. Few frustrations compare to missing a shot due to fumbling with your gun with cold, stiff fingers. Browning’s Power Drive gas system is another advantage, making the Maxus II attractive to hunters of all skill levels. The two main benefits of a shotgun being “gas operated” are faster shooting, because you don’t have to pump the gun to chamber a shell, and reduced recoil. The Power Drive system also increases reliability with multiple types of shells and helps the gun run cleanly.
The Invector Plus interchangeable choke tube system allows you to choose from a variety of choke tubes and pick the perfect one for their intended application. The Maxus II comes equipped with full, modified and improved cylinder chokes.
For anyone who’s had to hunt with a shotgun with a gritty trigger, you’ll be relieved to hear that the trigger squeeze on the Magnus II is like cutting through butter. When it is time for the Wicked Wing to go bang, the trigger breaks clean and there is not an excessive amount of travel beforehand. Browning’s Speed Load Plus system autoloads the first shell inserted into the magazine directly into the chamber. Seconds count when hunting waterfowl or any sort of winged creature so this smooth process significantly helps your chances of a harvest. While Mr. Mallard won’t appreciate the Speed Load Plus, it’s a game changer for those like me who don’t do anything fast!
I could go on and on about the best features and benefits of the Maxus II Wicked Wing … but one thing I will never do is recommend a gun to someone simply because it fits me. Choosing a gun, regardless of the type, is a very personal decision, and what works for someone else may not work for you. However, if you are in the market for a new shotgun, I invite you to try the Wicked Wing and experience all of the amazing features for yourself!
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