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Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto

Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto

It seems the semi-automatic gun is undergoing something of a renaissance at the moment. Well, it is no secret that I have been using them for years. I am a particular fan of gas operated guns because they reduce the forces going through your body. If you are a professional shooter, an amateur who shoots a lot, or, or just someone who does not like recoil, they are definitely good news. I like the single sighting plane too – no problems with point of impact regulation – and, semis have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive (an increasingly important consideration today for many shooters).

Evolution of the Maxus

The smart new Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II on test is the product of a company that has specialised in high volume production of semi-automatic shotguns and launched an entirely new line of gas operated guns about a decade back – the Gold range (and alongside it the SX Winchesters which appear similar, but with subtle differences).

The test gun is an evolution of this. It is a semi deluxe version of the Maxus which I have tested several times and been most impressed with. It shoots well, looks fine and is sensibly priced (even our up market, wood stocked, test gun has an RRP of just £1,250). The gun has a so called, ‘Power Derive’ gas system which really does seem to reduce recoil.  The exhaust ports have been enlarged to aid handling more powerful loads, and, there is a new piston seal which helps to keep crud out of the action. The Maxus has a longer piston stroke too. This improves reliability with lighter loads (the gun is 24gram compatible provided the case is 70m). The trigger is improved - the pull is crisper and lock time reduced - and the barrel profile has been changed to make it faster handling.

The Maxus is more pointable, relatively light in field form, and, intriguingly has a forend which is attached with a lever like an over and under making it very quick to take down and put back together. The barrel is steel shot fleur-de-lys proofed for 3” cartridges and back-bored at 18.8mm. Like most of the Maxus models it is available in 26, 28 and 30” versions (ours is 28”) with a fairly narrow sighting rib. The stock has a full pistol grip, laser cut chequering, and a fairly modernistic, quite angular but ergonomically efficient forend. 

Softer Shooting

The rat’s tail on the back of the breech block, unusually, is spring loaded which makes reassembly much easier too if your remove the working parts. The one piece piston – unlike the similar SX3 Winchester which has a two piece design – has been redesigned to increase reliability. Browning note: “The new gas piston features larger exhaust ports to dump gases faster on heavy loads. An all new patented, enclosed seal design keeps residue out of the action for cleaner operation. The piston has a 20% longer stroke travel to be even more reliable with light loads.”

In addition the Maxus has the new, efficient Inflex recoil pad which together with the back-boring makes for soft shooting. Browning claim that 18% less recoil is transmitted to the shooter “...than any autoloader on the market. The Power Drive Gas System works perfectly with the Inflex Technology recoil pad to reduce muzzle jump as much as 44% compared to the competition.”

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Speed Load – and Unload Too

This gun can be loaded as normal by putting the first cartridge into the open receiver, closing it, and then loading two cartridges into the magazine through the loading gate OR use the ‘Speed Load’ system putting all three cartridges straight into the magazine which automatically chambers the first round, while rounds two and three slide into the magazine tube as normal.

The Maxus also has a magazine cut-off lever on the left side of the action. This allows the chambered round to be removed as a safety measure (or replaced with a different load if required) by operating the bolt by hand. The rounds in the magazine are unaffected, remaining where they are, although you can flip the gun over, push down on the shell lifter with your thumb, then release the cut off lever which allows the cartridges in the magazine to be pushed back out under spring pressure.

There’s a Lot To Like

I like the Maxus guns for the reasons already stated; they are soft to use, the gas system is clever and the trigger is improved too. The stock shapes and dimensions are sound. My only real question is why not make a 32” gun too? (But I ask that of all the makers!)

The test gun comes with 5 Invector Plus chokes and has a plastic rod bead at the muzzle end, and this is my one criticism – in a field gun, I prefer a metal front sight because it is tougher (though the high visibility triangular sight on the basis Maxus is good for low light work).

This is an attractive gun that shoots well at a fair price. I have not shot a poor Maxus yet.

I might also note some of the other models in the extensive Maxus range if the above has tempted you. There is the ‘Carbon Fibre’ Sporting RRP approx. £1200, the 3 ½” Composite at around £1140, the 3 ½” Standard Magnum at £1150, the 3 ½” Mossy Oak Break Up (MOBU) camo and the the Mossy Oak Duck Blind at £1150, and finally the 3” Standard model with black action and synthetic stock at £1,130 - which gets my ‘best buy’ vote. All these models are available in 26, 28 and 30” options. 

PRICE: £1,250 approx

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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  • Browning Maxus Hunter Grade II Semi-auto - image {image:count}

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gun
features

  • Model: : Browning Maxus Grade II Hunter
  • Bore: : 12
  • Barrel: : 28 (26 and 30 available)
  • Chamber: : 3” (steel shot proofed)
  • Rib: : 6mm
  • Chokes: : Invector Plus
  • Weight: : 7lbs approx.
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