Browning’s New Signature Autoloader: The Maxus

A dozen other writers and I put several hundred rounds through Browning’s latest creation and only one jam was reported. Considering we shot prototypes that were still being fine-tuned, that is a very impressive statistic.

Like Brownings of old, the Maxus' magazine features a cut-off lever.

The Maxus will replace the Gold—which I shall mourn—but it borrows and updates some of the best features of the Gold and its cousin, the Winchester Super X.

The Browning’s patent-pending magazine plug can be removed with any vehicle key. Truly innovative!

The Maxus’ fore-end detaches with a small latch similar to those found on over/unders.

A “Dura-Touch Armor Coating” on the composite fore-end gave solid purchase.

The Maxus weighs under seven pounds, so it's easily carried. The gun is so light, though, I feared its handling characteristics would suffer. I'd still prefer a tad more heft, but the Maxus handled without most of the choppiness and lack of balance that tend to accompany light guns. Recoil was also far softer than I expected based on weight.

The Maxus immediately chambers the first round inserted into the magazine.

Guns will initially be offered in 12 gauge with a matte black or camo finish and composite stocks. The receiver is composed of an aluminum alloy. Barrels will be available in 26 or 28 inches. Suggested retail is $1,199-$1,499.

According to Browning, the Maxus has the fastest bolt speed and lock-time available on any shotgun.

The Maxus’ gas-regulation system will be familiar to owners of the Browning Gold and Winchester Super X. Like its predecessor, the “Power Drive Gas System” is easily cleaned and reliable with light and stout loads. The new piston is smartly improved, however, with larger exhaust ports to expel the gas of heavy loads and a 20-percent longer stroke for better reliability with light loads.

The Browning is back-bored and its forcing cone is 2.5 inches in length.

The Maxus has a sleek, streamlined fore-end. I worried it would be too thin for my big paws, but it provided plenty of real estate between my fingers and the barrel.

Sal Roseland of R&R Pheasant Hunting (r-rpheasanthunting.com) provided plenty of birds for the Maxus’ field test.