Browning Maxus Owner's Manual

mAxus

AutoloAding shotgun

owner’s mAnuAl

™

Important operating instructions for:

BROWNING MAXUS™
AUTOLOADING SHOTGUNS

If you have any questions about your new firearm, this
owner’s manual or other Browning products, contact:

Browning Customer Service
One Browning Place
Morgan, UT 84050-9326
Phone: [phone]
browning.com

Please use the space below to record information about
your new firearm.

Model __________________________________________________

Serial Number ____________________________________________

Purchased From __________________________________________

Date of Purchase __________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING A
BROWNING MAXUS SHOTGUN.

The Maxus shotgun represents the most advanced gas-operated
technology available in autoloading shotguns. Maxus shotguns
combine the best of traditional Browning craftsmanship with
state-of-the-art design and manufacturing. Every detail of the
Maxus Hunter shotgun is engineered to provide you the best in
reliable operation and handling.

With a reasonable amount of care, your Maxus shotgun is designed
to give you many years of dependable, enjoyable service.

CONTENTS PAGE

You are Responsible for Firearms Safety ................................................2

General Description and Operation .......................................................9

Nomenclature ...........................................................................................9

Serial Number ........................................................................................10

Initial Cleaning .......................................................................................10

Operation of the “Safety” ......................................................................11

Assembly .................................................................................................12

Disassembly ............................................................................................14

Ammunition ...........................................................................................15

Magazine Capacity .................................................................................16

Three-Shot Adaptor (Plug) ...................................................................17

Loading ...................................................................................................20

Firing ......................................................................................................23

Unloading ...............................................................................................24

Magazine Cut-Off ..................................................................................25

Interchangeable Choke Tube System ....................................................26

Adjusting Length of Pull........................................................................30

Adjusting Cast and Drop at Comb .......................................................32

Extra Barrels ...........................................................................................35

Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions ...............................................35

Removal of the Trigger Group ..............................................................39

Removal of the Bolt Assembly ..............................................................41

Lubricating the Action Tube and Spring ..............................................44

Maintenance of Oil Finish Stocks .........................................................46

Models with Special Finishes ................................................................47

Service or Repair ....................................................................................48

1

2

3

YOU ARE RESPO N S I BL E FO R FI R E A RM S SA F E TY

fAilure to follow Any of the following wArnings could result
in serious injury or deAth.

As a gun owner, you accept a set of demanding responsibilities. How
seriously you take these responsibilities can be the difference between
life and death.

There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling of any firearm.
At all times handle this firearm and all other firearms with intense
respect for their power and potential danger.

Please read and understand all of the cautions, warnings, notices,
proper handling procedures and instructions outlined in this owner’s
manual before using your new firearm.

1 AlwAys keep the muZZle of your fireArm pointed in A sAfe

direction even though you Are certAin it is unloAded.

Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Be extremely alert and aware of all persons and property within
the range of your ammunition.

2 never rely totAlly on your fireArm’s mechAnicAl “sAfety”

device. like Any mechAnicAl device, A “sAfety” cAn sometimes
fAil; it cAn be jArred or inAdvertently mAnipulAted into An
unsAfe condition.

The word “safety” describes a firearm’s trigger block mechanism,
sear block mechanism, hammer block mechanism or firing pin
block mechanism. Mechanical “safeties” are designed to place your
firearm in a safer status, and no guarantee can be made that the
firearm will not fire even if the “safety” is in the on safe position.
Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun handling and are no
excuse for pointing your firearm’s muzzle in an unsafe direction.
See “Operation of the Safety” on page 11 for instructions on the
operation of this firearm’s “safety.”

Remember, safe gun handling does not stop with your firearm’s

mechanical “safety” devices, it starts there. Always treat this firearm
with the respect due a loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.

Some firearms do not have a mechanical “safety.” Many target

firearms, lever-action firearms and pistols do not have manual
“safety” mechanisms. Therefore it is critical to read and
understand the owner’s manual for every firearm which explains
the safe operation of the firearm.

While it is a good idea to test your firearm’s mechanical “safety”

periodically for proper function, never test the “safety” while your
firearm is loaded or pointed in an unsafe direction.

3 whenever you hAndle Any fireArm, or hAnd it to someone,

AlwAys open the Action immediAtely And visuAlly check the
fireArm’s chAmber to mAke certAin thAt the fireArm is
completely unloAded.

Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently contain any
ammunition. Always keep the chamber empty and the “safety”
in the on safe position unless shooting is imminent.

4 AlwAys weAr eAr And eye protection when shooting.

Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause hearing
damage. Wear hearing protection (shooting ear plugs or muffs)
to guard against such damage.

Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles.

Allow proper distance (eye relief) between a scope and your
eye when firing a scoped rifle, shotgun or pistol. Do not use
unorthodox shooting methods that could cause the rearward travel
of the slide or bolt of a firearm to contact your eyes, face or hands.
Always keep a safe distance between the muzzle of your firearm
and any persons nearby, as muzzle blast, debris and ejecting shells
could inflict serious injury.

Always wear eye protection when disassembling and cleaning any

firearm to prevent the possibility of springs, spring-tensioned
parts, solvents or other agents from contacting your eyes.

4

5

5 keep All fireArms unloAded during trAnsport, even

when stored in A holster, gun cAse, scAbbArd or
other contAiner.

6 dropping or jArring A loAded fireArm cAn cAuse

AccidentAl dischArge.

This can occur even with the “safety” in the on safe position. Be
extremely careful while hunting or during any shooting activity
to avoid dropping any firearm.

7 hunting from elevAted surfAces such As treestAnds

is dAngerous.

Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling a firearm. The
following rules should always be observed by you and those you
hunt with. Always make certain that the stand being used is safe
and stable. Always make certain that your firearm is unloaded
when it is being taken up and down from the stand. Always make
certain that your firearm is not dropped from the stand, or
dropped while it is being taken up or down from the stand.
Remember, a loaded firearm may discharge when dropped, even
with the “safety” in the on safe position.

8 store your fireArm And Ammunition sepArAtely, well beyond

the reAch of children.

Take prudent safeguards to ensure your firearm does not become
available to untrained, inexperienced or unwelcome hands. Store
all firearms in secure, locked cases or a gun safe. Keep your firearm
unloaded when not in use.

9 bewAre of bArrel obstructions.

Mud, snow and an infinite variety of other objects may
inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It only takes a small
obstruction to cause dangerously increased pressures that
can damage your firearm and cause serious injury to yourself
and others.

before checking for A bArrel obstruction, be certAin
your fireArm is completely unloAded, there is not A
live shel l in the chAmber And the “sAfety ” is in the
on sAfe position.

After assuring yourself that the firearm is completely unloaded,

open the breech or action and look through the barrel to be sure it
is clear of obstructions. If an obstruction is seen, no matter how
small it may be, clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as
described on page 36 of this owner’s manual.

10 be Alert to the signs of Ammunition mAlfunction. if you

detect An off sound or light recoil when A shell is fired,
do not loAd Another shell into the chAmber.

If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe
direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Carefully open the action
and remove the shell from the chamber. If the primer is indented,
the defective shell should be disposed of in a way that cannot
cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your firearm should
be examined by a qualified gunsmith and the cause of the
malfunction corrected before further use. Glance down the barrel
to make sure that no obstructions remain in the barrel. Completely
clear the barrel before loading and firing again. Failure to follow
these instructions can cause extensive damage to your firearm and
possible serious injury to yourself and others.

11 never insert A shell of the incorrect gAuge into

Any fireArm.

The gauge of your firearm is marked on the barrel. Store all shells
of different gauges in completely separate and well-marked
containers. Never store shells of mixed gauges in a common
container or in your pockets. See page 15 for more information
on the correct ammunition for your firearm.

6

7

12 exAmine every shell you put in your fireArm.

We assume no responsibility for the use of unsafe or improper
firearm and ammunition combinations or damage or injury
caused by damaged ammunition. It is your responsibility
to read and heed all warnings in this owner’s manual and on
ammunition boxes. See page 15 for more information on the
correct ammunition for your firearm.

13 use only sAAmi Approved Ammunition.

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made with
substantial safety margins beyond the pressures developed by
established American commercial loads. Nevertheless, we can
assume no liability for incidents which occur through the use of
shells of nonstandard dimensions or which develop pressures
in excess of commercially available ammunition which has been
loaded in accordance with standards established by the Sporting
Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).

14 mAke sure of AdequAte ventilAtion in the AreA thAt you

dischArge A fireArm. leAd exposure cAn occur from
dischArging fireArms in poorly ventilAted AreAs, cleAning
fireArms or hAndling Ammunition.

Lead is a substance that has been known to cause birth defects,
reproductive harm and other serious injury. Wash hands
thoroughly after exposure to ammunition or after cleaning
a firearm.

15 do not snAp the firing pin on An empty chAmber; the

chAmber mAy not be empty!

Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded firearm, even
though you are certain the firearm is unloaded.

16 keep your fingers AwAy from the trigger while loAding

And unloAding until shooting is imminent.

17 be sure of your tArget And bAckstop, pArticulArly

during low light periods.

Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at water or
hard objects.

18 AlwAys unloAd your fireArm’s chAmber before crossing

A fence, climbing A tree, jumping A ditch or negotiAting
other obstAcles.

Never place your firearm on or against a fence, tree, car or other
similar object.

19 be defensive And on guArd AgAinst unsAfe gun

hAndling Around you And others.

Don’t be timid when it comes to firearms safety. If you observe
other shooters violating any of these safety precautions, politely
suggest safer handling practices.

20 be certAin your fireArm is unloAded before cleAning.

Because so many firearm accidents occur when a firearm is being
cleaned, special and extreme care should be taken to be sure your
firearm is unloaded before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.
Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location. Never test the
mechanical function of any firearm with live ammunition.

21 teAch And supervise fireArms sAfety to All members of

your fAmily, especiAlly to children And non-shooters.

Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports. Encourage
enrollment in hunting and shooting safety courses.

22 never drink Alcoholic beverAges or tAke Any type

of drugs before or during shooting.

Your vision, motor skills and judgment could be dangerously
impaired, making your gun handling unsafe to you and to others.

8

9

23 reAd And heed All wArnings in this owner’s mAnuAl, on

Ammunition boxes And with All Accessories thAt you instAll
on your fireArm.

It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date information
on the safe handling procedures of your Browning firearm. We
assume no liability for incidents which occur when unsafe or
improper firearm accessories or ammunition combinations
are used.

24 prActice periodic mAintenAnce, Avoid unAuthoriZed servicing.

Your firearm is a mechanical device which will not last forever,
and as such, is subject to wear and requires periodic inspection,
adjustment and service. Browning firearms should be serviced by
a Browning Recommended Service Facility or by our Service
Facility in Arnold, Missouri. We assume no responsibility for
injuries suffered or caused by unauthorized servicing, alterations
or modifications of Browning firearms.

25 we reserve the right to refuse service on fireArms thAt

hAve been Altered, Added to or substAntiAlly chAnged.

Removal of metal from the barrel, or modifications of the firing
mechanism and/or operating parts, may lead to a refusal of service
on such firearms. We will charge you for parts and labor to return
the firearm to original specifications.

do not, under Any circumstAnces, Alter the trigger, sAfety
or other pArts of the firing mechAnism of this or Any
other fireArm. fAilure to obey this wArning mAy result in
injury or deAth to yourself or others.

BE CAREFUL!

figure 1

Front Sight Bead

Barrel

Buttstock

Recoil Pad

“Safety”

Trigger

Bolt Handle

Receiver

Bolt Release Button

Rib

Forearm

Muzzle

Speed Lock Lever

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

The Browning Maxus is a gas-operated, autoloading shotgun capable
of quickly firing up to five shells (with the three-shot adaptor
removed, using 2¾" loads), one shell at a time, with each successive
pull of the trigger. Upon firing, high-pressure gases from behind the
shot charge pass through two ports in the barrel, through the gas
bracket and into the gas system, forcing it rearward. As the gas system
moves rearward, it forces the bolt to the rear, operating the action.
As the bolt moves rearward, it cocks the hammer and ejects the fired
shell. After full rearward travel, the bolt returns forward, picks up a
new shell from the magazine and chambers it. After the last shell
has been fired, the bolt locks to the rear facilitating fast reloading.

NOMENCLATURE

In conventional firearm terminology the position and movement of
firearm parts are described as they occur with the firearm horizontal
and in the normal firing position: i.e., the muzzle is forward or in
front; the buttstock is rearward or to the rear; the trigger is downward
or underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts
nomenclature, refer to Figure 1. For specific parts names related to
disassembly, refer to Figure 2.

10

figure 2

Barrel

Piston Sleeve

Magazine

Three-Shot Adaptor

Forearm

Gas Piston

Barrel Extension

Recoil Pad

Bolt Handle

Trigger Group

Gas Bracket

Slide Link

Bolt

Bolt Slide

Receiver

Trigger Group Pins

Piston Sleeve Spring

SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number of your Maxus shotgun is found on the left side of
the receiver, above the trigger guard. Record this number in the space
provided at the front of this owner's manual for future reference.

INITIAL CLEANING

NOTICE! pleAse tAke n ote of the following inform Ation before
cleAning your fireArm.

CLEANING PARTS WITH SPECIAL FINISHES

Be especially careful when cleaning firearms with camouflage,
Dura-Touch
prevent these surfaces from coming in contact with cleaning solvents,
barrel scrubbers and other strong chemicals. It is preferable to clean
these surfaces with a lightweight gun oil containing no solvents, or
with a damp cloth and mild dish soap (be sure to keep water out of
the action). When cleaning your firearm’s bore and action, protect the
external finishes from any contact with chemicals used. Also, avoid
any contact between external finishes and other strong chemicals like
those found in DEET-containing insect repellents, sunscreens, etc.
Damage to camouflage, Dura-Touch and other finishes caused by
chemicals is irreversible and not repairable.

®

Armor Coating and other special finishes. Always

CLEANING

figure 3

Various exposed metal parts of
your new firearm have been
coated at the factory with a rust
preventative compound. Before
assembling your shotgun, clean
the anti-rust compound from the
inside of the barrel, receiver and
the action/chamber areas. A high­quality lightweight gun oil is ideal
for removing this compound, and

Lightly lubricate the bolt rails inside
the receiver.

for giving your new firearm its first
lubrication. Place a drop of lightweight gun oil on both sides of the
inside of the receiver on the rails on which the bolt slides (Figure 3).
Clean the barrel using a cleaning rod and patch as explained under
“Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” on page 35.

OPERATION OF THE “SAFETY”

AlwAys keep the “sAfety” in the on sAfe position unless
shooting is imminent. AlwAys keep the muZZle pointed in A
sAfe direction. fAilure to follow these wArnings could
result in serious injury or deAth.

figure 4

The “safety” shown in the on safe position.

figure 5

The “safety” shown in the off safe position.

11

12

The “safety” is designed to prevent the trigger from being pulled when
in the on safe position. The “safety” is located at the rear of the trigger
guard (Figure 4, page 11). In the off safe position, a red warning band
is visible on the safety button on the left side of the trigger guard.

To place the firearm on safe, press the “safety” button to the right.
To move the “safety” to the off safe or fire position, press the safety
button to the left. This exposes the red warning band on the “safety”
button (Figure 5, page 11).

figure 6

figure 7

do not depend on the red color Alone to indicAte your
fireArm’s sAfety stAtus. time, exposure to the elements, And
the AbrAsive Action of cleAning Agents cAn erAse it. fAilure to
follow this wArning could result in serious injury or deAth.

The “safety” can be reversed from right- to left-handed by a
qualified gunsmith. When installed, the left-handed “safety” will
have the “safety” button’s red warning band on the right side of
the trigger guard.

ASSEMBLY

AlwAys keep the muZZle pointed in A sAfe direction. before
stArting Assembly procedures, visuAlly inspect the chAmber
to be Absolutely certAin the fireArm is completely unloAded.
plAce the “sAfety” in the on sAfe position. fAilure to follow
this wArning could result in serious injury or deAth.

The Maxus shotgun is delivered in the box with the barrel removed
and the forearm attached to the magazine tube. The Maxus features
the innovative Speed Lock forearm that makes removing the forearm
for cleaning or taking down the shotgun fast and easy.

1 Lock the bolt rearward by pulling the operating handle fully

to the rear.

Press and hold the release button while lifting
the Speed Lock lever.

Align the push rod with the slot in the receiver.

NOTICE! never Allow the Action to slAm closed by pressing
the bolt releAse button without the bArrel instAlled.
if the bolt is releAsed forwArd with the bArrel removed, the
operAting hAndle will strike the receiver And cAuse dAmAge.

2 Remove the forearm from the magazine tube by pressing and

holding the release button while lifting the Speed Lock lever
(Figure 6). Slide the forearm forward and off the magazine tube.

NOTICE! do not squeeZe hArd on the open reAr end of A wood
foreArm. too much pressure could cAuse the wood to split.

3 The gas system remains in place and does not need to be removed

except for cleaning. If the gas system has been removed, reinstall it
as explained below. Otherwise, proceed to step 5.

4 Slide the gas system (push rod end first) onto the magazine tube.

Align the push rod with the slot in the left side of the receiver.
(Figure 7). Make sure the gas system spring is properly positioned.

5 Align the barrel extension with the top of the receiver and place

the gas bracket over the magazine tube (Figure 8, page 14). The
barrel extension should slip solidly into the receiver. Make sure
the push rod moves freely in its slot in the receiver.

13

14

15

figure 8

Slide the barrel and piston o ver the magazine
tube and the barrel extension into the receiver.

figure 9

Ensure the forearm is secured correctly, with
the button flush with the for earm, as shown in
the picture on the left.

6 Replace the forearm by sliding it onto the magazine tube and over

the gas bracket so it seats securely. Make sure the Speed Lock lever
is fully closed. It may be necessary to push rearward on the forearm
slightly to ensure the forearm is locked in place. When the forearm
is in place and the Speed Lock lever is fully locked, the release
button is flush with the surface of the forearm (Figure 9).

AlwAys ensure the foreArm is fully locked And the speed lock
lever releAse button is flush with the surfAce of the foreArm.
fAilure to follow this wArning could result in serious injury,
deAth or dAmAge to your fireArm.

DISASSEMBLY

AlwAys keep the muZZle pointed in A sAfe direction. before
stArting disAssembly procedures, open the Action And visuAlly
inspect the chAmber to be Absolutely certAin the fireArm is
completely unloAded. plAce the “sAfety” in the on sAfe
position. fAilure to follow this wArning could result in
serious injury or deAth.

1 Lock the bolt rearward by pulling the operating handle fully to

the rear.

NOTICE! never Allow the Action to slAm closed by pressing the
bolt releAse button without the bArrel instAlled. if the bolt is
releAsed forwArd with the bArrel removed, the operAting
hAndle will strike the receiver And cAuse dAmAge.

2 Remove the forearm as explained previously.

NOTICE! do not squeeZe hArd on the open reAr end of A wood
foreArm. too much pressure could cAuse the wood to split.

3 For cleaning, remove the barrel and gas system by sliding

them forward and off the magazine tube. See “Cleaning and
Maintenance Suggestions” on page 35 for cleaning procedures.

For storage, remove the barrel and reinstall the forearm over the

magazine tube. You will then have two compact units: the barrel,
and the action with stock and forearm.

NOTICE! After the bArrel hAs been removed, leAve the bolt
in the reArwArd position. do not press the bolt releAse
button. if the bolt is releAsed forwArd with the bArrel
removed, the operAting hAndle will strike the receiver,
cAusing dAmAge.

AMMUNITION

use only shells of the correct gAuge And length. the gAuge
And length of the chAmber is inscribed on the side of the
bArrel. do not use Ammunition other thAn whAt is inscribed
on the side of the bArrel. exAmine every shell you put in your
shotgun. fAilure to follow this wArning could result in
serious injury or deAth And cAuse dAmAge to your shotgun.

use shells of the correct length. do not use 3" or 3½" shells
in A bArrel with A 2¾" chAmber, or 3½" shells in A bArrel with