Browning Maxus Sporting Golden Clays - new user report

[DHart]

I posted this in another thread and then thought that perhaps some people might be interested in this gun in its own thread, so...

I wanted to add a semi auto as a second sporting/hunting gun, complimenting my Browning 725 Sporting, which is an o/u sporting clays gun.

After much homework, I decided I wanted a Maxus Sporting Golden Clays model. I absolutely love how this gun handles, swings, and shoots. Mine has been stone reliable, even with just 1 oz. light target loads. Haven't hunted with it yet, just clays so far. Very appealing gun! 30" barrel with the semi-auto action gives a sighting radius similar to a 32" o/u gun. This thing is like a long magic wand that just reaches out and turns clays to dust!



in the wife's hands






My wife took the camera and managed to get a pic of me nailing a true pair... rabbit dusted on the ground, bird dusted in the air, second shell still flying. Man how I love this gun! I've been fortunate to be able to shoot it nearly every day for the last couple of weeks while here in Phoenix near the Ben Avery range... fantastic range, awesome weather... life is good.


The range of Maxus models is great.... something for every need, different barrel lengths, some 3" chambers, some 3.5" chambers, wood, composite, camo, yada yada. I've found some of these models to be quite available in shops, except the fancy ones, like the Sporting Golden Clays... much harder to locate... but possible, with some time and effort!

[Dannicus]

Very nice. FN making those for Browning, too? I like the new O/U. I'll never blow that much on a shotgun, tho.

[DHart]

Yes, the 725 Citori guns are awesome guns... the best Citoris ever made. They made some significant changes to the Citori line with the 725.

FN owns Browning and Winchester and has the Browning Citori and Maxus guns (and the Winchester Super X guns and Winchester lever rifles, as well) made for them by Miroku, Japan. Miroku has been making a good number of Winchester and Browning rifles and shotguns guns for quite some time. They build arguably finer quality Brownings and Winchesters than have been made here in quite some time. (Sad to say.)

As you would expect from Japanese production these days, the craftsmanship and quality is exceptional for what is considered to be a "moderate" price, compared to much of the super premium priced competition from Italy. As expensive as these Brownings are, they're considered high "value" guns, as compared to the uber-fancy Italian made guns in the $5k to $15k+ range (P- and K- guns, for example.)

[Dannicus]

They're all over the place, then. I have a new 101 that's made by FN in Belgium, and a SXP made in Turkey.

[alfred1222]

Yes, the 725 Citori guns are awesome guns... the best Citoris ever made. They made some significant changes to the Citori line with the 725.

I disagree, I think the 625 beats out the 725 in every aspect. It used buyer grade wood, better engraving, is more readily available with an adjustable comb, and is much better balanced for an even steady swing.

[Dannicus]

I was referring to the Cynergy anyways.

[DHart]

I disagree, I think the 625 beats out the 725 in every aspect. It used buyer grade wood, better engraving, is more readily available with an adjustable comb, and is much better balanced for an even steady swing.

Lots of folks find that by comparison to the 725, earlier Citoris feel like swinging a lead 2x4. But if you're used to that and like it.... stick with it!

The 725 handles delightfully. The gun is easy to shoot for a long period of time... not too heavy, not too light. The new mechanical triggers are wonderful. And the Invector DS chokes are a good design. The recoil pad design is excellent. Models with adjustable combs are available now, if that's something you need. Not everyone does. I like the clean receiver look on the 725 Sporting without swirly engraving. And the wood on my 725 Sporting is gorgeous. But to each his own.





Obviously, a lot of people, including top competitors are loving the new 725, but people being people, certainly there will be those who like something else. Shoot what you like and enjoy. It's all good.

[chayden]

Thanks for the report. I've been debating getting an A5 or a Maxus. That gives me some real life info to help decide.