B25Modelman Posted May 31, 2016 Report Share Posted May 31, 2016 (edited) My venture into buying a Browning auto was done on a whim. In October 2015 I looked at the nice Maxus pictures on the Browning web and read a few reviews before buying a new gun. The gun has now shot between 900 and 1000 cartridges so I thought I would pass a few comments. Following on from an outing last week where the gun misfired 6 cartridges I carried out a close® inspection of the parts. Note: It HAD been fully cleaned and lubricated prior to that day (as I always do after using any gun). During cleaning I noticed this mark on the bolt, I was a little concerned as to how it got there but after looking back at pre purchase photos and Googling, I concluded it has been there from day one as supplied and there are many new and s/h guns showing the same mark. There are also some that don't have the mark. I assume it's done while assembling the parts in a certain way because all the marks look identical. I will not upload every other gun but just this one to show I am not BS'ing. UPDATE: 31/05, Under very high magnification it is the Perron proof stamp for a guns breech as shown on the left of the two here How many of you Maxus users have noticed it and wondered. The forend I have found to be bulky because I am used to the slim, special sporting, forends on my O/U's. It's chequering is also rather sharp but it is still new. The safety is intrusive to my trigger finger (I can just feel its presence but I can live with it). The cut-off was also intrusive to my left hand so I have replaced it with a blanking plate (described in another topic). The recoil may not be as soft as promoted. The gun has otherwise performed well over the 6 months with only the last outing showing some problems which may have been cartridge related. I have stuck with using the 1/4 Inv+ choke supplied and it throws an excellent pattern...judged by the consistently good breaks at acceptable sporting distances (10 to 40 yards). In short I would suggest trying before buying and with the cartridges you normally use. Had I done this I probably would not have purchased it based on the above handling problems...for me that is. Others may and will find it suits them. I will though be putting another 1000 or so cartridges through it before deciding on the way ahead. Edited May 31, 2016 by B25Modelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HH1 Posted June 2, 2016 Report Share Posted June 2, 2016 The Maxus is a nice gun. I passed mine on to my father who still has it so when I get chance I will have a look for the proof mark on the bolt. I don't recall having any problems with cartridges, but I certainly did with my brand new Browning A5 125th Anniversary model that jammed with 67mm cartridges. I have not had any problem after realising that it requires 70mm cartridges to cycle properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2016 (edited) Update: I picked up a 1000 Gamebore Evo #8 Fibres this morning and headed to Spitfire. After 120 cartridges and absolutely no problems whatsoever. 1. The rapid load is much better with these cartridges for some unknown reason. 2. Not one jam or misfire in the 120. 3. They are cheaper than the CPS #8 competitions. MUCH because I can now buy them local and no carriage charges. I also used the cylinder choke which surprisingly minced all the distance targets thrown at Spitfire. While out I viewed and held the A5 Ultimate Ducks and the Benelli 828U. Both guns felt good for me, out of the box, with maybe a little comb lowering with the shims. The 828U is exceedingly nice and not as light as I thought it would be from all the reports. The finish is superb especially the chequering which unlike conventional diamond is a type of 'fish scale' effect and not sharp. Very nice. Edited June 16, 2016 by B25Modelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 16, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 16, 2016 I am somewhat confused with Brownings brochures where they state the Premium Grade 3 is 'top of the line in the Maxus family'. My interpretation of top of the line is that it is the more expensive of any model yet the Maxus Ultimate Partridges is more expensive. Obviously not counting dealer deals. I am referring to their RRP pricing. Premium G3 = £1363 UP = £1437 It also appears the Ultimate Ducks has been culled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katash Posted June 16, 2016 Report Share Posted June 16, 2016 I have an UP - fantastic gun and very light on recoil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ravanelli Posted June 21, 2016 Report Share Posted June 21, 2016 Just bought a mint one the other day (3.5 inch) Speed load function didn't work at all whilst I tested at the clay ground. Wouldn't cycle 28/7.5 I was trying to get rid of. Worked great with Gamebore 32/6 but speed load function still not working??? Gun was cleaned and oiled before use...... Anyway got home and sprayed a little WD40 on, and hey presto, speed load worked fine!!!!! What was I doing wrong, if anything ?? Surely it couldn't be the small amount of WD40 that solved the issue?? Rav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie10 Posted June 22, 2016 Report Share Posted June 22, 2016 Just bought a mint one the other day (3.5 inch) Speed load function didn't work at all whilst I tested at the clay ground. Wouldn't cycle 28/7.5 I was trying to get rid of. Worked great with Gamebore 32/6 but speed load function still not working? ?? Gun was cleaned and oiled before use...... Anyway got home and sprayed a little WD40 on, and hey presto, speed load worked fine!!!!! What was I doing wrong, if anything ?? Surely it couldn't be the small amount of WD40 that solved the issue? ? Rav Probably not pushing them in far enough. Find my maxus great to use. Not sure why people are using small load clay carts in them. They need a few decent carts through them before they can handle the smaller stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2016 Probably not pushing them in far enough. Find my maxus great to use. Not sure why people are using small load clay carts in them. They need a few decent carts through them before they can handle the smaller stuff. 28g is not small it appears the norm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie10 Posted June 23, 2016 Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 I started mine with 32g I believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B25Modelman Posted June 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2016 (edited) I started mine with 32g I believe. What exactly does using higher g cartridges accomplish with a 'new' gun. I rather think an old wives tale. The Maxus manual states 1oz (28 grams) and heavier. A well maintained and lubricated parts gun is the answer. Quality brand and not necessarily the most expensive cartridges, as I think was my case, play a big part. Edited June 23, 2016 by B25Modelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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