Maxus vs SBEII

[CP]

Last season I borrowed a friend’s SBEII and was so impressed with it I decided that I had to have one.  But being a Browning guy I ended up getting a Maxus instead.  After hunting most of the season with the Maxus I figured that the two guns were pretty much the same.  But last hunt together we decided to trade guns and I quickly learned they aren’t the same.  

The SBEII is only 4 oz heavier but it seems very barrel heavy, doesn’t point or swing as well.  Even though it’s heavier the SBEII recoil is  ; I’ve been spoiled by the Maxus.  No speed load feature on the SBEII; seems like is trivial point but you have to fuss with a little button to load or unload a shell.  I didn’t realize how much difference that little feature makes.  The finish on the SBEII feels slick while the Maxus is almost sticky; particularly when wet, the Maxus provides a much firmer grip.

I’m sure that we all grow accustom to what we are familiar with but I’m glad that I went with the Maxus.

[D-Rock425]

Don't think you could go wrong with a Browning.

[Stilly bay]

I have both and gotta say (personal fit notwithstanding) the maxus is a slightly better gun.  and the only reason I say slightly is the benelli's camo finish on my SBE2 is complete garbage; and for some reason on mine, if I don't start the shell just right in the magazine it won't go in when reloading. other than that they are both fine weapons and no doubt the maxus will have just as big a following as the SBE2 someday.

[Wackem]

What barrel length do you have or recommend, 26" or 28"

[CP]

I have a 28", would have gone with a 30" if it was offered.  But it's a personal preference.

[PNWsportsman]

Thanks for sharing.  I have been pondering this topic for quite some time.

[Whitenuckles]

 I have used the SBE and SBEII for about 10 years now, and have always thought they were the best gun on the market. But my buddy got the Beretta Extrema 2 weeks ago and all I can say is WOW!...

 I need some new points of view..Thanks for the info!

[sakoshooter]

Isn't the Maxus a gas operated shotgun?

[CP]

Isn't the Maxus a gas operated shotgun?

Yes it is.

[h2ofowlr]

The maxus throws up nice.  Didn't like the lever on the side of the gun.  It is a little heavier feeling in the front end.  This is due to it being a gas system where the Benelli is inertia so the recoil springs in the stock.  Both are good guns.

[Sneaky]

Not a fan of recoil-operated guns-that being said, I have shot the winchester sx3 and found it to be an excellent shotgun. The winchester auto guns are made by FN belgium, same company that made/makes the browning shotguns if I remember correctly. I love those old browning A-5's.

[sakoshooter]

CP, I'm not sticking up for the SBEII just because I have one but I don't believe there's a gas operated shotgun out there that is lighter in the front half than an SBEII. The SBE has nothing at all under the forearm except the shells you load in the magazine. Any gas operated shotgun would have those same shells plus any and all gas system parts under the forearm.
I'm sure the Maxus is a great gun though.

[CP]

The gas piston and sleeve weighs very little is directly under and aft of my hand when I grip the forearm.  I find the SBEII to feel heavier forward of my hand when gripping the forearm ( hence “barrel heavy”).

But hey, your mileage may vary.

I’m not trashing the SBEII, they are both great guns.  Swing them both and see what you think.

[270Shooter]

The gas piston and sleeve weighs very little is directly under and aft of my hand when I grip the forearm.  I find the SBEII to feel heavier forward of my hand when gripping the forearm ( hence “barrel heavy”).

But hey, your mileage may vary.

I’m not trashing the SBEII, they are both great guns.  Swing them both and see what you think.

I know its your opinion, but i just dont see how it is possible becuase benelli shotguns have skinnier barrels than most shotguns out there.

[h2ofowlr]

CP, I'm not sticking up for the SBEII just because I have one but I don't believe there's a gas operated shotgun out there that is lighter in the front half than an SBEII. The SBE has nothing at all under the forearm except the shells you load in the magazine. Any gas operated shotgun would have those same shells plus any and all gas system parts under the forearm.
I'm sure the Maxus is a great gun though.