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.

 

[Lightning_Rider]

I went from browning to the SBEII....and im sure glad i did 

[sakoshooter]

The forearm on an SBE is much shorter and compact than any of the newer gas guns so it might seem there is more out front but that's only because there is. Barrel that is. There is quite a bit more barrel past the forearm of an SBE than most gas guns of comparable barrel length.
SBE barrels are smaller diameter also. Thin, light, point well and swings fast. Weight out front helps with follow thru and there ain't much there on an SBE but practice at the gun club is even better than weight. Practice - better than any gimmic I know of.
Also, all recoil reduction features on an SBEII are aft of the receiver. Not much of anything to create weight out front.

[HoofsandWings]

Which 3.5 has the least kick? My hunting partner is complaining about the kick in his sbe.
How is the maxus on kick for 3.5 shells?

[sakoshooter]

Which 3.5 has the least kick? My hunting partner is complaining about the kick in his sbe.
How is the maxus on kick for 3.5 shells?

Realistically? If your partner is complaining about the recoil of an SBEII, he'll complain about the Maxus, Rem, and Beretta too. These are all great guns with fantastic recoild reduction features but comparing them is like splitting hairs. As it stands now, it's my understanding that the Beretta Extrema II with Kick-Off has the least amount of felt recoil compared to the other top shotguns out there but then it's a heavier gun than the SBEII.
My advice: Quit shooting 3.5" loads or choose a slightly slower velocity load or both.

[YoungBuck]

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

Same here.

[HoofsandWings]

Thanks sakoshooter,
You wrote sbe II. Is sbe II the same as sbe I in terms of recoil? He has a vintage sbe I.

[Stickerbush]

is the maxus a relatively new model? I have a 06 browning catalog and cant find it in there. Whats the price comparison between the sbe2 and maxus? is maxus inertia or gas driven? I never shot one but I was always told thats what makes the sbe so consistent is the inertia ejection. fill in the blanks if Im worng

[Madison]

My buddies Maxus cost him a band.  I just know that i have no problems with my pumps

[sakoshooter]

Thanks sakoshooter,
You wrote sbe II. Is sbe II the same as sbe I in terms of recoil? He has a vintage sbe I.

A Super Black Eagle II has the Comfort Tech Stock and thick gel recoil pad. I also believe the trigger guard is larger than the original Super Black Eagle.
I've never shot the SBE but a friend I duck hunt with hunted with one. I let him shoot my SBEII and he said it kicked a lot less than his SBE. I'll have to take his word for it.