Description
It was one of those late-season goose hunts where the birds were wise and the wind was a liar. My old pump gun felt slow, clumsy. I needed something that swung like a thought and hit like a promise. That’s when I started looking seriously at the Browning Cyndery Wicked Wing Over-Under 12 Ga, 30″ Barrel, 3.5″, Bottomland, Burnt Bronze, 2rd. Here’s what I found after putting a few cases of shells through it.
The Browning Cyndery Wicked Wing is a purpose-built over-under shotgun designed for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters. It features a 30-inch barrel, accepts 3.5-inch magnum shells, and comes in a Bottomland camo pattern with distinctive Burnt Bronze metal finishes. It’s a durable, high-performance field gun that handles the toughest conditions without complaint.
Let’s start with the obvious: this gun is built for the marsh and the field, not the showroom. The Bottomland camo isn’t just a dip; it’s a full coverage, textured finish that breaks up your outline perfectly in a blind or against timber. The Burnt Bronze receiver and trigger guard? That’s not just for looks. It’s a Cerakote-type finish that laughs at moisture, rust, and the general abuse a waterfowl season dishes out. I’ve dragged this thing through Missouri mud and rinsed it off at the end of the day with zero worry.
The heart of the Wicked Wing is its 30-inch barrel set. Look, long barrels get a bad rap sometimes for being slow, but with an over-under’s balance point, that 30-inch length gives you a smooth, steady swing that’s perfect for tracking high-flying geese or crossing ducks. It points naturally. The Invector-DS chokes are Browning’s extended, ported design, and they come with the gun. I’ve found the Modified and Improved Cylinder tubes handle 90% of my waterfowl needs, and they’re drop-in ready—no gunsmithing required to swap patterns. The 3.5-inch chamber is your ticket to the heaviest waterfowl loads, giving you that extra payload when you need to reach out. The gun weighs in at a manageable 7.5 lbs, which is solid enough to soak up recoil but not so heavy you can’t carry it all day.
Mechanically, it’s classic Browning Citori. The action locks up tight with a low-profile, single selective trigger. The ejection is crisp and positive. I appreciate the palm-filling walnut stock with its satin finish and the Inflex Technology recoil pad—it genuinely takes the sting out of those big 3.5″ magnums. Is it as slick as a $10,000 Perazzi? No. But for a field gun you’re going to actually use, it’s incredibly reliable and refined. At $2070.90, it sits in that sweet spot between mass-produced shotguns and true custom guns.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3.5″ |
| Barrel Length | 30 Inches |
| Overall Length | 47.5 Inches (approx.) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
| Finish | Bottomland Camo, Burnt Bronze Metal |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Incredibly durable finishes stand up to harsh conditions. The 30″ barrel provides excellent swing dynamics for waterfowl. Handles the full range of 12-gauge shells up to 3.5″ magnums. Proven Citori action is dead reliable. The Inflex pad makes shooting heavy loads bearable.
Cons: It’s a specialized tool—the long barrel and camo make it less ideal for upland or clays. The price point is an investment. Some may find the 30″ barrel a bit long for tight-quarters timber hunting.
Who This Gun Is For
This is for the hunter who chases ducks and geese from November through January and doesn’t want to baby their equipment. It’s for the turkey hunter who wants a dedicated, camouflaged gun for the spring woods. If you’re the type who values a smooth swing, absolute reliability in cold weather, and a finish that won’t quit, this is your shotgun. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to qualified buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Burnt Bronze finish durable, or will it wear quickly?
A: It’s very durable. The Burnt Bronze is a ceramic-based coating applied to the steel, similar to Cerakote. It’s highly resistant to corrosion, scratches, and wear from normal field use. I haven’t seen any holster wear or significant finish loss on mine.
Q: Can I use this for sporting clays or upland hunting?
A: You absolutely can, but it’s not optimized for it. The 30″ barrel and 7.5 lb weight are great for a steady swing on predictable bird lines, but might feel a bit slow on fast, close-flushing quail or dove. The Bottomland camo is also overkill for the clays course. It’s a specialist.
Q: What chokes does it come with, and are they compatible with other Browning tubes?
A: It comes with a set of Invector-DS extended, ported chokes (typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full). They use Browning’s standard Invector-DS threading, so you can use any aftermarket choke from brands like Briley or Carlson’s that are made for that specific thread pattern.
If you’ve been waiting for a no-compromise over-under built specifically for the waterfowl and turkey seasons, the Cyndery Wicked Wing deserves a close look. Check its availability with your local FFL.
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