Thoughts on Winchester SX3 Semiauto shotguns?

[johng]

Hi,

I have been looking at getting a Winchester SX3 Semiauto shotgun in 20 gauge for upland bird hunting.  Does anyone have any experience with the SX3 in 12 gauge or 20 gauge and what are your thoughts on these shotguns?  Any insight would be greatly appreciated before I drop 9 hundro on this gun!         

Thanks!

Jg
 

[h20hunter]

I do in the 12. Love it.

[johng]

Wow!!! I love this site... that was quick H20Hunter.  Thanks!!  Do you ever have trouble with it not cycling rounds properly?  Works fine in wet conditions I am guessing from your name? 

[h20hunter]

It has eaten everything I've ever fed it. Hunted in the dry and dusty and the wet and cold. No issues.

[Goldeneye]

I've hunted my SX3 12g hard for 3 years now.  In that time it's been to Saskatchewan where I've put a lot of shells through it in short order then hunted around here in the salt marshes.  I cannot remember a jam happening.  Solid guns..

[BigGoonTuna]

i've heard nothing but good things about the SX3.  pretty much a sister of the browning maxus mechanically(other than the forend).  i was saving up to buy one until i ended up with a deal too good to pass up on a benelli.

[johng]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  How is the 12 Gauge SX3 feel to carry on an all day upland hunt?  Debating between the SX3 in 12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge....

Speaking of Benelli's Tuna, I have a Benelli Nova in 12 Gauge that I like ok but man o man that thing starts to feel like a ton of bricks after a day chasing quail, grouse or pheasant.  It can blast ducks at good range but I think it is meant more for waterfowl than upland.  Oh!  One more question on the Benelli for ya.... not sure if you have the Nova or Super Nova or what but what do u think of the trigger pull on it?

Cheers!

- Jg

[CP]

I’d go with the 12g, there is only about a 6oz difference between the 20g & the 12g.  I have a Maxus, which as BGT pointed out is practically the same gun.  12g, 3 ½” chamber, weighs 7lbs, light enough to carry all day. Cycles my 3/4oz reloads, 3 ½” magnums and everything in between.

[Brad Harshman]

Alright - it's been over year since we discussed this.  Anything to update?  Is the SX3 still a good gun? 

[h2ofowlr]

It seems to be a good gun.  I have the SX3 in .20 gauge.  It's my crow and pigeon gun.  I love shooting it.  Light, quick cycling and throws up nicely.

[Brad Harshman]

I handled one today and compared it to the stoeger m3500.  Both had 28" barrels but the SX3 was one to two inches shorter overall.  The difference was in the receiver/action.  I'm 5'7" tall and this shorter shotgun felt better.

[johng]

Well, I plunked down the $$ and bought a SX3 in 20 gauge and I have to say I really like it.  It is a bad ass upland gun.  Brad, I would say that whatever gun mounts the best for you that is the one to go with.  Also Brad, do you have two brothers named Ryan and Darik?  Maybe this isn't the same Brad.  Either way hope u get the right gun for you.