L.P. Brezny of Shotgun Sports Magazine and Scott Butz of Flying Wings Decoys recently took time to test out the 12 Gauge Turkey Hunter Super X Pump in the September 2012 issue of Shotgun Sports Magazine.

"Winchester had introduced the SXP pump action shotgun earlier, and I had reviewed the basic black field gun, a 3" 12 gauge (see the August 2011 issue). This new entry had a lengthened ejection port, shorter open-sight mounted barrel, sling studs, synthetic stock, crossbolt safety and woodland camo finish.  It had been turned into a full-fledged turkey hunter. The receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting your favorite scope."

Positive marks for the SXP were:

• Lightweight design -

"If you have ever been in a position that required sitting with a sighted and mounted shotgun for five or more minutes, you already know the drill quite well.  Heavy guns need not apply."

• The Winchester Inertia Assist system -

"When benchrest shooting for pattern effect, I found the SXP was a 'half auto.' What is that? It just means when the gun was held somewhat relaxed, it tended to recoil enough to send the pump slide rearward and, thus, eject the spent hull, which then required me to push the fresh round forward and into the 3 1/2" chamber"

• Receiver and Action design -

"The very smooth rotary bolt system (which is among the very first ever offered to shotgunners, by the way), the bolt and receiver group have a very even flow when brought to life by the forend slide system."

" As I have stated many times over the years, I believe Winchester's receiver system on their pump guns is one of the most underrated locking systems ever designed for a shotgun."

• Accuracy -

"At 30 yard, even when shooting light 2 3/4" field fodder, the patterns printed almost decapitating effects on the silhouette targets."

• Solid value -

"While not a bottom-level budget gun, it is a solid value in terms of a working man's field gun"

"It is the best deal going at an affordable price."