7 Great Winchester SXP Shotguns You Can Count On

Pump-action shotguns are popular with shotgunners, and over its storied tenure, Winchester has crafted some brilliant models. One, the Winchester Speed Pump, also known as the Model 1300, was favored by hunters and recreational shooters alike for its blend of performance, reliability, and value. Specifically, the rotating bolt and inertia-assisted slide design allowed the 1300 to cycle spent hulls faster than most pump-action shotguns. When fired, the recoil would partially drive the bolt toward the rear, giving the shotgunner a head start on the required pump stroke, which allowed for faster follow-up shots.

In 2010, Winchester replaced its popular Speed Pump with a new pump-action model, one that has dominated fields, waters, and turned flying discs of orange into puffs of smoke. Dubbed the Winchester SXP, this lineup of pump-action shotguns follows the rapid pump-action cycle set forth by the Model 1300. The SXP utilizes an inertia-assisted rotary bolt, which helps the action open quickly and smoothly during recoil, thereby speeding up the pump stroke. SXP shotguns feature an alloy receiver that reduces weight and boosts overall reliability. 

SXP shotguns are renowned worldwide for their ability to run in the most extreme conditions Mother Nature can dish out. Because SXP shotguns are so widespread and trusted by so many, Winchester has grown the SXP lineup to include more than 40 models.

Let’s dive in.

A pump-action that looks this good shouldn’t come with a price tag under $600, but the SXP Upland Field does. Available in 12- and 20-gauge models, the SXP Upland Field features an engraved upland scene and a matte nickel receiver finish. The Grade II/III Turkish walnut stock and forearm, with a satin finish, help this pump-action stand out.

The matte blued barrel has a ventilated top rib and a TruGlo® fiber-optic sight. The four-lug rotary bolt promises secure lock-up, the alloy receiver is virtually indestructible, and the Inflex recoil pad absorbs felt recoil, allowing you to transition smoothly from one target to the next. The Upland Field comes with a trio (F, M, IC) of Invector-Plus choke tubes, and the Reversible Crossbolt Safety means the shotgun can be tailored for right or left-hand use.

One of the very best pump-action shotguns available for under $450, the SXP Black Shadow is a superior all-around pump-action shotgun featuring an ultra-durable synthetic stock with textured gripping surfaces that ensure a secure hold in all conditions. The forearm is sleek and easy to handle, and the shotgun is available in 12-gauge with either a 3 or 3-1/2-inch chamber, and in 20-gauge, making it a versatile pump-action that’s a must-have addition to your gun safe.

The Back-Bored barrel with Invector-Plus chokes ensures reliable and consistent patterns, and the brass bead sight provides an open, natural sight picture. The Speed-Slug System three-shot adaptor is easily removed without the need for tools. A chrome-plated chamber and bore resist rust and corrosion. The hard chrome also reinforces the interior surfaces against mechanical wear and tear.

A durable shotgun you can carry in the back of the truck and use to chase doves, pheasants, quail, and more with — and never have to worry about a malfunction — Winchester's SXP Field is an excellent pump-action go-to. The satin finish stock and forearm are checkered and provide a solid fit and feel, giving this pump-action a classic look. The vent-rib barrel is capped with a simple, but effective, brass bead sight that enables precise eye-to-rib alignment for more consistent shooting.

The SXP Field has a 3-inch chamber and is available in 12 and 20-gauge models. The inertia-assisted pump-action means quick, clean cycling and chambering, and the shotgun’s drop out trigger group is handy when it’s time to clean your SXP. Like most SXP models, the SXP Field hits an under $500 price point and promises the rugged reliability you need to be successful in the field without having to empty your wallet.

A do-all SXP pump-action shotgun ready to tackle all of your hunting needs, the Universal Hunter comes covered in effective Mossy Oak® DNA® camo — the only black on the gun is the trigger guard, Inflex Recoil Pad, and ejection port. This pump-action blends into most any terrain, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for an optional Winchester scope base to mount a red dot sight.

Available in multiple 12-gauge offerings in barrel lengths of 24, 26, and 28 inches and in 3 and 3-1/2-inch chambers, you can pick an SXP Universal Hunter that best meets your hunting needs. The SXP Universal Hunter is also available in the above-mentioned barrel lengths, with a 3-inch,  20-gauge chamber.

The front-mounted TruGlo® sight means easy target acquisition in any lighting condition. Sling swivel studs let you add a sling of your choice, which makes toting the shotgun easy when you’re traversing terrain on your way to a duck blind, goose field, or the turkey woods.

The SXP Universal Hunter comes with three (F, M, IC) Invector-Plus choke tubes, and this pump-action shotgun will stand up to as much abuse as you can dish out.

Ready for the woods and cloaked in your choice of eight camo patterns, the SXP Hybrid Hunter features a dipped camo stock and forearm paired with a Perma-Coat finish on the barrel and receiver. Available in 12- and 20-gauge models, the 12-gauge builds offer 3- and 3.5-inch chamber options, while the 20-gauge models come with a 3-inch chamber.

Like all SXP models, the pump-action operation is smooth and ultra-reliable, regardless of the conditions. The shotgun features a black chrome finish on the bolt, barrel, slide, and action, and the durable E-Coating on the magazine tube resists rust and corrosion.

Winchester has done a remarkable job of crafting an SXP model that will fit every shooter. Enter the SXP Field Micro. The pump-action’s 12-inch length of pull allows smaller-framed shooters to handle and maneuver this shotgun with ease. The 12-gauge model, with a 20-inch barrel, weighs just 6 pounds 2 ounces, and the 20-gauge model, with a 20-inch barrel, weighs only 6 pounds. Shotgunners need to shoot a gun that fits them well, and the Field Micro builds shooting confidence quickly.

The Field Micro sports top-end SXP features like the Speed-Plug System, chrome chamber and bore, aluminum alloy receiver, and Back-Bored Technology. The Grade I walnut stock, featuring a satin finish, combines with the matte black barrel to give this trusted pump-action a classic Winchester SXP look.

Designed for those who roam river bottoms, marshes, and muddy fields in search of waterfowl nirvana, the SXP Waterfowl Hunter is available in many camouflage options to ensure concealment and give the shotgun a jump-off-the-shelf look. Like all SXP models, the Waterfowl Hunter takes reliability and functionality to levels any serious waterfowl hunter will appreciate, and the three Invector-Plus (F, M, IC) chokes and chrome chamber and bore will handle lead, steel, bismuth, tungsten, and blends to ensure dense patterns that will lead to limits.

The SXP Waterfowl Hunter Camo has a TruGlo® fiber-optic sight, sling swivel studs, reversible crossbolt safety, and more.

Pump-action shotguns are not only excellent for new shotgunners, but they are a staple for seasoned veterans as well. When it comes to reliability and functionality, you can’t beat Winchester’s winning lineup of SXP shotguns.

To view the entire SXP lineup, CLICK HERE.