Winchester SXP Trap Guns

Winchester’s pump-action shotgun roots run deep. The Model 97, also known as the “trench broom” due to its effectiveness in close quarters combat during World War I, was also trusted by hunters and law enforcement officers alike. On the heels of the Model 97 was the Model 12, which many sportsmen and women still use today. Unlike the Model 97, the Model 12 uses an internal hammer design. The Model 12 set the standard for pump-action shotgun design and was in production from 1912 to 1964; with a short resurrection of the 12-gauge version lasting from 1972 through 1979. The Model 1200 replaced the Model 12 and soldiers used both models during the Vietnam War. The Model 1300, which replaced the Model 1200, was well-known for its lightweight, fast-handling design. The 1300, often referred to as the Speed Pump because of its inertia-assisted pump action design, was produced until 2006. 

You can see where I’m going with this, right? Winchester Repeating Arms makes excellent firearms, and they are particularly renowned for their superb pump-action shotguns. Today, the flagship pump-action in the Winchester lineup is the Super X Pump — the SXP. This is a top-end pump-action shotgun that is offered in a variety of designs to meet the needs of every shooter, available at an attractive price range.  

Recently, I had the chance to sit down with Winchester Product Manager Ryan Swaner to pick his brain on what makes the SXP such a great pump-action choice.

JB: What makes the SXP such a popular shotgun?

RS: First, pump-action shotguns are great learning shotguns, but many experienced shotgunners also prefer a pump over a semi-automatic or over/under. Regarding the SXP, we have over 40 different models. We offer a range of SXP’s, including trap guns, turkey guns, waterfowl guns, field guns, deer guns, and defense guns. Plus, in most of those categories, we offer multiple models. There truly is an SXP for every shotgunner out there. In addition to the full-size guns, we provide shorter length-of-pull models for smaller-framed shooters. We offer a range of wood stocks and synthetics; we strive to deliver it all in the SXP line, and we’ve done a great job at that.

JB: Tell me about Winchester Repeating Arms’ SXP Trap Models.

RS: We have the full-size SXP Trap and the SXP Trap Compact. Both have been in our SXP line for quite some time. Both trap guns are priced under $600, making them excellent entry-level options. 

Some of the specific features that make these shotguns ideal for trap shooting include the fiber-optic front sight with a mid-bead, which allows you to correctly align the sights and break more clays. Both wear a Monte Carlo stock, which features a raised comb. The rib is wider, and a POI of 70/30 is achieved through the higher comb and rib. Most trap shooters want a 70/30 POI, which means 70 percent of the shot pattern is above the clay, and 30 percent is below it. A 70/30 POI makes it much easier to hit rising targets, as 70 percent of the pattern impacts above the point of aim. 

JB: Are 12- or 20-gauge trap shotguns more popular?

RS: Trap guys like to break targets hard and fast, which makes the 12-gauge popular, but we offer the SXP Trap Compact in 20-gauge with barrel options of 28 and 30 inches. This shotgun is an excellent entry-level shotgun for shooters who are sensitive to recoil. We also offer the SXP Trap Compact in 12-gauge and available in the same barrel lengths. 

Our standard SXP Trap, available in 12-gauge only, is offered with 30- and 32-inch barrels. Trap shooters prefer longer barrel lengths because they promote a smooth, consistent swing and follow-through — essential for breaking clay targets that rise and fly away.

JB: Why the wider rib?

RS: The wider rib helps you track and stay on target. When you’re shooting trap, it enables you to follow the target as it rises. That rib, blended with the 70/30 POI, will help you bust a lot more clays.

JB: Tell me about the SXP High Grade Trap.

RS: That shotgun is new for us this year. We are excited about it. Our thinking behind the SXP High Grade Trap design was to add some eye appeal while still providing a ton of excellent features specific to the shooting discipline of trap, all while keeping the gun under $660.

The SXP High Grade Trap is available in 12-gauge only and is available in 30- and 32-inch barrel options. The shotgun features a beautiful Turkish walnut stock with a high-profile trap comb and wide forearm with traditional checkering. We opted for a gloss finish on the aluminum alloy receiver. It features a 5/16-inch trap rib, TRUGLO fiber-optic front sight, and an ivory mid-bead. Our Back-Bored Technology, combined with the Invector-Plus choke tube system, ensure consistent shot patterns that will easily shatter clays from the 27-yard line, the farthest back in the sport of trap.

This shotgun is built to last. Like all SXP models, it features the inertia-assisted pump action design and a chrome-plated chamber and bore to ensure these surfaces won’t corrode or wear down, even after thousands of shots. The SXP High Grade Trap is an excellent entry-level trap gun with a higher level of finish, yet it still hits a price point for a novice or casual target shooter.