Dominate Ducks with Winchester's SXP & SX4 Shotguns

Choosing the right shotgun for duck hunting is the difference between an unforgettable day in the marsh and one filled with utter frustration. Last fall, on the leading edge of a significant weather front, we watched in awe as flight after flight of mallards swung, cupped, and dumped into our spread of floating impostors. The shooting, for some of us, was fast and furious. Others, due to the freezing temperatures and moisture-filled air, did more battling with their shotguns than they did with migrating greenheads.

Among the myriad options available to hunters, shotguns manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms consistently stand out for their reliability, performance, and heritage. For generations, Winchester has been synonymous with quality firearms, combining innovative engineering with a rich tradition that appeals to both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike.

In field and water environments, when fast-flying ducks are the target, Winchester shotguns offer a unique blend of versatility, durability, and efficiency. In this article, we will explore the key features that make Winchester shotguns exceptional duck guns, from their smooth operation and customizable options to their iconic designs that have gained the trust of waterfowl hunters worldwide.

At Winchester Repeating Arms, our goal is to offer a shotgun model for every hunter. Our SXP and SX4 lineups meet and exceed that goal.

Pump-action shotguns take to waterfowl hunting like Kobe took to basketball; you don’t think of one without thinking of the other. What makes pump-action shotguns an excellent choice for any waterfowl pursuit includes their reliability in adverse weather conditions, smooth cycling between shots, and their price tag. We don’t think you’ll find a more durable pump-action that will heed the waterfowl call season after season than our SXP lineup.

Concerning SXP models that are ideal for duck hunting, here are our top three picks and why.

Leading the charge is our SXP Waterfowl Hunter Camo, available in seven camo options, including Mossy Oak Bottomland and Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat. Ready to dominate the skies in 12- and 20-gauge models in barrel lengths of 26 and 28 inches; the lightweight composite stock promotes quick shouldering and a fluid swing. Longer barrel options topped with a raised rib and a TRUGLO front sight meld into the receiver for exact eye-to-bead alignment. Our legendary Back-Bored Barrel Technology enhances performance by increasing the barrel’s internal diameter beyond standard specs, reducing friction between the shot charge and the barrel wall. The included trio of Invector-Plus chokes ensures dense patterns no matter the metal you’re firing, and the inertia-assisted pump-action operation means rapid follow-up shots. Best of all, you get all of this in a shotgun that handles 3-1/2-inch loads (12-gauge only) and hits a price point under $540.

With a tough chrome-plated chamber and bore for enhanced longevity, the Winchester SXP Universal Hunter stands out as a well-rounded, reliable choice for hunting enthusiasts seeking performance and durability. Like the Waterfowl Hunter, the SXP Universal Hunter features an inertia-driven pump system that ensures smooth, fast cycling, enabling rapid follow-up shots  —a crucial advantage when a flock drops its feet and commits to the spread. The SXP Universal is available in 12- and 20-gauge models, features a four-lug rotary bolt for secure lockup, and the reversible crossbolt safety makes this duck-killer fully ambidextrous. Four interchangeable chokes, including an Extra Full, make this shotgun ideal for waterfowl, turkeys, upland, and any other adventures you can dream up. Even with the enhanced trigger guard and drilled-and-tapped alloy receiver with the included Picatinny rail, the Universal Hunter hits an under-$580 price point.

If looks could kill, all you’d need to do is tote our SXP Hunter blanketed head-to-toe in TrueTimber VSX camo to the duck blind. An uber-reliable shotgun engineered for duck and goose pursuits, our SXP Hunter comes in 12- and 20-gauge models in barrel lengths of 26 and 28 inches. The black chrome finish on the bolt, barrel, slide, and action bar reduces shine, which means fewer last-minute flares, and the full-aluminum alloy receiver and composite stock are tough as nails. If you’re looking for a waterfowl gun you can use, abuse, and still produce lightning-fast pump-action, the $499.99 SXP Hunter is for you.

Of course, we realize many waterfowl hunters prefer not to pump between shots. Many waterfowl goers, especially those who exercise control and pick their shots, choose to dump a bird, swing to the next quickly, and send another round and then another without having to worry about manipulating the forearm.

Enter Winchester Repeating Arms’ SX4 auto-loading lineup.

Smaller-framed shooters will cheer our SX4 Waterfowl Hunter Compact with a 13-inch length of pull. Available in 12- and 20-gauge models with a 3-inch chamber, the SX4 Waterfowl Hunter Compact provides improved ergonomics with a rounded, close-radius grip and textured gripping surfaces to ensure maximum handling during wet conditions. The Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad soaks up post-shot recoil, and the self-adjusting Active Valve System automatically cycles a variety of loads by regulating gas pressure and venting excess gas through a system of ports.

Available in right- and left-hand models, you won’t find a more up-to-the-task duck gun than our SX4 Waterfowl Hunter - Camo. A gas-operated autoloading shotgun with a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver, SX4 Waterfowl Hunter models feature a larger bolt handle and bolt release for maximum in-the-field functionality. The TRUGLO fiber-optic front sight is bright and makes target acquisition effortless, regardless of lighting or weather. Fitted with an Inflex Technology recoil pad and sling swivel studs, SX4 Waterfowl Hunter - Camo models come in 12- and 20-gauge options in barrel lengths of 26 and 28 inches.

Another shining example of our relentless dedication to provide EVERY hunter with a waterfowl wrecker that suits them is our standard and Left-Hand SX4 Hybrid Hunter. Clad in a tough, great-looking combination of camo and Cerakote, this shotgun is available with a 26-inch or 28-inch barrel that enhances swing and accuracy. Felt recoil is ably managed thanks to the Inflex Technology recoil pad that absorbs shock and reduces fatigue during prolonged use, especially when you’re sending heavy duck loads like Winchester Last Call and Final Pass loads.

The lightweight synthetic stock, combined with a durable camouflage finish, means maximum stealth and durability. The SX4 Hybrid Hunter operates via a reliable gas-operated action, which promotes smooth cycling and quick follow-up shots, essential for fast-flying waterfowl. Additionally, it features an interchangeable choke system that lets shooters adjust to how the ducks are acting.

If you’re a waterfowl hunter, you need an SXP or an SX4 in your arsenal. Let’s not complicate the ending of this article with a lot of fancy words. Our waterfowl guns are tried and true, and have been tested in the harshest environments imaginable, from the Bering Sea to the dove fields of Argentina. When you choose an SXP or an SX4, you’re selecting a shotgun that will enhance your waterfowl hunting experience.