7 Great Winchester SXP Shotguns You Can Count On

I read and write a lot of outdoor articles. From how-to pieces to gear tests to new product coverage, I keep a firm pulse on what’s circulating in print and on the web. Pump-action shotguns don’t get near enough coverage, especially when it comes to turkey hunting.

Why?

Because fancy-to-do semi-auto shotguns are awesome, and in recent years, most shotgun manufacturers have placed a supreme emphasis on coming out with new and improved semi-auto models. This is by no means an article trying to sway you to swap from a reliable semi-auto to a pump-action. Instead, the goal is to make a case for why Winchester SXP shotguns make excellent in-the-field turkey companions. 

Winchester Repeating Arms shines in the pump-action world. The Winchester SXP (Super X Pump) was introduced in 2010 as a modern pump-action shotgun, building on Winchester’s long-standing reputation for engineering quality firearms. Designed for superior speed and reliability, the SXP features a time-proven inertia-assisted action that enables quicker follow-up shots. Its construction includes a strong rotary bolt design that enhances overall dependability. The SXP quickly gained popularity among hunters for its versatility across a range of shooting disciplines, including waterfowl, upland, turkey, and sport shooting.  

I regularly use pump-action shotguns for waterfowl and upland. However, pump-action shotguns are also staples in the turkey woods, and here are three SXP models that will help fill your freezer with more longbeards.

I’m not an outdoor gear penny pincher. I firmly believe in the “you get what you pay for” motto. However, when you opt for an SXP, you’re not compromising performance or durability when you drop less than $650 on a pump-action shotgun designed to jelly heads. SXP shotguns work, period. 

SXP shotguns use an inertia-assisted pump-action, which is buttery smooth. When the shotgun goes boom, the action automatically unlocks and partially opens. This lets the shooter complete the pump-action stroke required to eject the spent shotshell and load a fresh one with little effort. This means fast cycling and quicker follow-up shots. Because pump-action shotguns don’t rely on a gas or complete recoil operating system to cycle shotshells, jamming is rare. Winchester Repeating Arms builds 12-gauge turkey models with either a 3-inch, or a 3-1/2-inch chamber, and 20-gauge models all have a 3-inch chamber.  

When turkey hunting, the hunter is trying to put a pattern, typically the size of a cantaloupe, into the center of a gobbler’s dome. The closer the shot, the tighter the pattern will be. SXP shotguns feature the proven Invector-Plus choke tube system that lets you tailor your shot pattern to the distance your bird is likely to be strutting at. 

Still, add in some nerves compliments of a strutting, spitting-and-drumming tom, and missing a bird is easy. Shots are often taken at weird angles, and heavy turkey loads still rock the body. To counter this, the SXP is fitted with an Inflex Technology Recoil Pad that soaks up shoulder abuse, giving you a fighting chance to pump in a new shell, reacquire, and send it downrange before Mr. Tom can flee the scene.  

Lastly, pump-action shotguns like the Universal Hunter, Long Beard, and Turkey Hunter are built to hunt. Although they showcase eye-pleasing aesthetics, these guns don’t belong in the safe. They were built for the woods. Whether you’re creeping through thick, tick-infested swamps or roaming the West in search of nomadic Merriam, SXP shotguns are built to handle any weather in any environment. 

The Winchester SXP Universal Hunter is renowned for its versatility and user-friendly features, making it a great choice for turkey hunting. 

• Design and Comfort: This shotgun features a lightweight composite stock that provides excellent maneuverability in the field. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during long hours of hunting.
• Reliable Action: The SXP’s pump-action design is known for its smooth operation and quick follow-up shots, traits that are crucial in turkey hunting when birds may present fleeting opportunities.
• Choke System: Equipped with Invector-Plus choke tubes, the Universal Hunter allows hunters to easily customize their shot spread to match specific turkey-hunting situations, improving accuracy.
• Barrel Options: The shotgun is available in different barrel lengths, allowing hunters to choose a shotgun that suits their preferences for both open terrain and dense woods.

The SXP Long Beard is specifically designed for turkey hunting and incorporates features that enhance performance in the field.

• Turkey-Specific Features: This model comes with an extra full, extended choke, making it particularly effective for turkey hunting at longer distances. The composite stock is a pistol-grip design for added comfort when sitting.
• Camouflage Finish: Available in Mossy Oak camouflage patterns, the Long Beard provides excellent concealment in natural surroundings, reducing the chances of spooking turkeys.
• Sight System: The Long Beard features fiber-optic sights, providing better visibility and aiming precision in low-light conditions, which is advantageous during early-morning or late-evening hunts. The receiver is drilled and tapped for those wanting to add an optic.
• Durability: Built to withstand the rigors of field use, the SXP Long Beard has a weather-resistant finish that protects the shotgun from the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance.

The SXP Turkey Hunter is another variant focusing on the specific needs of turkey hunters.

• Shorter Barrel: Designed with a shorter barrel, this shotgun offers increased maneuverability, making it easier to navigate through thick brush and wooded areas where turkeys are often found. The SXP Turkey Hunter in Mossy Oak Obsession comes with fiber-optic rifle sights and is drilled and tapped for optics.
• Specialized Stock: The stock features textured gripping surfaces for ultimate control.
• Lightweight Construction: The Turkey Hunter’s lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended hunts, enabling longer, more comfortable outings in the field.
• Versatile Choke Options: The SXP Turkey Hunter comes with a single Invector-Plus Extra Full turkey choke that patterns well with lead, TSS, and bismuth. Back-bored technology optimizes shot patterns to ensure dense and even distribution.

For More About Winchester’s SXP Turkey Lineup, CLICK HERE

Pump-action shotguns, depending on the manufacturer and the technologies included, vary in price. Pump-action shotguns also differ in price based on gauge, barrel length, and other features. You can get into a standard SXP Field for under $440. Winchester SXP pump-action turkey shotguns cost between $500 and $640.

No. SXP models like the Universal Hunter, Long Beard, and Turkey Hunter come with Extra Full chokes that perform well with standard lead, TSS, and bismuth. The Long Beard utilizes an extended Extra Full choke. 

Shorter is better for turkey hunting. The reason is maneuverability and weight. A longer-barreled shotgun will increase your effective killing range, but turkey hunting is meant to be a close-range game, and I’ve killed plenty of boy birds beyond 50 yards with a 24-inch-barreled, pump-action shotgun. 

In conclusion, the Winchester SXP series exemplifies the pinnacle of pump-action shotguns, offering unmatched reliability and performance for hunters and sport shooters alike. Its innovative design features, including inertia-assisted action and customizable choke options, enable users to adapt to a range of hunting scenarios, particularly turkey hunting. The versatility of the Winchester SXP, showcased in models like the Universal Hunter, Long Beard, and Turkey Hunter, enables seamless transitions across different shooting environments. 

Additionally, the lightweight construction and ergonomic design enhance comfort and maneuverability, making it a preferred choice for long days in the field. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice, the Winchester SXP pump-action shotguns will elevate your shooting experience and deliver the confidence needed for success. With its rich history and dedication to quality, the SXP series remains a standout among pump-action shotguns.