Winchester has christened its new line of autoloading shotguns, the Super X4. Combining tried-and-true technology with improved controls and ergonomics, the company believes it has found a way to replace a classic.
They say change is the only constant. That seems no truer than in the gun world. Present case, Winchester’s line of autoloading shotguns.
The Super X3 has been the company’s tried-and-true top-end semi-automatic smoothbore for a spell now. And it has won its fair share of fans along the way, whether in the duck marsh or the trap range. But it appears the sun is setting on the venerable SX3 and rising on its heir apparent, the aptly named Super X4.
The new line, released this year, will be Winchester’s bread-and-butter autoloading shotgun, as the company phases out the SX3 over time. The shotgun, initially available in 12 gauge, isn’t a radical departure from the past, carrying over important technology that made its predecessor popular. In particular, the new shotgun still features Winchester's Active Valve Gas System that automatically self-adjusts to cycle a vast spectrum of common loads. But the company has fiddled with a number of the SX3’s ergonomics in a bid to make the next-generation scattergun more functional — especially in the field.
However, right off the bat, what will catch the attention of those familiar with the SX3 line is how the new Super X4, SX4 Waterfowl Hunter, SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact are balanced. The guns are more forward-heavy than their forerunners, with the center of gravity well into the forearm. This will give the guns a different feel to those who have handled the more center-balanced SX3. The change does have the potential to improve the gun’s follow-through, thus making it harder to miss a target.
From there, the name of the game on the Super X4 is ergonomics. Winchester has enlarged a number of the key controls on the shotgun, making them easier to manipulate. The bolt handle, bolt-release button, trigger and safety have each increased in size, making them easier to locate and work, especially on the fly. These considerations will be especially welcome for waterfowlers, who often operate with the impediment of gloves. Aesthetically, the cross-bolt safety and bolt release have been modified, as well, with Winchester opting for a polygonal design.
Winchester has also modified the stock, slimming down the forearm and the pistol grip. Once again, the idea is to make the firearm more compatible to gloved hands. But even without this gear, it should assist shooters in placing more of their hand on the firearm, affording them more control.
Winchester has done away with the brass bead common on the SX3 line. In its stead is a TruGlo Long Bead fiber-optic front sight, which should more readily draw the eye on the point. And finally, the company has outfitted the gun with its Inflex Technology Recoil Pad meant to reduce the gun’s felt recoil.
Other notable features of the Super X4 line include: a hard chrome-plated chamber and bore, a drop-out trigger group, Invector-Plus removable choke tubes and a back-bored barrel.
The SX4 and SX4 Waterfowl are available with both 3- and 3 1/2–inch chambers, and both have composite stocks. The Waterfowl model is covered from buttstock to muzzle with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern. The SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact are only available with 3-inch chambers and come dressed in a stick of Grade I walnut.
Nearly the entire line comes in under the $1,000 mark, save the 3 ½-inch chambered SX4 Waterfowl that has an MSRP of $1,069.99. The price appears right, but it will take a few seasons chasing pheasants and pintails to see if the Super X4 reaches the mark the SX3 set.
Specifications:
SX4
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 or 3 1/2 in.
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 47 or 49 in.
Length of Pull: 14 1/4 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (26-in. barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Matte
Stock: Composite
Stock Finish: Matte
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Matte Black
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Stock Material: Composite
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: 3-in. chamber $799.99; 3 1/2-in. chamber $939.99
SX4 Waterfowl
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 or 3 1/2 in.
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 47 or 49 in.
Length of Pull: 14 1/4 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (26-in. barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
Stock: Composite
Stock Finish: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Stock Material: Composite
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: 3-in. chamber $939.99; 3 1/2-in. chamber $1,069.99
SX4 Field
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 in.
Barrel Length: 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 47 or 49 in.
Length of Pull: 14 1/4 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (26-in. barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Matte
Stock: Grade I Walnut
Stock Finish: Satin
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Matte Black
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: $939.99
SX4 Field Compact
Gauge: 12 gauge
Chamber Length: 3 or 3 1/2 in.
Barrel Length: 24, 26 or 28 in.
Overall Length: 43 3/4, 45 3/4 or 47 3/4 in.
Length of Pull: 13 in.
Drop at Comb: 1 3/4 in.
Drop at Heel: 2 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 12 oz. (24- and 26-barrel), 7 lbs. (28-in. barrel)
Magazine Capacity: 4, 2 3/4-in. shells
Rib Width: 1/4 in.
Barrel Finish: Matte
Stock: Grade I Walnut
Chokes Included: Invector-Plus Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
Receiver Finish: Matte Black
Chamber Finish: Chrome-Plated Chamber and Bore
Front Sight: Fiber Optic
Recoil Pad: Inflex 1, Small with Hard Heel Insert
Receiver Material: Aluminum Alloy
MSRP: $939.99
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