Browning Maxus, Winchester SX3, Remington Versa max

mosinmaster

mosinmaster

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Hi,

So I'm looking into my first autoloader and these 3 are in my price range. The Browning and SX3 seem to be very reliable good guns. The Versa Max is interesting in concept, but it had some problems when first introduced. Anybody own one and can attest to its reliability and quality compared to the Browning and Winchester? I do not like how Browning and Remington cheaped out on sling swivels on the stocks and just molded them in.
 
Is the SX3 essentially a Browning Gold/Silver using the Active Valve gas system? Is the cheaper price reflected in its 'older technology'?
 
I believe that the sx3 uses the same gas system as the browning silver/ gold. I own both an sx3 and a maxus in 12 gauge 3" chamber. They are both very nice guns and reliably cycle any load I have put through them. The maxus does have some nice feature that the sx3 doesn't such as speed-load and a magazine cutoff. I would recommend either shotgun. However if money allows I believe the maxus to be a better firearm.
 
The girlfriend has the Maxus and I have the Versa-Max.
Both shoot without any problems using the 2 3/4 trap loads. - each gun has about 700 rounds through it.
I prefer the lighter weight of the Maxus and the awesome recoil absorbing action.
One caveat about the Maxus though is the rubber coating/polymer stock tends to discolour if you accidentally touch it with cleaning product.
The Remy does not stain but does make an unusual tinny sound when ejecting spent hulls.
Once again, go to a shoot and try to test others' so you can get a feel for what works for you.
I have had no experience with the Winchester - sorry.
Good luck!
 
I have a Winchester SX3 and a Browning Silver Hunter and they are identical except for their place of manufacturing. The Winchester's are built in Belgium and the Browning Silver is built in Portugal. You will not be disappointed buying an SX3 (or Silver) but I do agree with shooter33 if the money allows it buy a Maxus and you'll get all of the extra bells and whistles.
 
I have a 3" maxus . I have also shot the SX3 and thought the maxus was a bit softer shooting . no experience with the Versa max other than handling it . found it to be heavier than the other 2 .and like the SX3 thicker in both the fore grip and pistol grip than the maxus .I very much like the added features of the speed load and mag cut off of the maxus .
 
All 3 and the Browning silver are fantastic guns. Honestly I don't envy you having to choose, but I can say with these guns as long as you choose the one you like best you will probably never regret it.
 
I have played with lots of browning product and still own an SX3 that will never leave me. I had the Versa-Max and sold it instantly.

Rem's QC is absolutely garbage, the price tag on the gun is outrageous for a fit and finish like that of a Mossberg 930 or Stoeger 2000.

The VM's gas system works flawlessly tho unless you get one that the gas block cracks all the way around and falls off after the first few shots (Pictures available on a Remington Forum site). The stock cast and comb adjustments are confusing, the fore-end is flimsy as all hell as it isn't molded properly to fit the mag tube like the browning or SX3. Oh and on mine the front Hi-viz bead has a locating pin which was drilled off center in the rib and could only be fixed by filing half the pin away on the actual sight.

The Winchester and Browning finishes whether camo or matte are worlds ahead of quality Remington is producing.
 
i have a browning silver as already said same as the sx3 internally i love this gun has been been well worked and is reliable i like the semi hump to it myself some guys dont. fit is the important thing
 
I had a Remington 105Cti. One of the most beautiful shotguns I've ever owned. But unfortunately, it was lacking in functionality and had a lot of problems. A LOT! It completely failed in the middle of last year's duck season.
I was OMW to Sail to buy an SX3, but Remington said they would replace my 105 (which I bought used) with a new Rem Versa Max. (Black Synthetic)
It's not quite as "fancy" as the SX3, and it's not as light. But it's definately a phucking tank and I would pit that action against the SX3 anyday. (The Winny IS a great gun however) I'd have bought one if it wasn't for Remington's replacement.
I'm not the type to clean my shotguns much. This thing has been flawless for a year now, it fires ANY size and ANY junk shell you throw at it. I haven't lubed nor cleaned it.
Unfortunately, the gun does not come in wood. (Only black or cammo)
It came with a hard case with; tools, stock extns, 3 front sites and 5 chokes.
The only quam I have with my buddies SX3 is that is has a "creak", whereas the nut on the front mag does not compress it enough and has a little play. But really.....that's no big deal.
Haven't found anything I can ##### at about the Remington yet besides it's weight.

They're BOTH great guns. Boils down to preference.
My 2 cents.
 
I had this same decision over a year ago...looked at all these shotguns. Rem VM fit and finish was not great (and yes I was not really surprised), the SX3 was nice and by most accounts reliable as can be, but the Maxus was just a better fit for me. As soon as I picked up the Maxus it just fit me perfect and I could tell it was the one. My 2 cents...look Win or Browny and choose the one that fits better....big green isn't what it used to be and outside of another 870 I wouldn't go there.

The Maxus I bought has functioned flawlessly with everything I have feed through it. I probably put 400 rounds down the pipe last year and not one problem....it is also a snap to clean.
 
I'm leaning heavily towards the Browning Maxus at the moment. Probably looking into getting the synthetic Stalker model in 3''. How is the new forend locking system? Any rattle or fragility?

The SX3 is a little cheaper and no doubt should be a good buy as well. Did Browning discontinue the Silver line? Haven't seen much on their new A5's either.
 
I haven't had any issues with the forend yet...I was a little skeptical intially but it is as sound as the day I took it out of the box. I really don't think you would go wrong with the SX3 or the Maxus...different finishing but the same system (FN manufactured)....go for what fits you the best.

I think the "new" A5's are overpriced for the guys that need the "new" thing out there...nothing really "new" about the system....just repackaging of the inertia system as Browning's kinematic system when Benelli's patents ran out. I believe the Silver line is still in production unless something happened I don't know about...someone else pipe in.
 
For a waterfowling gun, would you recommend getting the camo dip, not necessarily for the camo itself, but for the rust protection? Are the stalker models just plain bluing on the exterior surface?
 
I bought the Stalker model but they are both cover in Browning's Dura-Touch coating, I believe the stalker is covered in Duracoat then covered with the Dura-touch..which to me is nothing much more than their marketing name for clear coat (although I do like the rubbery grip feel of it). The camo job is dipped and then covered in the Dura-Touch. Outside of appearance I don't see one being an better than the other. I thought about dipping mine but I have wants to spend $ on at the moment.
 
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I am a big fan of the maxus as a field gun. It has the best shell handling due to the magazine cutoff, speed load and speed unload. The safety is also great, you can't forget to turn it off because of its location next to the trigger. It will touch your trigger finger if left on. It is nice and light for carrying as well.
 
I just got a Maxus too in MOSGB - 3 1/2"

I did tons of research and decided to go with it over a Benelli SBEII or Beretta..maxus is supoosed to be the lightest shooting of them all, read that in many many reviews, but haven't shot them all myself so have no first hand experience...although I will still try a Benelli someday as it fits me really nice too!

Love the Maxus. Have shot 1oz trap loads, 3", and 3 1/2" with it. Fits me great.
Shot my first 25 out of 25 trap with it after i'd only had it a few days.
Couldn't be happier with it.
Love the speed load...and unload. The mag cutoff is there to if you ever need it and it doesn't get in the way to much.
Would recomend a Maxus to anyone.
Got mine for $1554 tax in.
 
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