Decisions.. Decisions.. Winchester SX3 vs Remington Versa max..

Canadian Eh

Canadian Eh

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I'm looking to buy my first auto load shotgun. A winchester SX3 or Remington Versa max.. Either or I would just get in 3" no need for 3.5" will be used for trap ( do t have the cash for a nice o/u) as well as hunting pheasants and the occasional goose/duck

Both of these seem to be fairly well written up on reviews. And sound to be softer shooting guns.

Just curious if anyone has had any experience with either they could share. Bonus points if you have both or have shot both.

Cheers
 
I did this same research as well and was lucky enough to try out a bunch of different ones, my research and trials led me towards Browning Maxus Sporting and Beretta A400 Excel Sporting though, although fit is very important so try them out if you can (at least) shoulder them and see what fits best. Going next week to make the final decision based on fit and buy one of these two.
 
Yah I shouldn't have narrowed down the choice so far perhaps to just 2.. I have felt both in my hands and shouldered both.. But not fired either. The a 400 interested me too.. Glad you mentioned that here as well.

I should also say I have a old 1930s winchester model 12 pump , would that be the better choice for trap? I figured due to the age I'd keep I'd as an heirloom rather then shoot it.
 
Canadian Eh said:
Yah I shouldn't have narrowed down the choice so far perhaps to just 2.. I have felt both in my hands and shouldered both.. But not fired either. The a 400 interested me too.. Glad you mentioned that here as well.

I should also say I have a old 1930s winchester model 12 pump , would that be the better choice for trap? I figured due to the age I'd keep I'd as an heirloom rather then shoot it.
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WHT NOT shoot it If it is full choke it will have no problem smoking them at trap
Cheers
 
Nothing wrong with that pump at all IMO for what that's worth, but a newer shotgun with changeable chokes and a semi are a bit more versatile IMO. And yes most semis are softer shooters then pumps, my GR and daughter wont touch anything but the semis when we are busting clays.
 
I'm pretty sure the pump has a 30 or 32" barrel with full choke. Only shoots 2 3/4 shells forsure..

I can pick up a brand new SX3 black shadow 3“ in a 28" barrel on sale.. Seems like a great price for what it is..
 
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Canadian Eh said:
I'm pretty sure the pump has a 30 or 32" barrel with full choke. Only shoots 2 3/4 shells forsure..

I can pick up a brand new SX3 black shadow 3“ in a 28" barrel for $824 on sale.. Seems like a great price for what it is..
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Well that is perfect model 12 for just trap but hey one cannot have too many guns and a X3 is a nice gun also
Cheers
 
I love my Versa Max, a lot of people hate on Remington for there quality issues in the last bit. I think they really improved on the Versa Max, it was shotgun of the year I believe and has never failed me. My friends have Brownings and Berretta's, We bought at the same time and same amount of ammo through them. I watched the Browning have issues with Skeet load and then eventualy not function at extracting shells ( and yes he maintained it far better than I ever would or have). The berretta had an issue feeding after a couple hundred shells of skeet and some 3 1/2s.
Anyways as for me my Remington fits me perfect, came with 5 extended chokes and has never failed me, even after that little salt bath accident ( 1/2 hour in the Bay of fundy ) and all I did after the Salt was soak it in simple green and hose it off.
If your after a name go buy a Benneli, if ya want a gun made to take a beating get The versa max and ignore anyone unless they have had one

Any Load, Anywhere, Everytime ( Remingtons slogan for the Versa ) and it stands true for me
 
Out of those 2 definatly the Sx3. But id prefer a Benelli super sport anyday if your budget allows it. Just my opinion having shot all of them aswell as a browning maxxus
 
nick2010tundra said:
I love my Versa Max, a lot of people hate on Remington for there quality issues in the last bit. I think they really improved on the Versa Max, it was shotgun of the year I believe and has never failed me. My friends have Brownings and Berretta's, We bought at the same time and same amount of ammo through them. I watched the Browning have issues with Skeet load and then eventualy not function at extracting shells ( and yes he maintained it far better than I ever would or have). The berretta had an issue feeding after a couple hundred shells of skeet and some 3 1/2s.
Anyways as for me my Remington fits me perfect, came with 5 extended chokes and has never failed me, even after that little salt bath accident ( 1/2 hour in the Bay of fundy ) and all I did after the Salt was soak it in simple green and hose it off.
If your after a name go buy a Benneli, if ya want a gun made to take a beating get The versa max and ignore anyone unless they have had one

Any Load, Anywhere, Everytime ( Remingtons slogan for the Versa ) and it stands true for me
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Interesting. I love my remingtons and bought my 1st new 1100 in 65 2 years after they came out, which I still have, then I bought a new 1187 in late 86 I think when they came out and that one I still have. So of course I bought a new Versamax when they came out and I started to have a few issues with it like the bolt handle literally fell off into my hand , the extractor sheared off causing this gun to become a single shot shotgun after a few boxes then I get something from Remington a recall
"Do not shoot the gun, send it back!. Lets just say I don't have the versa max any more

Sure hope they resigned them since the initial ones Cheers
 
Canadian Eh said:
Wow.. Didn't realize they had recall issues.

I heard the SX3 in 3.5" had a few issues as well, but the 3" has been great for most people.
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They sure did when they came out probally all Ok now. Got this which was enough for me at the time. Got it fixed and then it was traded in
Never an issue with my X3 or my x2's or even my x1's :) I wonder if the browning being discussed happened to be GOLDS if they are they were never designed or at least my 3 1/2's are not to take skeet loads which is why they won't cycle correctly
But hey to each their own if the versamax works for you fill your boots but I still have a bad taste for another

Product Recall Notice for Remington
Warning

DO NOT USE YOUR REMINGTON VERSA MAX SHOTGUN

Remington has found that a limited number of its Versa Max shotguns may have hammers out of specification. This condition may result in inconsistent firearm performance. Inconsistent firearm performance may result in property damage, serious personal injury or death.

If you have a Remington Versa Max shotgun immediately discontinue use of the shotgun and contact Remington at 1-800-243-9700, Prompt #4. Remington will arrange for the return shipment of your Versa Max shotgun and upon receipt will immediately inspect and retrofit your Versa Max shotgun and return it to you at no cost to you. All Versa Max shotguns that have the hammer enhancement will contain a “V” stamped that can be seen by looking in the ejection port or through the carrier.

No other firearms are affected.

SAFETY IS FIRST
 
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