Winchester SX3 purchase....Got it..

GameStalker30-06

GameStalker30-06

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I've always been an over/under guy for the most part when it comes to shotguns. But have been wanting a semi now for quite some time..Decided to get a SX3. Will choose which model monday afternoon when I go to the dealer to make the final decision..

I have a question though..I've decided between two..the composite 12 gauge, 3 1/2" chamber, 28" barrels..(for all purpose)...and winchesters new SX3 sporting. Adjustable cheek, 32" ported barrels, 2 3/4" chamber. (which comes with 5 signature chokes instead of three flush mounted, as with the composite..Also a hard plastic, fitted, take down winchester case).

The question: since I want a semi for all around.. upland, minor waterfowl, and the shooting sports..Could I buy the sporting model with 2 3/4 only chamber for trap, sporting clays etc..and buy a separate barrel in the 26-28 inch range with a 3 or 3 1/2 inch chamber for hunting?? Would the receiver and gas system be diffferent in the sporting model and not be able to handle more than 2 3/4 shotshells, or would that not be the case..Question may be dumb :redface:..but I'm not a regular semi auto user/owner.

Thanks to any replies.
 
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GS:

I don't think you can get away with a 2 3/4 using 3 1/2 shells. I am using a SX3 Black Comp in 3 inch, my buddy has a 3 1/2, they are identical except for the front of the receiver. My ejection port has a bit more metal in front of port than his does.

My Wingmaster is a 2 3/4 in gun, it will load and fire 3" shells, but won't eject them. It does not have the clearence with the expanded hull. I believe the SX3 would do the same.

I would go with a 3" version, and have the best of both worlds.
 
Yeah, I figured the 3 1/2's probably wouldn't...was thinking that the port might be "long" enough for 3's though...

Would anybody know if the ejection port of the sporting model would be the same size of that on a 3 inch capable gun...maybe the only difference is from a 3 inch gun to the 3 1/2 inch.


As you said about your wingmaster, would definately fire the 3 inch shell from a different barrel..but ejection probably wouldn't work..Just found this poking around winchester's site.."A Sporting Super X3 will shoot the lightest 7/8 oz. target loads to heavy magnum loads (2 3/4" only)."...I guess I could always buy another 26 or 28" barrel with the 3 inch chamber..and just shoot 2 3/4 out of it..(I don't do much waterfowl hunting...if so..over close decoys, or opportunisticly while some other type of hunting..whenever I do get a license). Would be used more so for upland game..rabbits and grouse as such..when not used for sporting / trap.
 
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Why don't you just shoot 2 3/4 for waterfowl with heavy magnum loaded 2 3/4's. That is what most people did in the early stages and lots of people still do it. The only difference is a few more pellets. And if you are shooting ducks over decoys you don't need anything more than 2 3/4.

Oh and did you know the extra barrels run in the $500-800 range trust me I have priced out a cantilever barrel for my 3 1/2" MODB SX3.

More economical to just buy another gun for that price.

If you are a trap and sporting clays shooter at heart and spend 85% of your time doing that, get the sporting gun.

Every SX3 is a light gun right from the 3 1/2's down to the 3" 20 gauge. Lighter than most guns on the market so, really weight shouldn't be an issue.
 
G P said:
If you're hunting partridge I'd consider the lighter field version with 3" chambers.
Click to expand...

Well, my primary upland(bird gun) is a Citori superlight feather 12 gauge, 6 lbs, 2 3/4 chamber with 26" barrels normally choked imp.cyl & skeet..nothing I have will point better than that on upland birds...

I probably will be using this most for sporting/trap when all comes to all..Do you know if you can get shell catchers for the SX3?...also..where would they be found??

Never knew the barrrels were that much...$500 -$800 could be spend on alot more stuff..thats alot of ammo..lol..or accessories
 
I have the 12 gauge SX3 shadow grey 3 1/2" 28" barrel and have used the gun for all the shooting you mentioned. I wanted a gun that i could use for skeet, trap, sporting clays, and waterfowl. It surpassed my expectations. It will even fire the cheap 1oz winchester loads and it is one soft shooter. The year i bought it i shot clays a couple times a weeks and it never missed a beat or jammed. I highly reccomend the SX3. I was the first one to have the SX3 at our gun club and they are multiplying quickly. My buddy liked the gun so much he finally broke down and ordered one.
 
Anybody know where I could find a good shell catcher...also..can they only be used for singles? If shooting doubles...after the first shot..with a caught shell at the port, will the bolt close back and the second shot just cause the first shell to drop to the ground??
 
Yeah...I've been reading up on them today...seems most are good for only singles..I gotta make up my mind tonight i guess..Handle both models tomorrow and decide which I'm taking home...
 
GameStalker30-06 said:
Well, my primary upland(bird gun) is a Citori superlight feather 12 gauge, 6 lbs, 2 3/4 chamber with 26" barrels normally choked imp.cyl & skeet..nothing I have will point better than that on upland birds...

I probably will be using this most for sporting/trap when all comes to all..Do you know if you can get shell catchers for the SX3?...also..where would they be found??

Never knew the barrrels were that much...$500 -$800 could be spend on alot more stuff..thats alot of ammo..lol..or accessories
Click to expand...

Very nice!!

Do you ever find yourself in situations where you wished you had a 3" chamber when you stumble upon geese or ducks? I used to use a 20ga for partridge but every time I took my 20ga (which was better for ptarmigan) I ended up seeing only geese. When I took my 12 ga (not ideal for me for upland, but good for waterfowl) I only saw ptarmigan. Now I got a over/under 12 with 3" chambers which is a compromise for both. Well, I should have it tomorrow in the mail hopefully! I hate waiting. ;)
 
GameStalker30-06 said:
Anybody know where I could find a good shell catcher...also..can they only be used for singles? If shooting doubles...after the first shot..with a caught shell at the port, will the bolt close back and the second shot just cause the first shell to drop to the ground??
Click to expand...

The one that works on the SX3's (works on any semi I know of actually), is the Birchwood Casey Save-It Shell Catcher. It is for singles only, but it works very well in my experience. Simple to install, (mounts with two sided tape), easy to adjust and tweak the wire to get it to stove pipe the shell most every time. If it doesn't catch it, it will be close by, near your feet with no worries or the distraction of the shell tapping your neighbour on the shoulder.
When shooting doubles, just flip it down and it'll be out of your way, but it'll not be catching any shells for you.
T&S makes the clip-on, but they're only made to fit the Remington 1100's and Beretta's.

GdJ73.jpg
 
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G P said:
Very nice!!

Do you ever find yourself in situations where you wished you had a 3" chamber when you stumble upon geese or ducks? I used to use a 20ga for partridge but every time I took my 20ga (which was better for ptarmigan) I ended up seeing only geese. When I took my 12 ga (not ideal for me for upland, but good for waterfowl) I only saw ptarmigan. Now I got a over/under 12 with 3" chambers which is a compromise for both. Well, I should have it tomorrow in the mail hopefully! I hate waiting. ;)
Click to expand...

Not really to be honest..I always have a few "heavy" 2 3/4's in my shell belt just in case..I have taken a couple ducks this way, and one goose a couple years ago...out in the middle of a big marsh ( dry barren ground) all by himself.. I always have an extra choke with me too in case I find birds/whatever seem to be going to wing a little early..I just choke up then if needed. I normally just shoot the light target loads for my upland stuff..and a little heavier for the bunnies when I get the chance..

Yup..thats the shell catcher I found while browsing the web yesterday...Supposed to work pretty decent..I may pick one up no matter what model I end up buying..
 
Well..I managed to decide between the two models..and ended up with the composite 12, 3 1/2", 28". Figured that when I shoot some trap and sporting clays, the 28" barrel will serve it's purpose..as well in the field/marsh...etc..Would have prefered a 26" over the 28", but they only had 28's in stock, And I wanted to bring it home today..:D Too bad the 12's don't have the speed load feature!!

Here's a pic..

DSCF3206.jpg
 
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GameStalker30-06 said:
Well..I managed to decide between then two models..and ended up with the composite 12, 3 1/2", 28". Figured that when I shoot some trap and sporting clays, the 28" barrel will serve it's purpose..as well in the field/marsh...etc..Would have prefered a 26" over the 28", but they only had 28's in stock, And I wanted to bring it home today..:D Too bad the 12's don't have the speed load feature!!

Nice gun and a good decision. You will have many years of shooting with that selection and the 3 1/2 is nice to have.
Click to expand...
 
GS, Nice gun, hope it shoots well.

Do you know when trap shooting starts at the St. John's rod and gun club? I just got my new o/u this morning and need to get out and shoot soon!
 
Yeah..I probably won't be using the 3 1/2 much..but I gotta admit, it's nice to know it's there if need be..

GP...Not sure really..nothing on their site at the moment mentioning trap or sporting clays..Last year it never started till the first week of may I believe.. I'm hoping to get up and get a few rounds in too. Just got my renewed membership back..so can't wait...

What make and model O/U did you purchase?
 
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I got a cynergy classic field. 28" barrel, 3" chamber. A bit on the heavy side for partridge hunting but I need something more general purpose for waterfowl and clays as well. I don't think I can wait until May, I might have to head out with a friend or 2 to do some sporting clays on our own.
 
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