Winchester SX4 - Unboxing and First Impressions

RangerPark

RangerPark

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With snow goose season starting in Alberta I decided to get a waterfowling shotgun. I wanted something I could also use for clays and whatnot. I set my budget at $1,000. I originally considered many pump guns but a friend recommended I look into the Winchester SX3.

After some research I realized that the SX4 had just come out and it was actually cheaper! I found a nice one at Al Flaherty's and placed an order. Just a bit over budget with free shipping, good deal! I also think I got the last one. 4 days later it got here and I'm quite pleased with it.

This is the 5292 model, 28" barrel, 3.5" receiver, black. Comes with everything the SX3 came with, except shims.

Here's some photos with comments:

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Nicely packaged. It doesn't come in a nice plastic case but for a $1,000 it's to be expected. Everything was coated in packing oil so I took it apart and cleaned it up.

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Cleaned and reassembled. Feels light and solid. The spongy butt pad feels great. There's more plastic here that some would like. At that price I won't complain. This is really a SX 3.5, all the internals look the same.

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Made in Portugal, who knew.

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Tru-Glo front sight is a nice touch.

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Chrome lined barrel and chamber. Yes, it's chrome lined!

So there it is. Those of you looking into an SX4 I don't think it can be beat at that price. Range report to follow.

Cheers!
 
Congrats! I have the SX3 and really like the new features on the SX4. If I was in the market, the SX4 would also be my choice!

Cheers
Jay
 
LOL, made in Portugal, by Browning Viana, imported by Baco Inc (Morgan, Utah), under license by Olin (Winchester). My how the firearms industry has changed in the last couple of decades. Very nice looking gun. Congrats! Waiting for range report...
 
woodlotowner said:
LOL, made in Portugal, by Browning Viana, imported by Baco Inc (Morgan, Utah), under license by Olin (Winchester). My how the firearms industry has changed in the last couple of decades. Very nice looking gun. Congrats! Waiting for range report...
Click to expand...
Ya thats kind of a tough trail to follow
 
bollox said:
I am thinking of getting the very same gun. Thanks for the unboxing.
Click to expand...

Do it! :)

Be aware of something with the magazine capacity though. 4 rounds is for 2 and 3/4 shells. Anything longer only fits 3. Kinda odd since it's a 3.5" chambered gun.

I'm still a fan though, anything longer than 2.75 would likely be for hunting and need the plug anyways.
 
The brown bolt release button - is that actually plastic or is it a polymer coated steel?

Congrats on the new gun!
 
So the big differences are: butt pad, no stock adjustment, safety button square, bolt release square, different molded forend, and the big not made in Belgium by FN.......
 
Both my Maxus and A5 say the same thing made in Belgium by FN assembled in Portugal by Browning Viana . If you download the high res pics of the sx4 field from the Winchester site it says the same thing . may be the Portugal plant is going to produce the Winchester sx 4 once it goes into full production with the 20 ga version coming . plus assemble the Browning guns .
 
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I bought SX-1 when they first came out in 1974. Paid if memory serves just over $400. for it. A lot of coin in those days for a shotgun. But the vast majority of an SX-1 was machined parts. A very high quality gun. The only plastic piece was the bolt cushion away in the back of the receiver. Here we are 43 yrs. later with the SX-4 where plastic and synthetics appear more prevalent than metal. And there is probably not a machined part in the whole gun. In those 43 yrs. the price has just over doubled. Not bad in the world scheme of things.

I sincerely hope your new SX-4 works as well as my SX-1, and gives you 43 yrs of totally reliable service after thousands upon thousands of rounds.
 
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