Winchester SX4 waterfowl

Skogkatt

Skogkatt

Member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi everybody,

My wife's firearm licence is on the way (I am still waiting for mine...) and in about 2 weeks we will be able to buy a rifle (I received a lot of help on hunting and sporting arms subforum a few weeks ago and we have a decent idea on what we want to buy).

Now is time to gather info for shotguns!

I have a budget of around 1000-1300 CAD for an all in one hunting shotgun (ducks, goose) in 3 1/2", but also as a bear defense when big game hunting with my wife, (rifle + shotgun). I am planning on buying two shotguns and that is why I am not looking at Browning, Benelli, Beretta because those are more on the 2.000 CAD.

I have been reading and watching youtube videos for this exact model, but I would like to ask for thoughts or experiences with this shotgun.

We would like a gas-operated shotgun because of the recoil reduction apparently.
 
The SX-4 is just a slightly cheapened SX-3 , both are excellent shotguns for the price. I shoot an SX-3 for waterfowl, as I prefer a gas operated gun to produce less felt recoil with 3" waterfowl loads. I paid $1000 for each of my SX-3 shotguns, and I found an as new Maxus for $1000 for a friend. This is likely the best time of the year to find a great deal on a shotgun.
 
SX3 and SX4 often come up on the EE Forum for somewhat less than $1000 and both are excellent value for the $$. I have had excellent experience for several years with my 3" SX3.
 
I don't own a SX3 or SX4 but have handled and shot several of them - my impression is that they're well built and offer a lot of bang for the buck. In my experience, the 3.5" versions don't always cycle light target loads (7/8oz and 1oz), although the internet is full of reviews that dispute this, so YMMV.

If you're planning to do any target shooting, you may want to consider a 3" gun - in general, they'll cycle the lightest target loads better than the 3.5" guns. Also check out the Browning Silver - it has the same action & gas system as an SX3 but for some reason they sometimes sell for less than the SX3's (especially used ones).

Some other shotguns in your budget that also might be worth considering are the Remington V3 (3"), Remington Versamax Sportsman (3.5" but will cycle anything), Beretta A300 (3"), Beretta A350 (3.5"). These are all fine shotguns and would work well for you too. The Mossberg 930 (3") might also be worth considering. It's definitely not in the same league as the previously mentioned shotguns, but the price also reflects that (can find them on sale for less than $700 usually). Lot's of mixed reviews on the 930's but I own one and its been 100% reliable.
 
gap599 said:
I don't own a SX3 or SX4 but have handled and shot several of them - my impression is that they're well built and offer a lot of bang for the buck. In my experience, the 3.5" versions don't always cycle light target loads (7/8oz and 1oz), although the internet is full of reviews that dispute this, so YMMV.

If you're planning to do any target shooting, you may want to consider a 3" gun - in general, they'll cycle the lightest target loads better than the 3.5" guns. Also check out the Browning Silver - it has the same action & gas system as an SX3 but for some reason they sometimes sell for less than the SX3's (especially used ones).

Some other shotguns in your budget that also might be worth considering are the Remington V3 (3"), Remington Versamax Sportsman (3.5" but will cycle anything), Beretta A300 (3"), Beretta A350 (3.5"). These are all fine shotguns and would work well for you too. The Mossberg 930 (3") might also be worth considering. It's definitely not in the same league as the previously mentioned shotguns, but the price also reflects that (can find them on sale for less than $700 usually). Lot's of mixed reviews on the 930's but I own one and its been 100% reliable.
Click to expand...

Very true about cycling target loads, my 3" gun is flawless with 1 ounce loads, but my 3-1/2" gun will usually produce a fail to fully eject , every round or two of skeet. I never shoot anything but 2-3/4" target loads, or 3" waterfowl loads in my guns, I don't need or want 3-1/2" loads.
 
stubblejumper said:
Very true about cycling target loads, my 3" gun is flawless with 1 ounce loads, but my 3-1/2" gun will usually produce a fail to fully eject , every round or two of skeet. I never shoot anything but 2-3/4" target loads, or 3" waterfowl loads in my guns, I don't need or want 3-1/2" loads.
Click to expand...

Yeah, same - I switched to 3.5" for a few years, but went back to 3", I feel like the only thing I gave up is a bunch of recoil.

The only shotgun I've seen that reliably cycles everything from 7/8oz target loads to 3.5" is the versamax.
 
3.5 “ is certainly unnecessary I guarantee you your wife will only fire one shot and that will be the only one . My sx4 cycles 1 1/8 oz loads no problem . I would stay away from Remington’s . Sx3 or 4 browning maxus or beretta A 300 outlander all vey good $ value new or used . They all come with shims for adjusting butt stock fit so the other important part is which feels the best to you
 
gap599 said:
A Maxus might be stretching the OP’s budget, but it’s another great shotgun to add to the potential list.
Click to expand...

I quick look revealed a used maxus on a dealers shelf eastern Canada 1.399.00 I realize buy the time you and tax and shipping likely another $125 . Most dealers want to sell guns especially shotguns I’m sure a offer of 1275 would own that . My pint is with s little research there are deals out there . Just saying
 
One very quick search one dealer .1sx4 $899 ,1 A300 $799 4 maxus $1249.00 2 beretta 350 extreama 1300
It’s a buyers market I’m sure every price is nagotible. Way better prices than EE
 
struff55 said:
One very quick search one dealer .1sx4 $899 ,1 A300 $799 4 maxus $1249.00 2 beretta 350 extreama 1300
It’s a buyers market I’m sure every price is nagotible. Way better prices than EE
Click to expand...

Agreed - those are some good prices! $799 for an A300 is a hell of a deal.
 
Very happy with my SX4. Only complaint is the charging handle, of you can call it that. It comes out very easily and mine fell out on a goose hunt, never to be found. I was an early adopter and couldn't find a replacement in Canada. Found a Briley handle for a Maxus and fit the notch myself. I have a layer of tape in there too so it's a tight fit. It won't fall of again.
 
Its common for the sx4 to throw the charging handle

Shotgunning starts with fit. It needs to point where you look. Depending on your wifes size vrs your size you may need different guns.
3.5" 12ga to me is all marketing. Yes i do own several but i rarely shoot 3" and never shoot 3.5" the only time i use 3" shells are when i load BBB for geese as 2.75" BBB is hard to find. I get better patterns softer recoil less muzzle climb less muzzle blast and faster follow up shots for nearly half to three quarters the price of 3.5" shells. Plus the shorter reciever keeps more weight central between the hands and gives a shorter reach which allows a faster smoother swing
My waterfowl gun is an older beretta a303 with a fixed mod. Its a 3" gun and wont cycle trap load but is flawless with any hunting load. I back it up with a 2.75" rem 1100. I see no advantage to using a 3.5" 12ga. Dont let anyone tell you you need a 3.5" gun to kill waterfowl and turkeys

3.5" shells belong in a ten gauge

Of course if you want a 3.5" 12ga by all means buy one. At least you know you can borrow ammo off your buddies

Id personally try a beretta a300 outlander. They come in wood or your choice of camo or black synthetic. New $1118 to $1238 ish. Used often for $8/900.
 
RangerPark said:
Very happy with my SX4. Only complaint is the charging handle, of you can call it that. It comes out very easily and mine fell out on a goose hunt, never to be found. I was an early adopter and couldn't find a replacement in Canada. Found a Briley handle for a Maxus and fit the notch myself. I have a layer of tape in there too so it's a tight fit. It won't fall of again.
Click to expand...

I have used my SX-3 for over five years as my go to waterfowl gun, and I have never had the charging handle come out. Other friends also use SX-3s and they haven't had the issue either. One friend actually called me, because he had cleaned his SX-3, and he couldn't re-install the charging handle because he wasn't pushing hard enough.
 
Have a fair amount of experience with the sx3 and see a lot of them and love mine
Don't know why but have not run into too many sx4's
Not saying it is a good or bad thing just strange for how many x3's here
Cheers
 
3macs1 said:
Have a fair amount of experience with the sx3 and see a lot of them and love mine
Don't know why but have not run into too many sx4's
Not saying it is a good or bad thing just strange for how many x3's here
Cheers
Click to expand...

Many people are choosing to buy an SX-3, while the dealers still have them, rather than buy an SX-4.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom