Winchester SXP Upland Field Pump-Action Shotgun

Field testing the SXP was delightful because being a long-time fan of  I’d almost forgotten how fun a good pump-action is to shoot. I hit the first 20 clay pigeons thrown and I never even forgot to pump the gun, thanks to the pump’s beckoning pull. Order Winchester SXP Upland Field Pump-Action Shotgun

Paper testing demonstrated rich patterns true to choke; Recoil was on par with other sub-7 lb. pumps—which is to say it was stout with magnum shells—although the recoil pad and stock fit helped as much as physics would allow. In firing over 300 rounds, I didn’t experience a single jam. It performed as well as any $400 gun I’ve ever tested.

Don’t overlook Winchester’s “modern Model 12” just because its barrel is stamped “Turkey.” It’ll do everything a hunter asks of it, from downing ducks and geese, shooting pheasants, taking turkeys and even as a defensive security blanket under your bed. At a real-world price around $400, the SXP might just be the best bargain going, anywhere, any genre.

• Type: pump-action shotgun
• Gauge/Chamber: 12/ 3”; 20/ 3”
• Magazine Capacity: (2 ¾”): 4 + 1 (2 ga.); 5 + 1 (20 ga.)
• Sights: brass bead
• Stock: Grade 1 Walnut, 13 3/4 LOP
• Weight: 6 lbs, 12 oz. (12 ga.); 6 lbs, 10 oz. (20 ga.)
• Barrel Length: 26”; 28”
• Finish: matte/li>
• Chokes: IC, M, F
• Accessories: 3 choke-tubes, case, wrench

The feature that differentiates the SXP from most other pumps is its inertia bolt that provides the initial rearward movement of the slide. If the gun is fired one-handed without holding the forend it will often eject the fired shell by itself.

The action hastens the pumping process by allowing the shooter the fastest start time possible–comparable to pushing a sprinter from the starting blocks exactly when the starting gun fires rather than making him anticipate it.

The automatic facilitation of the pumping action also reminds shooters who may not be accustomed to pump guns to work the action when the forend slightly tugs the hand. It’s remarkable.Order Winchester SXP Upland Field Pump-Action Shotgun

Other notable upgrades include an anodized-like finish on the magazine tube that keeps it slick, and therefore the action slick, even as the gun gets dirty. It’s familiar crossbolt safety located on the forward edge of the trigger guard is now reversible for lefties.

While the SXP’s trigger is now easily removable, it is made of polymer. Although good plastics are often more durable than thin metals, actual metal would sure give the gun a higher quality feel. This, and perhaps its lack of a mid-bead and sling studs, are my only complaints.

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