First Look: Winchester SX4

Winchester's Super X3 has served as the company's premier semi-automatic shotgun offering for what feels like eons now, and it has acquitted itself very well. That said, all eras come to an end eventually. Though the SX3 isn't quite taking a bow just yet, the sun will soon rise for another autoloading scattergun bearing the Winchester name—the just-announced Super X4. Here are five things you need to know.

1. It features improved ergonomics.
The Super X4 is designed to be lighter, slimmer and simply more ergonomic than its predecessor. The SX4’s balance point has been moved slightly forward to create a more fluid swing and allow for better target tracking and a smoother follow-through.

2. It further reduces felt recoil.
The latest edition of the Influx Technology Recoil Pad on the SX4 further reduces “felt recoil.” The rib structures located in the pad are designed to help direct and channel the recoil impulse, moving the comb down and away from the user’s cheek. The new pad also features a larger footprint, which spreads recoil forces over a wider area.

3. It features an Active Valve Gas System.
Like the SX3, the SX4 features an Active Valve Gas System, which automatically self-adjusts to allocate the exact gas pressure necessary to reliably cycle a wide range of loads commonly used for hunting and target shooting. The system allows the SX4 to achieve greater load diversity.

4. Four models will be available out of the gate.
Alongside a standard black synthetic model, consumers will see the SX4 Waterfowl Hunter (in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades Camo), the SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact (featuring a shorter length of pull).

5. Prices start just shy of $1,000.
The black synthetic, Field and Field Compact models ship with an MSRP of $939.99. The Waterfowl Hunter lists at $1,069.99.

Want to know more? Never fear. We'll have further coverage on the SX4 when it's officially debuted at SHOT Show 2017, and rest assured that it is due for a full review in an upcoming print edition of American Hunter. Stay tuned.