First Look: Winchester SX4

by
posted on December 14, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
winchester_sx4_f.jpg

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.

Latest

Leupold Binos
Leupold Binos

Review: Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50mm

Contributor Phil Massaro reviews the Leupold BX-3 Alpine HD 12x50 binocular, which offers a stellar image at an attractive price.

New for 2026: Browning Trail Cameras' Defender Vision Pro LSF

The Defender Vision Pro LSF is Browning Trail Cameras' 2026 livestream cellular trail camera, built for users seeking immediate visibility and real-time awareness from the field. It is designed for both property and game monitoring.

Texas, Hogs and Thermals

Follow along as Brian McCombie indulges in his favorite trio: Texas, hogs and thermals.

New for 2026: Real Avid AR-15/AR-10 Master Collections

Real Avid has taken its AR-15 and AR-10 tooling and maintenance products and bundled them into anew Master Collections series, providing AR-platform fans with one-stop solutions to meet their specific AR needs.

Turkey Decoys All Season Long

Opening day of turkey season was rainy and cold. However, thanks to scouting and trail cameras, Scott Haugen had a plan. Matter of fact, from the first day to the last, Scott has a way to set the decoys to bring the birds in. Curious? Read on for some great strategies.

New for 2026: Hornady .223 WSSM and .243 WSSM Superformance Varmint

Hornady has announced the availability of .223 WSSM 55-grain V-Max and .243 WSSM 75-grain V-Max loads in the Superformance Varmint line.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.