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

SUPPORT Finisher Chest Pack Pro
SUPPORT Finisher Chest Pack Pro

First Look: Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro

The Blocker Outdoors Finisher Chest Pack Pro is the kind of gear that takes the basic tenets of turkey hunting into consideration, while attempting to minimize the burden of a cumbersome full-size vest. This makes it a a straightforward alternative to a full-size turkey vest for run-and-gun hunters who want to balance loadout with freedom of movement.

The Value of Post Season Scouting in the Snow

Although for most of the country deer season is over, there are some important aspects of deer hunting to be understood, particularly when it snows during the winter months. In my part of the country, we don’t often get a good blanket of snow until the deer season closes. However, when it does snow, I make a point to get outdoors and visit each of my hunting areas to learn when the learning is best.

Tuo Introduces New Camouflage Pattern: Ryse

Tuo launched its proprietary Verse camo pattern in 2024. While the supplemental light tans and sharp lines render effectiveness in wooded environments as well, Tuo wanted to offer a second exclusive pattern for whitetail hunters. It has done so with Ryse.

New for 2026: SIG Sauer Zulu10 HDX Binoculars

SIG Sauer’s new Zulu10 HDX binoculars are engineered for hunters and shooters who prioritize optical performance and mechanical precision as much as durability.

Renewed Hunting and Fishing Focus on Interior Department-Managed Property

On Jan. 7 U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued an order stating, “…public and federally managed lands should be open to hunting and fishing unless a specific, documented, and legally supported exception applies.”

#SundayGunday: Benelli Lupo HPR

This week on #SundayGunday, we test-fire the Lupo HPR, a bolt-action rifle from Benelli with a host of proprietary, high-performance features that drop it in the gap between long-range competition rig and custom hunting rig. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.