Description
I was standing in a flooded timber hole, the cold Missouri morning biting at my cheeks, when a pair of mallards committed to my spread. The swing was instinctive, the mount smooth, and the Winchester SX4 12 Ga ga 28″ 3″ Stock Mossy Oak did the rest. That’s the story of this shotgun: it’s a reliable, fast-handling autoloader built for the real-world rigors of waterfowling and upland hunting, where seconds count and conditions are rarely ideal. At $827.66, it delivers proven performance without the premium price tag of some competitors, and it’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Here’s the thing—after putting a few hundred rounds of everything from light target loads to 3-inch magnum steel through it, the SX4 earns its keep with a dead-simple, robust gas system. Winchester’s Active Valve gas system self-regulates based on shell length. That means whether you’re shooting a light 2¾-inch target load for clays or a heavy 3-inch waterfowl load, the system adjusts automatically. You get reliable cycling and a noticeably softer felt recoil compared to many inertia-driven guns. I’ve never had a hiccup, and it fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required—just take it home, clean it, and it’s ready for the field. The balance point on this 28-inch barrel model is just forward of the receiver, making it swing smoothly without feeling muzzle-heavy.
The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo isn’t just for show; it’s a durable, dipped finish that protects the metal and synthetic stock from moisture, mud, and marsh muck. The stock itself is ergonomically shaped with a textured grip surface, and it includes a set of spacers to adjust the length of pull. That’s a feature you often pay more for. The Inflex Technology recoil pad is genuinely effective, channeling recoil downward and reducing the kick you feel in your cheek. Weighing in at 7.1 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day in the uplands but has enough mass to soak up recoil comfortably during long waterfowl sessions.
One of my favorite features is the clean, low-profile receiver. It gives you a great, unobstructed sight plane down the vent rib. The bolt release and safety are large, glove-friendly buttons right where your thumb naturally rests. Loading is a breeze with the oversized shell latch, and the drop-free, rotary-style magazine cut-off lets you swap shells without cycling the action. It’s compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes, including the popular Winchester Invector-Plus choke system, so you can tailor your pattern for ducks, geese, or turkeys.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | 48.5″ |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Choke System | Invector-Plus (3 chokes included) |
Pros: The self-regulating gas system is incredibly forgiving with ammo and reduces felt recoil. The ergonomics are excellent straight from the factory, and the adjustable length of pull is a huge value-add. The Bottomland camo is tough and perfectly suited for timber and marsh hunting. It’s a simple, dependable workhorse.
Cons: Like most camo-dipped guns, the finish can show wear on high-contact points over time—I see it as character. It’s not the absolute lightest autoloader on the market, but that weight helps with recoil management. Some might prefer a more traditional walnut stock for aesthetic reasons, but that’s not this gun’s purpose.
So who is this shotgun for? It’s for the dedicated waterfowler who needs a gun that will cycle reliably in freezing rain. It’s for the Missouri turkey hunter who wants a lightweight, camouflaged tool for sneaking through the woods. It’s also a fantastic option for the high-volume clay shooter who wants a soft-shooting, low-maintenance autoloader that can handle a case of shells in a weekend without complaint. If you’re moving up from an older pump or a finicky autoloader, the SX4 represents a massive leap in performance and shootability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will it cycle light target loads reliably?
A: Absolutely. The Active Valve system is designed specifically for that. I’ve run cases of cheap 1-ounce, 2¾-inch target loads through it without a single failure to feed or eject.
Q: Is the camo just on the stock, or is the metal finished too?
A: The entire gun—barrel, receiver, and stock—is fully covered in the Mossy Oak Bottomland dip. It provides corrosion resistance and complete visual concealment.
Q: What chokes and accessories come with it?
A: It comes with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a set of stock spacers, and a basic choke wrench. You can add aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster that use the same Invector-Plus threads.
If you need a no-nonsense, go-anywhere shotgun that performs without fuss, the Winchester SX4 in Mossy Oak is ready to work. See its current availability on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.