Description
The Winchester SX3 Long Beard 20 Ga, 24″ Barrel, 3″, Mossy Oak is a purpose-built, gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun designed for the demanding turkey hunter. It features a specialized Long Beard XR choke and a Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish, delivering dense, lethal patterns at extended ranges with reduced felt recoil for faster follow-up shots.
Key Features
- Long Beard XR Choke Tube: Engineered specifically for Winchester’s Long Beard XR shotshells to produce tight, consistent patterns ideal for turkey.
- Gas-Operated Inertia System: The Active Valve system self-adjusts to reliably cycle light 2¾” target loads up to heavy 3″ magnums.
- Mossy Oak Bottomland Finish: Full coverage camo on barrel, receiver, and stock for effective concealment in timber and field edges.
- 24″ Vent Rib Barrel: Provides a quick, balanced swing in tight quarters without sacrificing sight plane or pattern performance.
- Shim Kit Included: Allows for customizing the length of pull and drop for a precise fit—no gunsmithing required.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 24″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.8 lbs |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| Choke System | WinChoke (Long Beard XR tube included) |
| Action | Semi-Auto, Gas-Operated |
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the hunter who stalks Missouri’s spring woods and needs a decisive advantage when a tom finally steps into range. The Winchester SX3 Long Beard 20 Ga is built for that single moment. It’s for the hunter who values a lighter-recoiling 20-gauge platform but refuses to compromise on effective range or pattern density. If you’re moving through thick cover, setting up on a ridge, or calling from a blind, this shotgun’s balance and specialized choke translate directly to confidence. The price point of $1005.23 reflects its specialized, performance-oriented design.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The reduced weight and recoil of the 20-gauge make it exceptionally manageable for long days and younger shooters, while the Long Beard choke system ensures it remains lethally effective. Reliability across a wide range of loads means it can double as a field gun for upland birds. The camo finish is complete and durable, and the shim kit lets you tailor the fit perfectly.
Cons: As a specialized tool, its shorter barrel and single choke focus are less versatile than a 28″ field model with multiple tubes. The premium camo and choke technology contribute to its cost. Some hunters may simply prefer the absolute power margin of a 12-gauge for turkey, though modern 20-gauge TSS loads have largely closed that gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this shotgun only for use with Winchester Long Beard XR shells?
A: No. While the included choke tube is optimized for those shells, the shotgun will reliably cycle any 2¾” or 3″ 20-gauge load. You can use other choke tubes from the WinChoke system for different applications like waterfowl or clays.
Q: How does the 20-gauge compare to a 12-gauge for turkey hunting?
A: With today’s advanced ammunition—especially tungsten super shot (TSS)—the 20-gauge delivers more than enough pellet count and energy at ethical turkey ranges. The real benefit is a lighter, faster-handling gun with significantly less recoil, which often leads to better shooting form and quicker second shots if needed.
Q: Is the camo pattern effective for Missouri seasons?
A: Absolutely. Mossy Oak Bottomland is designed for early spring environments, blending grays, browns, and blacks to mimic bare timber, leaf litter, and shadow. It’s highly effective in the deciduous forests and creek bottoms common across the state during turkey season.
This Winchester SX3 Long Beard configuration is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. When your setup needs to work without a second thought, this shotgun is engineered to deliver. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.