Description
It’s 4:30 AM, the Missouri woods are pitch black, and you’re listening for that first gobble. Your shotgun is a tool, but it’s also a partner in the stillness. When that tom finally steps into range, you need a gun that shoulders fast, swings smooth, and goes bang without a second thought. That’s the hunt this gun was built for.
The Winchester SX4 NWTF Turkey 12 Ga 24″ 3.5″ Moss is a purpose-built, semi-automatic shotgun designed from the ground up for turkey hunting. It features a specialized Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish, a 24-inch barrel optimized for dense-cover maneuvering and tight turkey patterns, and the reliability to handle potent 3.5-inch magnum loads without a hiccup. This is a dedicated tool for the serious turkey hunter.
Let’s talk about what makes this SX4 different from a standard field model. First, the camo isn’t just a dip—it’s a full coverage Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern that covers the receiver, barrel, and even the bolt handle. I’ve put a few boxes of heavy 3-inch loads through one, and the finish held up perfectly against brush and a light spring drizzle. The 24-inch barrel is the real star here. It’s long enough to get a good swing and maintain pattern density, but short enough that you’re not constantly snagging on every sapling in the Ozark timber. It comes with an extra-full Turkey choke tube right out of the box, and I’ve seen it throw devastatingly tight patterns with Federal Heavyweight TSS and Winchester Long Beard XR shells.
The heart of the system is Winchester’s Active Valve gas system. Here’s the thing—it’s self-regulating. That means whether you’re shooting light 2.75-inch target loads to pattern or punishing 3.5-inch magnums on a big gobbler, the gun adjusts the gas automatically. The result is incredibly soft recoil for a magnum shotgun and legendary reliability. I’ve never had a failure to feed or eject that wasn’t ammo-related. It’s a simple, robust design that fits out of the box and runs dirty, which is exactly what you need when you’re sitting in the mud.
Other features that matter in the field include the fiber-optic rifle-style sights. They’re a huge upgrade over a simple bead when you’re trying to place a precise shot on a turkey’s head and neck at 40 yards. The stock has a generous, soft recoil pad that makes a long day of shooting much more pleasant. The gun weighs in at a very manageable 7.1 pounds, which is a sweet spot—heavy enough to be steady, light enough to carry all morning.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3.5″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 24 Inches |
| Overall Length | 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs |
| Finish/Camo | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Pros: The dedicated turkey features are all there and they work. The camo is excellent, the sights are fast, and the gas system is forgiving with any load you feed it. Recoil is surprisingly mild for a magnum gun. The price point of $865.82 is competitive for a camo-clad, semi-auto turkey specialist from a major brand.
Cons: It’s a specialist. That 24-inch barrel and extra-full choke make it less ideal for ducks over decoys or clays. The fiber-optic sights are great for turkeys but can be a bit busy for fast wing shooting. As with any semi-auto, it requires a bit more cleaning attention than a pump after a wet, dirty hunt.
This gun is for the hunter who lives for turkey season. If you spend weeks scouting, run multiple decoy sets, and demand a shotgun that’s as focused as you are, this is it. It’s also a fantastic choice for the hunter who wants one dedicated, reliable turkey gun that will last for decades of seasons. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it come with choke tubes?
A: Yes. It comes with an installed Winchester Invector-Plus extra-full Turkey choke tube. The system is also compatible with the full range of aftermarket Invector-Plus chokes from brands like Carlson’s and Trulock for versatility.
Q: Can it shoot lighter 2.75-inch shells reliably?
A: Absolutely. The Active Valve gas system is designed to cycle a huge range of loads, from light 2.75-inch target loads up to the heaviest 3.5-inch magnums. It’s a great feature for affordable patterning practice.
Q: Is the camo durable?
A: The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish is a high-quality, durable coating that stands up to typical field use very well. It’s resistant to scratches from brush and won’t fade quickly with sun exposure. It’s a true hunting finish, not just for show.
If a dedicated, reliable turkey hammer that’s ready for the Missouri spring woods sounds like your kind of partner, you can find the full details on our site.
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