Rifleman Review: Winchester Super X4 Field Shotgun

Winchester Repeating Arms has a long history of building shotguns, with some of its modern semi-automatic shoguns borrowing features found on Browning designs. However, some of the more recent Winchester semi-automatic shoguns have come into their own with unique design features. One of these newer Winchester shotguns is the Super X4 (SX4) line. 


The SX4 line of gas-operated semi-automatic shoguns come in several variations geared for different intended roles including tactical, hunting and sporting. The field model of the SX4 is designed specifically for sporting use, chambered in 12 gauge and compatible with 2.75" and 3" shells. It has a gas-operated semi-automatic action like other modern Winchester shotguns, using an active-valve operating system.


The active-valve system used in the SX4 Field allows the action to function reliably with a variety of loads from light to hot. Enough gas is retained by the system to drive the action on light loads while venting excess gas from hot loads, reducing the ill effects of pressure difference that would be apparent in other gas-operated shotgun designs. With this, the active-valve system reduces felt recoil with heavier loads as it vents off most of the gas except for what is needed to drive the system.


The SX4 Field has a 26" barrel that is back ported and features a ventilated rib on top. At the front of the ventilated rib is a TruGlo red fiber-optic bead front sight. The receiver is machined aluminum alloy, helping reduce the overall weight of the platform to 6 lbs. 10 ozs. The controls on the SX4 Field are oversized to aid in faster and easier manipulation, including the bolt handle, bolt release and push safety at the rear of the trigger guard. The safety is also reversible to make it easier to manipulate for left-handed users.


The stock and the fore-end of the SX4 Field are made of Turkish walnut with a satin oil finish. The grip and fore-end both feature classic-cut checkering. The grip itself is slightly smaller than the grip size found on the Winchester SX3, allowing users with smaller hands to have a comfortable reach for the trigger. At the end of the SX4 Field's wood butt is a Winchester InFlex recoil pad that is firm to the touch but does a decent job at cushioning the user's shoulder from recoil.


The SX4 Field feeds from a tube magazine located under the barrel and within the fore-end, which can hold up to four 2.75" shells at full load. The barrel is threaded to accept the Invector Plus choke tube system, allowing a wide variety of choke tubes to be used. Included with the SX4 Field is a owner's manual, wrench, three Invector Plus choke tubes and length of pull spacers to adjust the butt. For more information on the Winchester Super X4 Field Model shogun visit winchesterguns.com.

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