Winchester SX3

birdman · 12-09-2008

I convinced my wife I need a new shotgun for Christmas and wanted to see if I could get some first hand accounts of the Winchester SX3. Specifically, this gun will be used for waterfowl hunting. I've got a browning gold hunter that I shoot 3.5" shells out of currently, but it's in wood and I hate scratching the damn thing up, getting it muddy etc. I also have found that it's not as reliable as I would like. Seems these gas operated Brownings have to be damn near clean as a whistle to cycle shells properly. Now I don't have much problem with the 3.5", but lighter loads can be problematic.

I like the looks and feel of the SX3, but I know there built on a similar platform as the brownings. I've heard from others when rating top gas guns it would be Berretta Extrema, Winchester SX3, then Browning with Benelli SBE coming ahead of them all with mechanical system.

Does anyone have any advice?

driftlessbamboo · 12-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdman

I convinced my wife I need a new shotgun for Christmas and wanted to see if I could get some first hand accounts of the Winchester SX3. Specifically, this gun will be used for waterfowl hunting. I've got a browning gold hunter that I shoot 3.5" shells out of currently, but it's in wood and I hate scratching the damn thing up, getting it muddy etc. I also have found that it's not as reliable as I would like. Seems these gas operated Brownings have to be damn near clean as a whistle to cycle shells properly. Now I don't have much problem with the 3.5", but lighter loads can be problematic.

I like the looks and feel of the SX3, but I know there built on a similar platform as the brownings. I've heard from others when rating top gas guns it would be Berretta Extrema, Winchester SX3, then Browning with Benelli SBE coming ahead of them all with mechanical system.

Does anyone have any advice?

SX3 and for the record, I've seen the Benelli freeze up beyond use in South Dakota goose pits while my old Remington 11-87 kept plugging away. The Browning sticks because manufacturing tolerances are so tight nice gun though!

stalkingbear · 12-10-2008

I'm a benelli fan ever since I got my 1st,was a 12 gauge legacy. I've NEVER seen a benelli freeze up with proper lube. Due to their inertia operating system,benellis stay cleaner than gas operated shotguns. Benellis won't freeze up any wuicker than any other shotgun UNLESS they get a bunch of snow/ice in the bolt,but any shotgun would then. I would choose sbe 2 without slightest hesitation. This coming from long term multi benelli owner.

driftlessbamboo · 12-10-2008

If you look at the ejection port of the benelli you'll see how much more room there is for blowing snow etc. to build up. There is nothing else really wrong with the benelli but nothing that justifys its price tag either other than ego.

stalkingbear · 12-10-2008

Got to TOTALLY disagree with you on the ego part and price. I've had quite a bit of experience with them and believe me-they work like NO gas gun ever will. I should know. Ever fire 1 much? Once you do,you'll retract your words.

Quote:

Originally Posted by driftlessbamboo

If you look at the ejection port of the benelli you'll see how much more room there is for blowing snow etc. to build up. There is nothing else really wrong with the benelli but nothing that justifys its price tag either other than ego.

driftlessbamboo · 12-10-2008

Stalkingbear,
I thought about my post after I typed it. I didn't mean that as insultive. I do know guys that really like their benellis who are avid hunters. I actually have shot both the M1 and the SBE. I, myself didn't really like the SBE but I thought the M1 was a nice gun. I honestly do think it's overpriced though.
I'f I were going to drop a grand on a shotgun I'd choose a decent o/u or sxs.
What I have seen though is that there are a lot of benellis sold based soley on the brand name. I don't mean to imply that they aren't good quality firearms. I personally simply think the SX3 to be a better handling nicer swinging gun.

birdman · 12-11-2008

I think their build is top notch. One question though. What's up with the short magazine?

12-09-2008	#1 (permalink)
birdman Administrator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Longmont, Co Posts: 638 Images: 12	Winchester SX3 I convinced my wife I need a new shotgun for Christmas and wanted to see if I could get some first hand accounts of the Winchester SX3. Specifically, this gun will be used for waterfowl hunting. I've got a browning gold hunter that I shoot 3.5" shells out of currently, but it's in wood and I hate scratching the damn thing up, getting it muddy etc. I also have found that it's not as reliable as I would like. Seems these gas operated Brownings have to be damn near clean as a whistle to cycle shells properly. Now I don't have much problem with the 3.5", but lighter loads can be problematic. I like the looks and feel of the SX3, but I know there built on a similar platform as the brownings. I've heard from others when rating top gas guns it would be Berretta Extrema, Winchester SX3, then Browning with Benelli SBE coming ahead of them all with mechanical system. Does anyone have any advice? __________________ "I don't care how or what you hunt or fish, I'm the outdoor equal opportunist"

12-11-2008	#7 (permalink)
birdman Administrator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Longmont, Co Posts: 638 Images: 12	I think their build is top notch. One question though. What's up with the short magazine? __________________ "I don't care how or what you hunt or fish, I'm the outdoor equal opportunist"

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12-10-2008	#3 (permalink)
stalkingbear Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: central ky Posts: 37	I'm a benelli fan ever since I got my 1st,was a 12 gauge legacy. I've NEVER seen a benelli freeze up with proper lube. Due to their inertia operating system,benellis stay cleaner than gas operated shotguns. Benellis won't freeze up any wuicker than any other shotgun UNLESS they get a bunch of snow/ice in the bolt,but any shotgun would then. I would choose sbe 2 without slightest hesitation. This coming from long term multi benelli owner.

12-10-2008	#4 (permalink)
driftlessbamboo The Dude abides Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The driftless area of Wisconsin Posts: 58	If you look at the ejection port of the benelli you'll see how much more room there is for blowing snow etc. to build up. There is nothing else really wrong with the benelli but nothing that justifys its price tag either other than ego.

12-10-2008	#6 (permalink)
driftlessbamboo The Dude abides Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The driftless area of Wisconsin Posts: 58	Stalkingbear, I thought about my post after I typed it. I didn't mean that as insultive. I do know guys that really like their benellis who are avid hunters. I actually have shot both the M1 and the SBE. I, myself didn't really like the SBE but I thought the M1 was a nice gun. I honestly do think it's overpriced though. I'f I were going to drop a grand on a shotgun I'd choose a decent o/u or sxs. What I have seen though is that there are a lot of benellis sold based soley on the brand name. I don't mean to imply that they aren't good quality firearms. I personally simply think the SX3 to be a better handling nicer swinging gun.