Has anybody has any experience with the Winchester SX3? I am looking for a new turkey gun, and upgrading from my old Mossberg 835. I would like an autoloader 12. I have been looking at the SBE II, but held a SX3 today, and it just felt like a sweet gun. Plus I have found it on sale. I know that most guys on here have gone to the 20 gauge, but for some reason, a 12 gauge auto is what I'm really wanting. Thoughts?

If I was buying as a dedicated turkey gun, I would go with the SX3 over the SBE2. If it's going to be an all around gun I would go with the SBE2. The "Benelli Click" from the rotary bolt not fully closing is the main reason behind my choice. Don't ask me how I know, but walking through turkey woods, it's easy for the bolt to become disengaged and you end up with a click and missed opportunity.

I shot one before I made the switch to tss and still shoot it duck hunting. Really good guns. They like a .670 choke the best with all the loads I put through it.

I have an SX3 and really love that gun, it is very smooth. (Although I can't compare to the SBE because I have never shot one) I shoot a .670 pure gold and nitros. Can't tell you the numbers im getting but I did kill one at 65 yds last year.

I don't think most guys on here hunt turkeys with a 20, the ones that do just like to talk about it, which is perfectly fine. I don't know what your price range is, but consider the Beretta too.

Never shot the SX3 but I got s SBE2 a couple years ago and love it, zero complaints so far

I really like them. I think they are nice guns.

Unless I'm mistaken it is the same as a browning gold, which I hunt with.i like mine

I think it is very similar to the Browning Gold. What is the preferred choke tube?

I think it is an excellent gun, similar to Gold but seems much lighter. Depending on what you plan to shoot out of it, an Indian Creek .675 was awesome with my invector plus guns with lead and Hevi shot. Pure Gold .670 also threw great patterns.

The sx3 supposedly interchange parts with a browning maxus, or so I've been told.

i have an indian creek tube, it might the 670 not sure its in the safe so i really not sure

I have the older version, SX2 in 12 gage. Probably have a thousand or more rounds down it considering ducks, geese, turkeys, targets and clays. Keep it clean and she has served me well. I think I have an IC choke on it (not 100% sure), but it along with Hevi Shot blend is a stone cold turkey killer. Consistently get over 250 in the 10 ring at 40.

I have a SX3 20 ga for primary dove gun and back up turkey gun. Its almost identical to the Browning Maxus. No complaints in the SX3 but my main turkey gun is a Benelli.

It is pretty much a Browning Silver. The Maxus has a little bit different gas system.
The SX3 in 20 is very sweet shooter.

I've got a Browning Silver which is the same gun, other than some slight differences. After some Google Fu, the SX3 is a bit lighter and there are some cosmetic differences.

I shoot Hevi Mag Blends with the Hevi-Shot choke, .664 constriction. I caught the choke on sale and can't remember the shot count when I patterned but it was good and I wasted my first turkey with it two years ago.

I also bought a slug barrel for it and its now my woods gun for deer hunting. The autoloading gives me quick followup shots in the thick stuff I always seem to be in.

Really one of my best hunting related purchases ever.

I have shot a SX2 for the last 15-16 years....zero complaints

I have a friend who hunts with a SX2 and SX3 without complaints. He has made some impressive shots, though a lot of that is his skill level as well.

I have a SBE already set up for turkey in the classifieds with pattern pics.

http://www.aldeer.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1622946#Post1622946

I don't believe you'll go wrong with either.

God Bless,
David B.

I have a SX3 Longbeard edition. It has a pistol grip and cantilever barrel. LOVE IT! I use a red dot scope, but it came with rifle sites. I've only hunted with it one season, but I harvested 3 toms. I also hog hunt with it when I'm scrub hunting. It is an awesome turkey gun, but it wouldn't suit someone looking for a multi purpose gun. I have a 308 Browning Hog Stalker that I hunt with more than anything. The SX3 Longbeard has a similar stock (might be the same) with similar low, med, high cheek pieces and three butt pieces to let you custom fit it. If you get an SX3 you wont be disappointed.