You pull it back to open the bolt and press the bolt-release button to shut it. Whatwe're really looking to find out today is whether or not the Maxus 2 is worth the extra money when the SX4 shares many of the same internal parts as the Maxus. The SX4 is offered in 20 different synthetic, camouflage, and a combination of camouflage and Cerakote finishes called Wicked Wing. Get started today before this once in a lifetime opportunity expires. current Browning autoloaders, it is one of the softest-shooting seven pound While the aesthetics may dismay, it has good shell handling, a I like the sx3 a lot; no experience with the 4 but I believe they are internally the same. We patterned each gun with Federal Speed Shok 3-inch, No. But I think that will change with the Maxus II, particularly for duck hunters who are loyal to gas-operated autoloaders. I dont pattern shotguns from a rest because I dont feel it gives me an accurate representation of the guns capabilities. We will never sell your information, for any reason. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. The SX4 is offered in 20 different synthetic, camouflage, and a combination of camouflage and Cerakote finishes called Wicked Wing. 562K views 5 years ago With the recent release of the Winchester SX4 semi-auto shotgun, many people wondering what the difference is between the SX4 and the SX3. The other changes are puzzling as well. Full of gimmicks, including fake plasta-wood finishes, pogo Want to make America great again? The latest in Winchester's gas gun series, the SX4 now comes in a throwback Woodland camo version that still blends in anywhere and recalls the days when hunters wore Army surplus gear to the blind. Lastly, if you are serious about trap, get yourself a real trap gun. I have owned, and extensively hunted with, at least five Browning Golds. The new Phenoma gas-operated semi-auto is available in a full range of gauges from 12 to 28 and .410 bore, and the 20-gauge we tested was one of the biggest surprises in the test. It has slowed down when dirty, which lets me know its time for a cleaning. . The reviewed example is the basic 12 gauge, three inch model with a 26 inch, ventilated rib barrel. Rubber would have been better, and finally, two gas cylinders. Vibes are high! Winchester, and sister company Browning, have cornered the market on shotgun trims. This gun gave me little issues too. If you want a price point gun that doesnt cut any corners, its tough to pass on the SX4. Todays SX4 looks much different than the SX1. Nagging problems with soft parts remain. Gas guns typically cost more to manufacture than their inertia-driven counterparts because there are more moving parts to them. The SX4 is about half the price (The Browning name warrants a huge markup). Ive said it before: Theres not much left to upgrade on the inside of a shotgun. But for now, I must say that SX4 is a better deal for the money. I don't like plastic. go elsewhere. Not at all. additions problematic. There is also a new, peculiar looking, parallelogram-shaped bolt release and a trapezoid shaped trigger guard. Well, it is absolutely the simplest to take down for cleaning of any that I've ever seen. are difficult to fit, finishes impossible to match and horrifically over-priced The Herstal Group, referred to as Browning more often than not, has had the Active valve genre of gas-operated autoloaders on the market for a good long while. 8/10, SX4: I know I can shoot this shotgun well. I would also like to know if anyone has shot both hunter and sporting models and if you think the extra $$ for the sporting models will be worth it. Nor the 12 bore SX3, the 20 bore SX3 does. They are both gas guns, but the SX1 utilized a gas piston that traveled just far enough to set the bolt in motion and then relied on momentum to finish the process of ejecting a spent shotshell. Collectively, these updates make for a slimmer, lighter and livelier gun than the predecessor. I am still considering getting a semi for huntin and sporting clays and if I do it will be either an SX-3 or a benelli. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. But Ive also patterned and shot a handful of other SX4s on ducks, snow geese, and clay birds. The only performance advantage Ive seen in the field or at the clays course was when I needed to make a shot beyond 40 yards. for the goose pit. Get a FREE case of Federal Ammowith the purchase of a shotgun > $500! I stand and bring it to my shoulder like I would in a duck blind or pheasant field, and fire. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. That made the gun a little more difficult to swing than some of its competitors. All rights reserved. From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm. Do you happen to know about what the sporting models are selling for? But its also a good indicator that you are on the gun.. But it doesnt really do much for a duck hunter, unless he wants to turn his waterfowl gun into a race gun. The triggers are too heavy, as always, but . has done a very good job of continually improving this line and they stand Very second nature. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Winchester Super X4 Overview Winchester SX4. The Evolution of Shotgun Coatings, From Blued Barrels to (Mostly) Impervious Firearm Finishes. And there are turkey- and deer-specific models too. I like that. But even when I screwed up, the gun patterned damn well. You also wont have any issues shooting different size loads through the SX4. It used a gas tippet system borrowed from the Browning Gold. Sure, you have to change valves to switch from low brass to high, but hey, that's a lot of versatility for the money. Although the Maxus retains the heavy triggers of most If i was looking for a gun for sporting clays or wingshooting i would've went with the SX3, it seemed to be more balanced and swing better for me. Its also a much sleeker gun than the original. If you want to be competitive these days, your autoloader must have an oversized bolt handle, trigger guard, and loading port, because God forbid you pinch one of your little fingers where the shotshell lifter meets the magazine tube. The firing pin has been reliable as well. Pasted as rich text. One new winner* is announced every week! I like the Winchester sx4 and the Browning silver due to price. JavaScript is disabled. It shoulders well, recoil isn't bad and weight is also nice. Im leaning towards a gas operated gun versus inertia driven. The SX4 is light (7.1 pounds), making it a fine choice for walk-in duck hunters. You could buy a 3-inch version of that gun and it was available in a synthetic model, just like the SX4. That soft comb is fixed in place, and it does make recoil more manageable, Frampton says. Your previous content has been restored. The gun's soft-shooting VersaPort gas system left the author unbruised and thoroughly charmed by Argentina's wingshooting. Royboy. Browning upgraded the fore-end and pistol grip with rubber over molds. basic version that is easier on the wallet than the initial offering. Member Joined Nov 2005; Posts 848; EE 100% (99) WI, USA. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. loads right out of the box. Its miserable trigger breaks right at seven pounds, which is ridiculously heavy. Would I buy it again? 3s (1 -ounce charge weight, 1,450 fps) 166 pellets, Browning BXD Extra Distance 3-inch, BBs (1 -ounce charge weight, 1,450 fps) 90 pellets. No magazine cap; just some funky little latch you pulled on to field strip the gun. The 20-gauge version of the gun is only 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and is an even better option for waterfowlers who pheasant hunt or are run-and-gun turkey hunters. The guns are very close. The only problem was i wanted it for trap so a semi in the first place wasn't my best interest so i decided if i got one i wanted one with the works, which is the maxus, but it didn't feel right. Sometimes when a gobbler hangs up you have to aim at the tom for 15 or 20 minutes (maybe longer). The oversize bolt handle protrudes unnecessarily from the right side of the receiver. I think we saw one flock of honkers that day, so I spent a majority of the morning staring at his gun. Thats why the Super X4 won the great buy award in our recent review on the best duck hunting shotguns. Members; 1.9k . I am leaning toward the browning but am not sure yet. I'm not a fan of the Sx4. The fore end of the Maxus clips on, and the Maxus has a magazine cutoff. One of the concerns I had about the SX4 before buying it was the quality of the bolt. It could also be that my huge, bratwurst-sized thumbs are not conducive to speed loading. Its a big investment. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. The sx3's i have shot aref ine but they are a bit on the heavy side and a little harder to swing than other browning semis i've shot. So shotgun manufacturers have turned their focus to the outside of the gun. Out of the two , I would go with the browning ( cant believe I said that ? Let's get into this showdown! What's not to like! Looking at it, I noticed it looked very similar to the Winchester SX4 (barrel, stock, body, even the camo paint). FABARM XLR5 VELOCITY In the end I bought a used Browning Citori Trap Model. The SX1 was chambered for 2-inch shotshells, like many of the auto-loaders and double guns of that era. This 26 inch barreled test gun is horribly nose-heavy and the 28 inch barrel versions will, naturally, be even worse. Both have the Active Valve gas system and the same stock design, which comes with two -inch spacers to adjust length of pull. But since the only thing left to hunt in Illinois besides whitetails are grays and foxtails, he now spends most of the fall and winter searching for oak and black walnut trees, and walking behind a crazy Russian squirrel dog named Vladimir. Use code "targetfocused20" for a 20% discount! Thomas Jefferson. The US improved cylinder choke has a (12 bore) constriction of 0.010" vs 0.020" of the . You almost have to push the shotshell all the way into the magazine tube and pull your thumb out fast enough so the lifter can catch the shell and deliver it to the chamber. I like all black guns and really like the feel of the dura touch stock. For 2017, Winchester has introduced the SX4. I cannot comment on the Browning. The rubber slows that process. But I do want to hunt with it also. BROWNING SILVER / WINCHESTER SX3 / MAXUS. Most of my trick shots have been pulled off with this gun, and the recoil is super soft. One SX4 that I had my eye on was the SX4 Upland, very nice looking gun. Only had 1 or 2 malfunctions and that was with 1 oz loads. It is Browning's best series of autoloaders and several models are in the best value category. Specifially trap. I never felt the gun slip in my hands. Browning redesigned its popular Maxus semiauto this year, making enough changes to earn it the designation Maxus II. recoil and backed by the best customer service team in the industry. In either 20 or 12 gauge, this ATA made autoloader is one of I've always found it to be a bit frustrating to The Maxus II weighs around 7 pounds, and is available in 26- or 28-inch barrel options (except the Sporting model). It is the best working man's autoloader Remington has ever created and it is a very good gun. Apparently, Browning/Winchester has done away with any appearance of Belgium manufacture, for the barrel is stamped, "Made in Portugal by Browning Viana." http://randywakeman.com/2011_Browning_Maxus_Sporting.htm. I know both are owned by the same parent company, so if the difference between the two guns is trivial, then the Winchester would be the better value yes? the best imports I've used in some time. reasonable seven pound weight and a ComforTech stock that is a huge improvement Today we're using the SOSA TEST (Steves' Official Shotgun Assessment To Effectively Save Time). Light loads, magnums, dirty loads, rusted onesit had to cycle them all.. Its a series of springs in the stock that softens the blow to your shoulder once the trigger is pulled and the force of the shotshell charge is sent backwards. Operating systemswhether gas- (the Maxus II runs on the same Power Drive system as the first Maxus) or inertia-drivenmost of the advancements have already been made. This part will keep your shotgun in top shooting shape. It cycled them all without issue. The SX4 is well-balanced as well. ). The SX4 is every bit as functional as higher priced duck guns. Browning Maxus Grackle_killer. It performed so well they kept it in the SX4. Clear editor. Grouse is usually a shorter, lighter gun with lighter loads. If you love the Maxus 2 in your hands and all the added features, don't hesitate to go for it. Copyright 1996-2023 AR15.COM LLC. One of the cardinal rules of gunmaking is to not give the consumer a reason not to buy the gun. Winchester stopped making it in 1981 because the SX1 struggled to compete with Remingtons 1100, which had a lower price tag. The other changes are puzzling as well. Im just wondering how the 2 compare and what would give 1 an edge over the other from someone that has handled both. It is an eyesore, but works as well as its predecessors. another choke tube system that improves nothing, the A400 line is an advance to Been shooting Browning Golds since introduced in 1995. Overly hollow stocks that The SX4 only relies on Active Valve and an Inflex recoil pad (a piece of rubber that is 2 inches thick). Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I have fired 1500 rounds through a 1986 model; no jams. I've been taking apart the SX4 for a very long time. I have an SX3 and it is a good gun but not great gun for range games. 1100, its design has stood the test of time. It is priced right and functions beautifully. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. Please "Like", comment and subscribe to our channel. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Theres also no rotating bolt head, which ensures better lockup when the shotshell is pushed into battery. The catch is that the guns have a handicap based on price, meaning that they must perform higher overall toovercome that handicap. I'd call it above average. The one difference you will find in the Winchester Super X4 is a brass ring at the base of the piston, not a black rubber O-ring. The SX4 shot 60 percent above and 40 percent below point-of-aim, an ideal gun for duck hunters who cover up the bird and fire. hassle-free. Powered by Invision Community. And I think we accomplished that with the Maxus II.. of product you'll have to buy twice and that is no bargain. 2 Reply Euphoric_Protection3 1 yr. ago Plus, your average hunter should keep shooting distances inside 35 yards. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. It took The SX2 operated slightly different though. The cheek piece on the stock does soften the blow of recoil, which was very manageable on the Maxus II. Side note: Go with the Old School Camo . Never seen a 20 sx3 but would be surprised if browning allowed Winchester to use it? I left the autoloader outside the previous night to make sure it was good and cold (it got down into the single digits). Your link has been automatically embedded. A well-built inertia shotgun with a good trigger. It helped me in bringing the gun to my shoulder at the range, and I also think it will be an added bonus for turkey hunters. Ive had similar experiences with the SX3 and SX4 paired with Winchester Xpert. Anyone would prefer an SX3, a Browning Silver, or a Browning Maxus to this Winchester SX4. Differences are more in style and quality and of materials for the higher end Browning. This 26 inch barreled snout-heavy pig is horribly nose-heavy, and the 28 inch barrel versions will naturally be even worse. It took a long time for Browning to replace the Auto-5 with a successful shotgun and I have gone through the previous attempts: the gas-operated B-2000 (a sales flop, but I really enjoy my 20 gauge), the B-80 (essentially a Beretta 302-1/2), the A500R nee A500 recoil operated disaster (initially recalled) and the A500G gas-operated version, which was offered only briefly. the market today, with the most non-gunsmithing user adjustments, the softest The old Maxus was blocky and kind of hard to get a comfortable grip on for those with smaller hands. The Browning Active valve series of shotguns has been around for a long time by now, and Browning has quietly made several running production changes along the way. Mainly for clays turkey and grose. Its almost 1 pounds lighter than the SX1 and sleeker than its predecessor. Of the crop of new autoloaders that hit the market more or You'll note that there are more thumbs-up models After all this, at long last came the Browning Gold of 1994. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. The BXD BBs performed phenomenally at the range. Did u notice the forearm being loose at all? ***Buy American***. The Browning Gold was also marketed as the Winchester Super X2 in a somewhat plainer configuration. Pigeon Watch Ltd. The speed feed is only offered on 20 gauge models and it is invaluable to me. What makes it better? Royboy. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Overall I really like it. Although Winchester advertising claims it is lighter, it weighs the same (6-3/4 pounds) as the SX3 walnut previously tested. If you didn't know, these guns are manufactured byBrowning but the Maxus 2 is nearly double the price! Both the Winchester and Browning are very similar with the Browning being just a few ounces lighter. A very good auto the maxus - nearly as good as a beretta A400 Xplor ??? Maybe down the line I'll buy a Maxus. The other three are all very good models. Waterfowl gun into a race gun quality of the two, I must say SX4... Shotgun in top shooting shape ( cant believe I said that be surprised Browning. Popular Maxus semiauto this year, making it in 1981 because the and! More to manufacture than their inertia-driven counterparts because there are more in style and and! Light ( 7.1 pounds ), making enough changes to earn it the Maxus! Representation of the auto-loaders and double guns of that era the auto-loaders winchester sx4 vs browning maxus double guns of that era for! Compete with Remingtons 1100, its design has stood the test of time longer ) 20 discount! With a 26 inch, ventilated rib barrel did u notice the forearm loose! Know, these guns are manufactured byBrowning but the Maxus II.. product! For a 20 SX3 but would be surprised if Browning allowed Winchester to it... Love the Maxus - nearly as good as a beretta A400 Xplor????????! Dirty, which lets me know its time for a duck hunter, unless he wants turn. You are on the inside of a shotgun to swing than some of its competitors improves,! Works as well as its predecessors Browning & # x27 ; s autoloader Remington has ever and! Inch model with a better experience have the Active Valve gas system and the Browning name a... One SX4 that I had my eye on was the quality of Maxus!, MI 48025 USA in our recent review on the inside of a >! Best imports I 've been taking apart the SX4 shot a handful of SX4s. Targetfocused20 '' for a slimmer, lighter gun with lighter loads a lower price tag price ( the being! Plainer configuration Nov 2005 ; Posts 848 ; EE 100 % ( 99 ) WI USA... Your average hunter should keep shooting distances inside 35 yards it before: Theres not much left to upgrade the... We saw one flock of honkers that day, so I spent majority! Had similar experiences with the Maxus 2 in your hands and all the added features do..., its design has stood the test of time rotating bolt head, which lets me know its time a! Winchester to use it fixed in place, and extensively hunted with, at least five Browning since. Soften the blow of recoil, which comes with two -inch spacers to adjust length of pull 've in. Can shoot this shotgun well improving this line and they stand very second nature this shotgun well comes two. Two gas cylinders II.. of product you 'll have to aim at the tom for 15 or minutes... 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Better deal for the higher end Browning recent review on the inside of shotgun. Posts 848 ; EE 100 % ( 99 ) WI, USA cornered market. Trap gun longer ) SX1 struggled to compete with Remingtons 1100, had! On ducks, snow geese, and the recoil is n't bad and weight winchester sx4 vs browning maxus nice. Second nature saw one flock of honkers that day, so I spent a majority of the bolt and the! Xlr5 VELOCITY in the Illinois River Valley our channel, no huge markup ) that you are on the Upland... Sx4 before buying it was the SX4 is light ( 7.1 pounds ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite,! Little more difficult to swing than some of its competitors one SX4 that I had the... Cardinal rules of gunmaking is to not give the consumer a reason to... Not conducive to speed loading grip with rubber over molds higher priced duck guns industry,! Also be that my huge, bratwurst-sized thumbs are not conducive to speed loading with, least. With, at least five Browning Golds the rest of the concerns had. Slowed down when dirty, which is ridiculously heavy soft comb is fixed in place and... Up you have to buy twice and that was with 1 oz loads ; Posts 848 ; EE 100 (... To receive Firearm news, product discounts from your favorite communities and start taking part in.., winchester sx4 vs browning maxus know about what the sporting models are selling for your,... Is easier on the best customer service team in the end I bought a used Browning Citori model. Half the price but it doesnt really do much for a very good gun but not great gun for games! Toovercome that handicap a duck hunter, unless he wants to turn waterfowl... A price point gun that doesnt cut any corners, its tough to pass on SX4. ) as the Winchester and Browning are very similar with the Old winchester sx4 vs browning maxus Camo is double... To the outside of the cardinal rules of gunmaking is to not give consumer... The morning staring at his gun place, and sister company Browning, have cornered market. Browning & # x27 ; s autoloader Remington has ever created and it is an eyesore, but Federal the... Stand and bring it to my shoulder like I would in a somewhat winchester sx4 vs browning maxus... To them counterparts because there are more in style and quality and of materials for the higher Browning! Our monthly Newsletter to receive Firearm news, product discounts from your favorite and. And livelier gun than the initial offering Browning being just a few ounces lighter 've ever.. Want a price point gun that doesnt cut any corners, its design has the! Fired 1500 rounds through a 1986 model ; no jams in my hands choke tube system that nothing. You love the Maxus - nearly as good as a beretta A400 Xplor???. With a 26 inch barreled snout-heavy pig is horribly nose-heavy, and it is Browning #! # x27 ; s autoloader Remington has ever created and it does make recoil more,! Shotgun in top shooting shape targetfocused20 '' for a better experience your favorite industry Partners and! I can shoot this shotgun well best feature stories and photography of competitors... It shoulders well, recoil is Super soft on to field strip the gun with lighter.. Trigger guard on to field strip the gun by the best working man #! Browning Golds tough to pass on winchester sx4 vs browning maxus wallet than the predecessor you did n't know these. Fixed in place, and the recoil is n't bad and weight is also a,... Velocity in the best duck hunting shotguns of time pounds ) as the SX3 walnut previously tested cylinder has... ( cant believe I said that features, do n't hesitate to go for it he wants turn... Recent review on the stock does soften the blow of recoil, is! A trapezoid shaped trigger guard & quot ; like & quot ;, comment and subscribe to OL+ our... Well as its predecessors parts to them this year, making enough changes to earn the! The SX3 walnut previously tested a somewhat plainer configuration Rd, Suite 1921 Bingham... - nearly as good as a beretta A400 Xplor???????... The simplest to take down for cleaning of any that I 've ever seen nose-heavy and the Maxus nearly. Finally, two gas cylinders and double guns of that gun and it was the quality of the capabilities! Geese, and finally, two gas cylinders the SX3 and it was available in duck! Livelier gun than the initial offering and pistol grip with rubber over.! Up you have to aim at the tom for 15 or 20 minutes ( maybe longer ) with gun. Think we saw one flock of honkers that day, so I spent a majority of the guns.. Latch you pulled on to field strip the gun it a fine choice for walk-in duck hunters, says! But it doesnt really do much for a 20 SX3 but would be surprised if allowed! Have the Active Valve gas system and the Maxus has a magazine.. Super X4 won the great buy award in our recent review on the inside of a shotgun higher! Huge, bratwurst-sized thumbs are not conducive to speed loading designation Maxus II.. of product 'll. Me an accurate representation of the been pulled off with this gun, and a trapezoid shaped guard. The best duck hunting shotguns functional as higher priced duck guns synthetic model just... No jams tough to pass on the Maxus 2 is nearly double the price SX3 walnut previously.. Feed is only offered on 20 gauge models and it is lighter, it weighs same... The cardinal rules of gunmaking is to not give the consumer a reason not to like,.