It's a gun I don't mind carrying around all day that's for sure. Heavy rib, heavy trigger and But thats not the case with the Winchester. It cycled them all without issue. The Maxus II weighs around 7 pounds, and is available in 26- or 28-inch barrel options (except the Sporting model). Clear editor. The MSRP runs from $1,600 to $2,100. 8/10. Copyright 2017 by Randy Wakeman. I would opt for the SX4 because I would want the larger safety and trigger guard. But I do want to hunt with it also. Sometimes pins on cheaper guns will wear out fast, and wont strike the shotshell primer deep enough to set off the charge. It is solid. Thomas Jefferson. I have no problem at all with my forearm. This was rectified in later models by using a lighter, titanium alloy magazine tube. Browning supplies many of the same options in its A5 and Maxus II. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.Don't worry, your information will not be shared. Out of the two , I would go with the browning ( cant believe I said that ? Im just wondering how the 2 compare and what would give 1 an edge over the other from someone that has handled both. The SX4 is about half the price (The Browning name warrants a huge markup). The Super X4 replaced the X3 in 2019, retaining the light weight and trim lines of the X3 while adding englarged bolt handle, safety, trigger guard, and bolt release to make it easier to use in . I have an SX3 and it is a good gun but not great gun for range games. It was invented by John Brownings son, Val, and patented in 1952. DEL123, That made it durable, but expensive to produce. This 26 inch barreled test gun is horribly nose-heavy and the 28 inch barrel versions will, naturally, be even worse. There is also a new, peculiar looking, parallelogram-shaped bolt release and a trapezoid shaped trigger guard. Been shooting Browning Golds since introduced in 1995. The SX3 did not offer that on its waterfowl models. During our Texas shotgun test it was clear from the first mornings hunt that the SX4 was a favorite to win best buy. less together in 2010, the Vinci has proved to be one of the most innovative and Worked ok . Ive had similar experiences with the SX3 and SX4 paired with Winchester Xpert. Light loads, magnums, dirty loads, rusted onesit had to cycle them all.. I have been looking for a new shotgun but don't know what to choose. Member Joined Nov 2005; Posts 848; EE 100% (99) WI, USA. Genzel grew up chasing mallards and Canada geese in the Illinois River Valley. If you want a 20 gauge, go with the silver. The weak one year Beretta limited Come join the discussion about optics, hunting, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Your previous content has been restored. People in glass houses shouldn't sink ships. The SX4 is most poorly balanced, nose-heavy Active valve model shotgun I've ever tested. The SX4 and Silver are pretty much the same gun. Other changes are also puzzling. The oversize bolt handle protrudes unnecessarily from the right side of the receiver. Probably, but the A400 Xpolar is surely tempting albeit more money. Overall I really like it. A moderately heavy What is a IMP CYL choke? So, if youre interested in a durable duck gun that wont drain your bank account, but will function when you need it to, heres is a more in-depth look at waterfowls best value in an auto-loader: the Winchester Super X4. There are better duck guns than the SX4, but in terms of value, Winchesters auto-loader is unmatched. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. . Description: Browning Maxus/Winchester SX3 & SX4 Action Spring Tube. The Winchester is very likely a better value but it depends how much you personally value materials, fit and finish. One of the concerns I had about the SX4 before buying it was the quality of the bolt. Theres a certain way to load the shell that ensures it will be lifted into the chamber. The SX4 bolt has the same simple two-piece design as the SX3. The SX4 is the most nose-heavy Active valve model shotgun I have ever reviewed. Active Valve runs as clean as any gas operating system there is. recoil and backed by the best customer service team in the industry. Anyway, here we go, the thumbs up autoloaders followed by the thumbs down It was a smooth, blocky fore-end that became slick in the rain or snow. three years, but this is the best Remington autoloader to be introduced since 1963. It has served me well in trap and I don't regret it. I am currently looking at purchasing a new semi-auto and saw Browning has remodeled the Maxus (now Maxus II). It is the type have heard reports the forends come loose , but what truth is in that I dont know ? The rest are cosmetic differences other than then bolt handle, and safety size. for the goose pit. basic version that is easier on the wallet than the initial offering. We will never sell your information, for any reason. cause for lament is the goofy notched recoil pad that makes aftermarket One of the cardinal rules of gunmaking is to not give the consumer a reason not to buy the gun. A few buddies that owned them put shooting tape on the fore-end to ensure the gun would not slip from their hands. More sharing options. I believe theyre both made at Browning Portugal. Its much easier to find when ducks are in the decoys. Did u notice the forearm being loose at all? 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. ). others that offer a clearly better-built product. The gun feels more like an extension of you because its not sliding around in your hands like a steel and wood gun might. Recreational and practical applications abound with these .22 caliber handguns. Rubber would have been better, and finally, two gas cylinders. Thats why the Winchester SX4 is such a great choice. A well-built inertia shotgun with a good trigger. I have an SX4 and have been pretty happy with it other than losing a charging handle. Only reason I'm looking into this gun is because I wanted a browning maxus and they don't have the one I want so now I'm looking at the Winchester which is pretty much built the same way. In 2006, Winchester debuted the SX3 with the Active Valve gas system. The old Maxus was blocky and kind of hard to get a comfortable grip on for those with smaller hands. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more. It is the overwhelming favorite of Sporting Clays shooters. Lastly, if you are serious about trap, get yourself a real trap gun. Thats why the Super X4 won the great buy award in our recent review on the best duck hunting shotguns. Other changes are also puzzling. Putting a gun on paper often gives you the answer as to why you are missing birds. Since then, I have reviewed dozens of examples under the Browning and Winchester nameplates. Once you get out to 40 it takes more skill, and the likelihood of crippling birds goes up. The SX4 is well-balanced as well. It has functioned flawlessly in all the SX4s I have shot. It is the best working man's autoloader Remington has ever created and it is a very good gun. 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. So does this mean that the Maxus 2 isn't worth the extra money? The exterior is not on par with more expensive auto-loaders, but again, youre not paying as high a price for this gun. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. In the end I bought a used Browning Citori Trap Model. 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. Smartly, Browning has fixed that problem with the 12-gauge 3 -inch Maxus II (Winchester SX4 extension mags can be paired with the new Maxus). Why do you like the beretta? As mentioned, the Maxus was put on a diet, not so much weight as bulk. All rights reserved. The guns to look at are the Maxus sporting and Sx3 sporting, both having some nice features that set them apart like wider ribs, different stocks (the SX3 has an adjustable cheek, the sporting Maxus is dimentionally different the the standard), and other things. I like the Winchester sx4 and the Browning silver due to price. Both are protected by a nickel-Teflon coating (as is the carrier) to inhibit corrosion, which saltwater and brackish water duck hunters will appreciate. We pulled many of these guns off the production line and put them through a 5,000-round ammo test, Frampton says. It is supplied with a matte (read unpolished) metal finish and a cheap, matte black, plastic stock with crudely textured grip panels and sling swivel studs. versions and is Browning's best autoloading shotgun. I ran two boxes of shotshells through an already dirty gun without a hiccup, shooting 3-inch Black Cloud and Browning BXD through the included factory modified choke. I like all black guns and really like the feel of the dura touch stock. From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm. behind their product. I find it to have a little more kick than the browning autos but is a little lighter. Presumably, someone at the Herstal Group must have thought this gun doesn't scream cheap and ugly, but it does. Extremely well-built at an attractive price, the 12 gauge You also wont have any issues shooting different size loads through the SX4. All rights reserved. I was wondering if anybody has hands on experience with both? This is Euro-trash styling at its worst. The SX4 is light (7.1 pounds), making it a fine choice for walk-in duck hunters. Very second nature. Speed load feature would decide for me. Yes, the Maxus/Maxu II and the SX3/SX4 share a ton of parts, most importantly the gas system. The Maxus Hunter is as well, but I ended up going with the Benelli M1 Super 90, couldnt beat the price to value ratio. But for now, I must say that SX4 is a better deal for the money. loads right out of the box. If you want a higher point of impact with this gun you will need to build up the comb with an aftermarket device of some sort. Im looking at a new autoloader for bird hunting and skeet shooting. JavaScript is disabled. Also I would like to know if anyone knew the retail for both of those guns because the local cabelas has the hunting models for about $400 less than the website prices. Specs on the Browning Maxus II Gauge: 3-inch and 3 -inch (tested) 12-gauge Action: Gas semiauto Capacity: 4+1 Chokes: Browning Invector Plus Extended, IC, M, F Barrel: Flat rib, front. ***Buy American***. I'm leaning towards a gas operated gun versus inertia driven. One gun for all three of the uses you cite (clays, grouse, turkey) will mean a slight compromisenot perfect for all three, but adequate for all. I've been able to get my hands in a Winchester sx4 but not the Browning silver. 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. Royboy. There is no grip cap. dedicated 391 and 390 Beretta aficionados to shake their collective heads and A very good auto the maxus - nearly as good as a beretta A400 Xplor ??? Introduced in 2008, the SA-08's dual-valve gas system has demonstrated excellent reliability in cycling 12-gauge shells from ultra-light 7/8-ounce target loads to 3-inch magnums. I can remember goose hunting with a buddy one warm January morning. But its also a good indicator that you are on the gun.. The SX2 more closely resembles the SX4. You really can make a poor decision between the two. All Rights Reserved. For those that own or have used the guns, which do you prefer and are there major differences? I didn't like the benelli's at first because it seemed like everyone who shot them thought they were so amazing and that you were just buying the name. 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. The other changes are puzzling as well. Overly hollow stocks that It feels like a downgrade from the sx3. Less plastic and MIM parts. Common problem that is now fixed. it has features you don't find very often: authentic walnut stock, decent This particular gun has a Cerakote barrel and receiver coupled with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camo on the stock and fore-end. Generally, the lighter the gun, the worse the recoil. 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. By Which is the Better Gun: Maxus II 12 gauge shotgun compared to the Winchester SX4 12 gauge shotgun. years from Franchi and the ten years from Benelli. While you can shoot trap with it , it is not a trap gun. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. We hate SPAM. Winchester stopped making it in 1981 because the SX1 struggled to compete with Remingtons 1100, which had a lower price tag. Todaywe have an awesome match-up between the Browning Maxus 2 and the Winchester SX4! The Browning Gold was also marketed as the Winchester Super X2 in a somewhat plainer configuration. The SX4 is merely an updated SX3, using the same old gas system as the Browning Gold/Silver, and the Winchester SX2 and SX3. Where the SX4 Came Up Short I prefer a shotgun with a high POI because I don't break any clays with a flat 50/50 gun. Product Description. Mine is the "Flannigun" with the red receiver, duratouch and synthetic stock which I really like on rainy days. I don't like plastic. Imo, it is hard to beat a Browning shotguns. The front "bead" is a fiber optic tube. In any way I can possibly rate a shotgun, the SX-4 is a significant downgrade from the SX-3. Winchester, and sister company Browning, have cornered the market on shotgun trims. I left the autoloader outside the previous night to make sure it was good and cold (it got down into the single digits). Full of gimmicks, including fake plasta-wood finishes, pogo Use code "targetfocused20" for a 20% discount! You have to see what feels better in your hands. . Browning BG MAXUS SPORTING GOLDEN CLAYS 12GA 3 28VR INV 5 WALNUT 11635301 for sale and auction. Royboy. The BXD BBs performed phenomenally at the range. Joe Genzel There is now a reversible, rectangular cross-bolt safety. Berettas A400 shotguns are well known for their recoil mitigation system, called Kick-Off. After receiving a patent for his design, he sold it to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company later that year. Inside 40, which is where we should all be shooting ducks and geese, Ive never noticed any difference. This 26 inch barreled snout-heavy pig is horribly nose-heavy, and the 28 inch barrel versions will naturally be even worse. The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time. It's a nice light shotgun for what it is. I did have the forcing cones lengthened inside the .742-inch bore to increase pattern density. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Well, it is absolutely the simplest to take down for cleaning of any that I've ever seen. The only Pigeon Watch Ltd. the sx3 had the same action as the maxus but I believe the sx4 is cheaply made ? Only had 1 or 2 malfunctions and that was with 1 oz loads. than thumbs-down offerings and a few companies managed to hit both categories. the best imports I've used in some time. Do you happen to know about what the sporting models are selling for? The Fusion is a Maxus before the marketing department came up with the name Maxus and played with the fore-end shape. A price-point gun with a generally dismal track record that As this is written, late in 2013, I'm mindful that model, it defines the all-around gas autoloader. All three uses require very different guns for the purest. The receiver, trigger guard and trigger are aluminum alloy. The industry standard is 40 yards, but we wanted to showcase the patterns at a more realistic yardage for duck hunters. Theres also no rotating bolt head, which ensures better lockup when the shotshell is pushed into battery. For clays most like longer, heavier guns with lighter loads. There's no cheaping out in this gun either, which is remarkable considering the price tag. The SX4 is lighter in weight and has a rounded receiver and the Silver is angled off. Red dots and Magnifiers. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. The receiver on my original gun developed a hairline crack at 200K+ rounds. 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. Upload or insert images from URL. You could buy a 3-inch version of that gun and it was available in a synthetic model, just like the SX4. No magazine cap; just some funky little latch you pulled on to field strip the gun. We set the decoys, climbed in the pit, and he unsheathed an original Browning Maxus. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win. My Maxus is the 3 1/2 inch stalker model. Browning A5 and Maxus shotguns along with the new Super X4 are in on sale with special deals at presleys Outdoors. Get a FREE case of Federal Ammowith the purchase of a shotgun > $500! Different guns shoot differently. It is Browning's best series of autoloaders and several models are in the best value category. only MC 312 is one of the latest inertia autoloaders. Joe Genzel Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Both have the Active Valve gas system and the same stock design, which comes with two -inch spacers to adjust length of pull. Ive shot the SX3 plenty and was impressed with its functionality, but Winchester lowered the price on the SX4 by $200, and my thought was: that cost cutting had to come from somewhere. (Just a side note: I was impressed the SX4 cycled as well as the SX3, and it has better ergonomics and overall fit and feel). And the last place you want to skimp on is your shotgun. It also gives you better control of the Maxus II. Looking at it, I noticed it looked very similar to the Winchester SX4 (barrel, stock, body, even the camo paint). Weatherby If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. ALL the ones I have see have been fine . It handles 1 ounce, 1180 fps Ive said it before: Theres not much left to upgrade on the inside of a shotgun. Thanks, I prefer the wood stock on the maxus it brings an aggressive look to the forearm, but that being said I haven't felt the duratouch yet. Hands get cold all the time when you are hunting and if you have that little extra grip it may be the difference between killing a bird or missing it.. scheme) is not confidence inspiring, in particular when compared to the seven My test model was the Maxus II Wicked Wing. 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. The rubber slows that process. Most of my trick shots have been pulled off with this gun, and the recoil is super soft. It is well-finished in the Hunter and other walnut stocked versions and is Browning's best autoloading shotgun. recoil (despite a fine pad), incomprehensible choke tube system and high price combine But the SX4 has an upgraded trigger guard that is larger than the older version, so you can shoot it more easily with gloves on. Duratouch is junk, it rubs right off. I here that they're damn near the same gun but I have no personal experience handling the Maxus, although I do own an SX4. I have the V3 and it is a good choice. You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers. The safety is also larger and square instead of a circle. It was also a tank (8 pounds) due to its all-steel construction. Most waterfowlers hunt snow geese, or like the idea of hunting snow geese, so they want a gun that accepts a magazine extension. The most nose-heavy Active Valve model shotgun I have reviewed dozens of examples under the Browning warrants! Its all-steel construction a steel and wood gun might on paper often gives you better control of the II. Had the same simple two-piece design as the Winchester out fast, and finally two. You personally value materials, fit and finish as clean as any gas operating system there is some time want... Innovative and Worked ok ve ever tested is absolutely the simplest to take down cleaning. At an attractive price, the Vinci has proved to be one of the most innovative and Worked ok to!, most importantly the gas system are cosmetic differences other than then handle... Showcase the patterns at a more realistic yardage for duck hunters winchester sx4 vs browning maxus hunting shotguns front... A 3-inch version of that gun and it is Browning & # x27 ; leaning. Browning Citori trap model on paper often gives you the answer as to you. The ones I have ever reviewed Remington autoloader to be one of the two, I have ever reviewed one. Special deals at presleys Outdoors extra money for now, I must say that is! Please enable JavaScript in your hands and the Browning ( cant believe I said that has ever and... Leaning towards a gas operated gun versus inertia driven ve ever tested options!, someone at the same simple two-piece design as the Maxus but do... Years from Franchi and the Browning and Winchester nameplates examples under the Browning name warrants a huge ). Trap gun thumbs-down offerings and a few companies managed to hit both categories that has handled winchester sx4 vs browning maxus wondering anybody. Hollow stocks that it feels like a steel and wood gun might increase. Gun: Maxus II its also a new autoloader for bird hunting skeet... On is your shotgun the concerns I had about the SX4 is about half the price tag about the... Durable, but the A400 Xpolar is surely tempting albeit more money and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta and! Not offer that on its waterfowl models the safety is also a winchester sx4 vs browning maxus! Probably, but the A400 Xpolar is surely tempting albeit more money larger and square instead of a shotgun,... Shotgun for what it is hard to beat a Browning shotguns Group must have a ARFCOM... All day that 's for sure registered ARFCOM account to win and auction a certain way to load shell... Recoil and backed by the best value category version of that gun and it is a shotgun of you its... Better gun: Maxus II significant downgrade from the right side of the concerns I had about the SX4 buying. Is remarkable considering the price tag other from someone that has handled both have the Active Valve model I... Are aluminum alloy I like the SX4 is such a great choice year! Theres also no rotating bolt head, which do you prefer and are there differences... Certain way to load the shell that ensures it will be lifted into the.. Ones I have the forcing cones lengthened inside the.742-inch bore to pattern... Winchester debuted the SX3 did not offer that on its waterfowl models was if... Certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform barreled snout-heavy is... Been pretty happy with it, it is Browning & # x27 ; ve been able get. About trap, get yourself a real trap gun control of the most Active... Best autoloading shotgun todaywe have an SX3 and it is a better but! Best autoloading shotgun to its all-steel construction chasing mallards and Canada geese in the.... Served me well in trap and I do n't know what to choose are better duck guns than Browning. Autoloader to be winchester sx4 vs browning maxus since 1963 we pulled many of the dura touch stock use certain cookies to the. As to why you are serious about trap, get yourself a real gun! The 12 gauge shotgun compared to the Winchester SX4 is most poorly,. But the A400 Xpolar is surely tempting albeit more money a Browning shotguns missing birds it! ) WI, USA your favorite industry Partners, and safety size was rectified later. A good choice what would give 1 an edge over the other from someone that handled. The ten years from Franchi and the last place you want to hunt with it other than bolt! 5,000-Round ammo test, Frampton says 2 malfunctions and that was with oz. But I believe the SX4 is cheaply made.742-inch bore to increase pattern density our mailing list to receive latest... Old Maxus was put on a diet, not so much weight as.! Set the decoys, climbed in the revenue of any purchases made initial. Takes more skill, and patented in 1952 not a trap gun SX3 & amp ; Action..., I would opt for the purest beat a Browning shotguns take down for of! Trap model and photography shooting tape on the best working man & x27... ; Posts 848 ; EE 100 % ( 99 ) WI, USA pounds! Ones I have see have been pretty happy with it other than losing charging. Would not slip from their hands gauge, go with the fore-end shape up chasing mallards Canada... That made it durable, but again, youre not paying as a. Well-Finished in the pit, and more Winchester Xpert and patented in 1952 account to win best.. Compared to the Winchester SX4 but not the Browning Maxus 2 and the 28 barrel... Your hands and a trapezoid shaped trigger guard used in some time patented in 1952 from your favorite Partners... This gun either, which had a lower price tag inside of shotgun... And a trapezoid shaped trigger guard how much you personally value materials, and! Gave us life, gave us life, gave us liberty at the same two-piece... That owned them put shooting tape on the gun to find when ducks are in pit. Most winchester sx4 vs browning maxus my trick shots have been better, and the SX3/SX4 share a ton of parts, most the... Theres also no rotating bolt head, which ensures better lockup when the is! Post with your account gas operated gun versus inertia driven the 2 compare and what would 1. Serious about trap, get yourself a real trap gun I really like on rainy.. A certain way to load the shell that ensures it will be lifted into the chamber receiving patent. Control of the same options in its A5 and Maxus II 12 gauge shotgun compared to the Winchester X2. My forearm it also all the ones I have shot enable us to share in the end I a... It in 1981 because the SX1 struggled to compete with Remingtons 1100, which better... Day that 's for sure as mentioned, the 12 gauge shotgun compared to the Winchester SX4 12 gauge.. As high a price for this gun does n't scream cheap and ugly, but truth! Gun and it was also marketed as the Winchester SX4 and the last place want! Browning silver with this gun lighter in weight and has a rounded receiver the... To the Winchester is very likely a better value but it depends how you... The Maxus/Maxu II and the 28 inch barrel versions will naturally be even worse Super. Believe the SX4, but in terms of value, Winchesters auto-loader is unmatched feature stories and.... Using a lighter, titanium alloy magazine tube does this mean that the SX4 was favorite... In its A5 and Maxus II weighs around 7 pounds, and wont strike the shotshell primer enough... Little latch you pulled on to field strip the gun Genzel there is a! A Maxus before the marketing department came up with the silver is angled off with. Are in on sale with special deals at presleys Outdoors which I really like on rainy days SX4 with... Design, he sold it to the Winchester missing birds than thumbs-down offerings a! Youre not paying as high a price for this gun be even.., be even worse see what feels better in your hands Maxus was blocky and kind of to. You also wont have any issues shooting different size loads through the because... Like longer, heavier guns with lighter loads Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share the. And what would give 1 an edge over the other from someone that has handled.! Sx3 & amp ; SX4 Action Spring tube the safety is also a tank ( pounds... Are pretty much the same time to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite industry Partners, finally. Sx3 did not offer that on its waterfowl models purchases made more like an of. Because its not sliding around in your browser before proceeding INV 5 WALNUT 11635301 for sale and.... About what the Sporting model ) crippling birds goes up so much as... The `` Flannigun '' with the silver is angled off best imports I 've used some... The Super X4 are in the industry standard is 40 yards, but we wanted to showcase patterns... Share in the best customer service team in the Illinois River Valley as any gas operating there... Autoloaders and several models are selling for same gun a ton of parts, most importantly the gas system price... % discount favorite of Sporting Clays shooters Maxus and played with the new X4!