Winchester SX2 Practical experience?

[Bison]

Does anyone have any experience with the Winchester SX2 Practical Mk 1 shotgun? I am particularly interested in its performance as a 3-gun shotgun. I think FNH makes an identical model called the SLP Mark 1. Any comments regarding experience with it would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[subzero]

My first time at a USPSA match, a nice fellow let me use his SX2 Practical with rifle sights. He had it rigged up with roughly a dozen shells placed all over the gun in various 3 gun style holders, plus the 9 or 10 in the tube. It was big and heavy, though it became much less heavy as I reloaded off of the readily available shells. It shot like a house on fire, as the fiber front sight was easy to pick up and the weight helped manage the recoil. I wouldn't want to have to carry it for any length of time, but a good sling will work wonders in that area.

I liked it enough from that one experience that I've had an eye open for one ever since. If someone offered me a trade today for my Benelli M1 Super 90 with ghost rings, I'd do it. And I love that Benelli.

[Cameron]

I just picked one up 2 days ago from the local Gander Mountain for $759 NIB. The Winchester SX2 are still being produced under the Winchester name as they are made in Belgium by FN. There have been many rave reviews about them by 3 gunners. 12 rounds in 1.442 seconds or even 5 rounds in 0.49 of a second, I believe they are proclaimed by Winchester to be the fastest semi-auto shotguns in the world.

Tactical Iron Class
Winchester SX2 Practical MKII / Bushmaster M4 Type / Glock 19


Heavy Metal
Winchester 1300 Defender / DSA SA58 / Colt Government


I will be shooting it for the first time this weekend, if it runs as reliably as it's Winchester Defender cousin above it will be great.

Cameron

[rhino]

I have several buddies who shoot them in 3-gun regularly and I have shot a few of theirs. Felt recoil is about like a Rem 1100 and it cycles faster than a Benelli M1S90 (according to the article in Front Sight a few years ago, the only test I've seen where actual numbers were generated).

One of the guns I've seen was finicky when it was new, but once some of the spring issues were sorted out, it's been 100% like the others.

If I were buying a new shotgun, the Winchester SX2 Practical Mk I would be my first, second, and third choices. Fourth choice would be the Mk II.

[Barry in IN]

Rhino is here! I didn't know that.
Hey, Rhino!

That article he is referring to is online (or was about a year ago) at www.multigun.com and is titled "Speed Shotgun.

Barry McCown

[Bison]

Thanks, all, for the responses.

One more question: What is the difference between the Win. SX2 Practical Mk 1 and the Mk 2? The Winchester site only lists the Mk1. Thanks in advance.

[rhino]

Rhino is here! I didn't know that.
Hey, Rhino!

That article he is referring to is online (or was about a year ago) at www.multigun.com and is titled "Speed Shotgun.

Hey, Barry! Good to see you. Thank you for providing the link to the article in question.

[Cameron]

Winchester SX2 Practical MKI
Ramped front Sight
Flip up Rear rifle type sight


Winchester SX2 Practical MKII
Elevated front sight
Removable Rear Ghost ring sight


It appears that Winchester, actually FN in Belgium, is producing the MKI for 2007 but not the MKII as that is what shows in Winchester's catalog and website.

I prefer the MKII as it comes with a nice LPA Italian made rear ghost ring, which is consistent with the rear sights on the M4 or FAL. Both have the picatinny rail.

Cameron

[Bison]

Thanks. That is the only difference I could figure as well. I think I'd like the Mk 1 better so I could use it as a front bead only type sight with the option of flipping it up for slugs.

[rhino]

Thanks. That is the only difference I could figure as well. I think I'd like the Mk 1 better so I could use it as a front bead only type sight with the option of flipping it up for slugs.

That's exactly my thinking too. If you're shooting shot, the ghost ring and taller front sight are not going to allow you to take advantage of the inherent nature of shooting a shotgun (i.e. using your eye as the rear sight, having a gun that hits where you're looking when you have a good cheek weld, etc.). It's too slow otherwise.