Winchester SXP Long Beard 12 GA 24 in 3.5 in Mossy Oak
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a dedicated Invector-Plus XF choke tube – a $35-$40 value sold separately for most shotguns.
- Configurable length of pull from 13.5" to 15" with provided spacers – adaptable for different body sizes and layers of clothing.
- Weighs 6.8 lbs – over 1.5 pounds lighter than many comparable semi-automatic turkey guns, reducing fatigue during still-hunting.
- Back‑bored 24‑inch barrel with vent rib – reduces felt recoil by an estimated 10-15% and improves sight plane compared to a plain barrel.
Trade-offs
- No sling studs pre-installed – requires an aftermarket kit and drilling/tapping, adding $15–$30 and gunsmithing time.
- Pistol-grip stock slows reloading – the pronounced grip angle impedes a smooth slide-pull motion compared to a traditional straight-grip stock.
- Aluminum alloy receiver – durable but not as resistant to long-term wear and finish scratching as a steel receiver found on higher-end pumps.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Winchester SXP Long Beard 12 GA 24" 3.5" Mossy Oak is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun engineered specifically for hunting turkey and other field game. It leverages Winchester's proven Super X Pump action with a back-bored barrel and a dedicated turkey choke to deliver tightly controlled patterns at long distances. The configurable synthetic stock and high-visibility fiber-optic sights are designed to help shooters achieve a rapid, consistent mount under field conditions.
What is the Winchester SXP Long Beard used for?
The SXP Long Beard is used for hunting turkeys at typical engagement distances of 25 to 40 yards. Its design focuses on delivering dense, consistent patterns with heavy 3.5-inch turkey loads, aided by the included Invector-Plus XF choke. The adjustable comb and fiber-optic sights help line up a precise shot in varied lighting conditions, making it less ideal for fast-paced wing shooting or high-volume clay target sports where the 24-inch barrel and pistol-grip stock can hinder mobility.
How does the Winchester SXP Long Beard compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The SXP pump-action is better for dedicated, single-shot hunting where shell choice is critical, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is better for volume shooting and quick follow-up shots at clays. The Long Beard's 3.5-inch chamber accommodates heavier turkey-specific loads that the Stevens 555's 3-inch chamber cannot, but the Stevens provides two immediate follow-up shots with its break-action design. The Stevens' 30-inch barrel and traditional stock profile also make it more balanced for sustained shooting.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the SXP Long Beard weighs 6.8 pounds (3.08 kg) and has an overall length of 44 inches. The 24-inch barrel has a back-bored internal diameter of approximately 0.742 inches, which is about 0.015 inches wider than a standard 12-gauge bore to reduce shot deformation. This dimensional difference, combined with the specific Invector-Plus XF choke, is engineered to yield patterns that are roughly 75% dense at 40 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters or shooters who primarily engage in high-volume upland bird or waterfowl hunting where quick repeat shots and lighter 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells are standard. The Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage is a fixed hunting pattern that offers no advantage for tactical, home defense, or competition use. The pistol-grip stock and specialized turkey choke also make this a poor first shotgun for a novice learning fundamentals across multiple disciplines.
What's in the box?
The box includes the complete shotgun, one Invector-Plus XF Turkey choke tube pre-installed in the barrel, a set of three length-of-pull spacers (adding up to 1.5 inches of adjustment), and one interchangeable comb piece for adjusting cheek weld height. A standard owner's manual and Winchester warranty card are also included. The package does not include a choke tube wrench, sling mounts, or a carrying case, so budget for those separately.
Is the Winchester SXP Long Beard worth it at $536.99?
At $536.99, the SXP Long Beard is worth it for hunters who demand modern turkey-specific features integrated into a proven action. It offers a value-oriented entry point compared to semi-automatic turkey guns that can start above $800, while the included choke and stock adjustability are often costly add-ons elsewhere. For the shooter who also wants a versatile field gun for various seasons, a more general-purpose option like the Stevens 334 rifle in .308 might be a better allocation of a similar budget.
Key attributes
| upc | 048702010248 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512352290 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Mossy Oak Obsession |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | XF Turkey |
| length | 42 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.55 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber-Optic Adjustable |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Invector-Plus choke tubes?
- Yes, the 24-inch barrel uses standard Winchester Invector-Plus choke threads, allowing you to use any Invector-Plus tube for waterfowl, slugs, or sporting clays. The included XF (Xtended Range Full) tube is specifically engineered for long-range turkey loads.
- Does it fit in a standard 45-inch takedown case?
- No, the overall length of 44 inches means it will fit snugly, but closing the lid on a standard 45-inch takedown case will be difficult. I recommend a 46-inch or 48-inch foam-padded case to ensure proper fit, especially with the extended pistol grip.
- How long does shipping take for an online-only gun?
- For an 'Online Only' firearm, expect 3-7 business days for processing before it ships to your designated FFL dealer. Once shipped, transit via ground carrier takes another 3-5 business days depending on location.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me?
- No, all firearm sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. It is critical to handle and measure a similar model at a local dealer before purchasing online. Use the provided spacers to adjust the length of pull from approximately 13.5 inches to 15 inches.
- Does this work with a standard 12-gauge sling?
- No, the synthetic stock lacks integrated QD cups or studs for a sling. You will need to purchase and install an aftermarket sling swivel kit, typically costing $15-$30, to attach a standard 1-inch sling.