Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter 12 GA 24″ Mossy Oak
About this product
The Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter is a purpose-built, 12-gauge pump-action shotgun specifically configured for close-range, concealment-dependent turkey hunting, balancing a 24-inch back-bored barrel and 3.5” chamber with a Mossy Oak synthetic stock. This configuration provides a specific tool for hunters who need reliable cycling patterns at ranges under 40 yards, where barrel length directly impacts maneuverability in blind setups. Its drilled-and-tapped receiver and adjustable TruGlo sights reflect a factory-ready approach to a notoriously demanding game, where one shot dictates entire seasons.
What is the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter used for?
This shotgun is used for static-position turkey hunting where concealment and first-shot terminal performance are non-negotiable. Its 24-inch barrel provides a 45-inch overall length that balances swing in tight brush against patterning consistency, while the synthetic Mossy Oak Obsession stock prioritizes durability and corrosion resistance over aesthetic finish. The back-bored barrel and Invector-Plus choke compatibility are engineered to tighten pattern density with heavy turkey loads, making it a dedicated tool rather than a general-purpose field gun.
How does the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter is superior for dedicated, single-target hunting where weight and simplicity under adverse conditions matter most, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is better for multi-target scenarios requiring a second immediate follow-up shot. The Winchester's 6 lb 10 oz weight and pump-action reliability in mud or rain outperform an over-under's potential for mechanical complexity, but the Stevens offers instant barrel selection between chokes—a critical advantage for hunters transitioning between decoying birds and longer-range shots.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6 pounds 10 ounces unloaded and measures 45 inches in total length from buttplate to muzzle crown. The 24-inch barrel provides a 3.5-inch chamber, while the magazine tube holds four 3.5-inch shells, yielding a 4+1 capacity that balances firepower with the platform's compact profile. This dimension configuration keeps the center of gravity directly between the shooter's hands, reducing fatigue during extended periods of holding at ready in a blind compared to longer-barreled field guns.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters needing longer barrels for steel shot patterning or upland hunters covering miles who would benefit from a lighter sub-6-pound platform. The fixed 24-inch barrel lacks the versatility of interchangeable choke systems found on premium competition guns, and the Mossy Oak pattern offers zero tactical application in low-light or home-defense scenarios. Anyone prioritizing a fast second shot on a different target—like in sporting clays or dove fields—should examine an over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the shotgun with an installed modified choke tube, one 5-round magazine tube plug to comply with migratory bird regulations, an owner's manual detailing disassembly and warranty procedures, and a plastic trigger lock for transport compliance. You will not find a hard case, additional choke tubes, or a cleaning kit—these are considered field accessories and must be sourced separately, which is standard for firearms in this price category focused on delivering maximum mechanical value.
Is the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter worth it at $500.99?
At $500.99, this shotgun is worth it for hunters who require a dedicated, no-frills tool that will withstand years of swamp humidity and blind abrasion without maintenance fuss. You are paying for corrosion-resistant finishes, a drilled-and-tapped receiver ready for a red-dot mount, and adjustable fiber-optic sights that retail separately for $60—features often absent on entry-level pumps. The cost reflects its specialized configuration; if your needs include versatility for other game, that money is better spent on a more adaptable platform.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 10 oz — nearly a full pound lighter than most vent-ribbed 28" field guns for easier blind maneuvering
- Factory-installed adjustable TruGlo fiber-optic sights provide a 0.125" front bead for immediate acquisition in low light
- Drilled and tapped receiver accepts optics without gunsmithing, saving $75-$150 in machining costs
- Back-bored 24" barrel improves pattern consistency by 10-15% with heavy 3.5" turkey loads compared to standard bore
Trade-offs
- Synthetic Mossy Oak finish shows wear scratches after 4-5 field trips through brush — requires touch-up paint for concealment integrity
- Pump action requires a deliberate 5.5" stroke length; rapid follow-up shots are 0.8-1.2 seconds slower than a quality over-under
- Includes only one modified choke tube — an extra-full turkey constriction costs an additional $45
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702010552 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512357290 |
| 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 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 41.6500 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Adj TruGlo Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a red dot sight?
- Yes, the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with a standard 6-48 thread pattern common to most shotgun-specific rail bases. This allows direct mounting of a Picatinny rail from manufacturers like EGW or Warne without requiring gunsmithing, though you must supply your own base plate and torque it to 15-20 in-lbs with blue Loctite. Ironclad Armory recommends a low-profile mount to maintain cheek weld with the synthetic stock.
- Does it accept aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses the Winchester Invector-Plus choke tube system, which is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket tubes from companies like Carlson's, Patternmaster, and Jebs. These tubes are not interchangeable with older Invector or Beretta/Benelli Mobil systems—verify the threading before purchase. Most hunters running heavy turkey loads will opt for an extra-full .665 constriction tube, which typically costs $35-$50.
- What is the magazine capacity with the plug installed?
- With the included magazine plug correctly installed for federal migratory bird regulations, the capacity is reduced to 2+1 (two in the magazine tube, one in the chamber). The plug is a simple plastic rod that inserts through the loading port and requires no tools; removal takes approximately 30 seconds for scenarios where capacity limits do not apply, restoring the full 4+1 capability.
- Can the stock be replaced with a pistol grip or adjustable model?
- Yes, the SXP uses a standard shotgun receiver tang that accepts aftermarket stocks from companies like Mesa Tactical and Magpul, provided they are designed for the Winchester SXP/1300 platform. Replacement typically requires a standard shotgun stock wrench and takes about 10 minutes, but note that altering the stock on a firearm dedicated solely to hunting may impact its balance and point-of-impact consistency.