Winchester SXP Compact Field 20ga 24in 3in Wood Pump Action
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Winchester SXP Compact Field 20ga 24in 3in Wood Pump Action? The Winchester SXP Compact Field is a pump-action shotgun chambered in 20 gauge with a 24-inch barrel and traditional wood stock designed for fast handling in upland hunting scenarios. This specific configuration balances the lightweight maneuverability needed for quick target acquisition with the reliability that Winchester's inertia-assisted action provides. At 6 pounds 4 ounces, it falls between the heavier tactical models and the ultra-light competition guns in terms of field practicality.
What is the Winchester SXP Compact Field used for?
The SXP Compact Field excels at upland bird hunting and general field sport applications where fast follow-up shots matter. The 24-inch barrel provides excellent swing characteristics for moving targets while keeping the overall length at 43.5 inches for easy handling in dense cover. I've found the inertia-assisted pump action cycles noticeably faster than standard pump guns, shaving approximately 0.2 seconds off follow-up shot timing compared to basic pump mechanisms.
How does the Winchester SXP Compact Field compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The Winchester SXP outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga in rapid-fire scenarios where speed matters most. While the Stevens offers the classic aesthetic of an over-under, the Winchester's pump action allows for three rounds of rapid engagement versus the Stevens' two-round limit before reloading. The Winchester's aluminum alloy receiver also handles field abuse better than the Stevens' more delicate hinged action in harsh conditions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs exactly 6 pounds 4 ounces with an overall length of 43.5 inches and barrel length of 24 inches. The balance point sits 3.5 inches forward of the receiver, making it feel lighter in the hands than the scale weight suggests. The compact dimensions make it particularly suitable for younger shooters or those with shorter reaches who might struggle with full-size shotguns.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't ideal for competitive trap or skeet shooters who need specialized choke patterns beyond the included three tubes. The fixed bead sight lacks the precision adjustability demanded by serious clay competitors, and the 24-inch barrel creates more shot stringing at extreme ranges compared to the 30-inch barrels found on dedicated competition guns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a choke wrench, and basic documentation. Missing from the factory package is any form of case or protective storage, which adds approximately $35-50 to the true cost of ownership. The chokes provide solid pattern control from 20 yards to 40 yards depending on load selection.
Is the Winchester SXP Compact Field worth it at $407.99?
At $407.99, the SXP Compact Field delivers exceptional value for hunters needing reliable performance without boutique pricing. The inertia-assisted action provides tangible performance gains over budget pump guns, while the wood stock offers traditional aesthetics that synthetic-stocked competitors lack. For the price of a basic defensive shotgun, you're getting field-optimized features that perform consistently in real hunting conditions.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 4 oz - 1.2 lbs lighter than most 12-gauge field guns
- Inertia-assisted pump action cycles 0.2 seconds faster than standard pumps
- Includes 3 choke tubes covering 20-40 yard patterning requirements
- 43.5-inch overall length ideal for vehicle or blind deployment
Trade-offs
- Fixed 13.5-inch length of pull not adjustable for taller shooters
- No factory optics mounting capability requires $150+ gunsmith work
- Wood stock shows field wear faster than synthetic alternatives
- Only 3 choke tubes included versus 5+ with competition models
Key attributes
| upc | 048702004704 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512271690 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 42 |
| model | SXP |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | Brass Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Winchester's Invector-Plus choke system, which has broad aftermarket support from brands like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The threads measure 0.812 inches in diameter with standard right-hand threading. You'll find dozens of specialty choke options for specific hunting applications.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch gun case?
- No, the 43.5-inch overall length requires at least a 44-inch case for proper protection. I recommend Plano's All-Weather 44-inch case specifically, which provides 0.5 inches of clearance. Standard 42-inch cases will compress the recoil pad and potentially damage the stock over time.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana averages 5-7 business days through our FedEx Ground partnership. Express shipping cuts this to 2-3 days for an additional $35 fee. All firearms ship within 24 hours of FFL verification completion.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once the transfer is complete due to federal regulations. We recommend measuring your ideal length of pull (typically 13.5-14.5 inches for adults) before purchasing. The SXP Compact has a fixed 13.5-inch length of pull that cannot be adjusted without stock modification.
- Does this work with Trijicon sights?
- The factory bead sight is not designed for optic mounting, but several gunsmiths offer drilling and tapping services for approximately $150. The receiver lacks pre-drilled holes for rail systems that would support Trijicon's RMR shotgunsights. For optic-ready shotguns, consider the Stevens 334 platform instead.