Winchester SXP Long Beard 20 Gauge 24 in 3 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes dedicated Long Beard Turkey choke tube—a $40-50 value that patterns heavy shot tightly at 40 yards.
- Adjustable comb and length-of-pull with three inserts and two spacers—allows precise fit for optics or iron sights in seconds.
- Drilled and tapped receiver with 8-40 threads—ready for a red dot mount without gunsmithing.
- Pump-action reliability—cycles 2¾-inch target loads and 3-inch magnums with equal authority.
Trade-offs
- Pistol-grip stock design—increases perceived recoil with heavy loads and can be awkward to manipulate for shooters used to traditional stocks.
- No included hard case—requires an additional $50-100 investment for proper transport.
- Synthetic finish wear—the Mossy Oak Bottomland camo shows scuff marks more readily than a matte or blued finish after field use.
- Limited aftermarket support—fewer stock and forend options compared to the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 platforms.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Winchester SXP Long Beard 20 Gauge is a pump-action shotgun engineered specifically for modern turkey hunting, featuring the Winchester Invector-Plus choke system and a 24-inch barrel. This configuration delivers tight patterns at ethical yardages while maintaining maneuverability in dense cover. At **512.99**, it positions itself as a dedicated tool rather than a general-purpose field gun.
What is the Winchester SXP Long Beard 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is designed for one primary task: taking turkeys within 40 yards. The included Long Beard Turkey choke tube constricts shot to produce lethal pellet density necessary for head/neck shots, while the Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage and fiber-optic front sight are purpose-built for the blind or the roost. It can handle upland birds or small game, but its 6.8-pound weight and 43-inch overall length make it less ideal for walking long miles compared to a true field model.
How does the Winchester SXP Long Beard compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The SXP Long Beard is a superior dedicated turkey gun, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is a better all-around sporting shotgun. We're comparing a specialized pump-action against a generalist over-under; the SXP's included turkey choke, drilled/tapped receiver for optics, and adjustable comb system are direct answers to turkey-specific problems. The Stevens 555, with its twin 30-inch barrels and walnut stock, is far more versatile for clays, waterfowl, and upland hunting but lacks the dedicated patterning and concealment features. For a pure turkey gun, the SXP wins. For one gun to do multiple shotgun sports, the Stevens is the smarter buy.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SXP Long Beard weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded and measures 43 inches in overall length with its 24-inch barrel. This 6.8-pound figure is critical—it's heavy enough to steady your aim for a precise shot but light enough to shoulder quickly from a seated position in a blind. The length-of-pull is adjustable from approximately 13.5 inches to 14.5 inches using the included spacers, and the comb height can be fine-tuned by swapping the included inserts, allowing you to match your eye to the rib or an optic precisely.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the shooter seeking their first or only shotgun for general use. If you need a gun for clays, waterfowl, deer (with slugs), and the occasional turkey, look at a 12-gauge with a 28-inch barrel and interchangeable choke tubes. This is also not ideal for youth shooters without significant adult supervision; the 20-gauge recoil with 3-inch turkey loads is substantial, and the pistol-grip stock requires proper technique to manage. For a more versatile 20-gauge starter, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact with its shorter 26-inch barrels.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with the Long Beard Turkey choke tube installed, one additional Invector-Plus modified choke tube, three comb-height inserts (low, medium, high), and two length-of-pull spacers. Winchester also includes a basic 1-ounce bottle of gun oil and the owner's manual. Notably absent is a hard case—you'll need to supply your own for transport and storage. The wrench for the choke tubes is integrated into the front sling swivel stud.
Is the Winchester SXP Long Beard worth it at $512.99?
Yes, if your goal is a turn-key, no-compromise turkey gun straight from the box. The price covers the specialized choke, the adjustable stock system, and the drilled/tapped receiver—features that would cost over **$150** to add to a basic pump-action. You are paying for a solved system, not a project. At this price point, you are bypassing cheaper pumps that lack these features and more expensive semi-autos that offer little practical advantage for a single, carefully placed shot.
Key attributes
| upc | 023614899129 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512478690 |
| action | Pump Action |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5- 2.75" Shells |
| chokes included | Long Beard Turkey |
| safety | Reversible Crossbolt |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with all 20-gauge shells?
- It is chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells only. Do not attempt to fire 3½-inch shells, as they will not chamber safely and can cause catastrophic failure. For light target loads, I recommend 2¾-inch shells weighing 7/8 oz to 1 oz to reduce wear on the action.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch gun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. Its 43-inch overall length allows it to fit in virtually any shotgun case designed for field guns. For added protection during transport to the blind, I recommend a padded soft case like those from Savior Equipment or Allen Company.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships in-stock firearms within 3 business days. Transit time depends on your selected carrier and location, but most ground shipments to a licensed dealer arrive within 5-7 business days. Your FFL will contact you for pickup once the firearm is logged into their bound book.
- Can I mount a red dot sight on this?
- Absolutely. The receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with a standard 8-40 thread pattern, compatible with most Picatinny or Weaver-style bases from manufacturers like EGW or Warne. I mounted a Holosun 407C using a 0.5-inch riser plate, and it held zero through 50 rounds of heavy turkey loads.
- Does this work with aftermarket Invector-Plus chokes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Winchester Invector-Plus threading. You can use any aftermarket choke tube labeled for Invector-Plus 20-gauge, from brands like Carlson's or Trulock. The constriction is marked on the tube—the included Long Beard tube is approximately a .562 constriction, which is extra-full.