Winchester SXP Long Beard 12 Gauge 24 in Mossy Oak
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Winchester SXP Long Beard 12 Gauge 24 in Mossy Oak is a purpose-built pump-action shotgun engineered to deliver a dense, consistent pattern at close turkey hunting ranges. It incorporates a back-bored, chromed 24-inch barrel, an Invector-Plus X-Full choke tube, and a Mossy Oak Obsession-camouflaged synthetic stock. This configuration prioritizes concealment, pattern density over pellets, and quick-shouldering ergonomics over fast follow-up shots compared to a sporting over/under.
What is the Winchester SXP Long Beard 24 in used for?
This shotgun is a dedicated tool for spring turkey hunting and stationary blind setups. Its X-Full choke and back-bored barrel are designed to tighten the pattern of heavy, high-velocity turkey loads like 3-inch #4, #5, or #6 shot, increasing your effective range and reducing cripples on gobblers inside 45 yards. The extensive adjustments and drilled receiver also make it a viable base for hunters who need to configure the gun specifically for their body and their preferred optic, such as a low-power variable or a dedicated red dot mounted via a Picatinny rail.
How does the Winchester SXP Long Beard compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The SXP Long Beard is superior for deliberate, long-distance patterning with specialized turkey loads, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review is a better choice for upland game or clay sports requiring quick, balanced follow-up shots. The Stevens fires two shots without manipulating the action and typically has a more neutral balance point, but its 20-gauge chambering produces a less dense pattern at extended turkey ranges. For a dedicated turkey gun where one shot is the entire hunt, the SXP's forced single-shot discipline and pattern-optimized barrel provide a tangible mechanical advantage.
What does the Winchester SXP Long Beard weigh and what are its dimensions?
Unloaded, the SXP Long Beard weighs approximately 7.25 lbs. The overall length is 44.75 inches, with a 24-inch barrel length that provides a relatively compact profile for maneuvering in thick timber. The length of pull can be adjusted from approximately 14 inches to 15 inches using the included spacers, allowing a wide range of shooters to achieve a proper cheek weld for the fiber-optic sights or a mounted optic. The comb height is also adjustable, allowing for another 0.5 inches of vertical travel to align the eye perfectly with a scope.
Who is the Winchester SXP Long Beard NOT for?
This is not a suitable generalist shotgun for waterfowl, upland birds, or home defense. The X-Full choke is too constrictive for steel shot used on ducks and geese, risking barrel damage, and the pattern is too tight for flying targets like pheasants at sporting clays. The pump action, while reliable, is slower than a semi-auto for high-volume shooting and requires deliberate operation to avoid short-stroking under pressure. If you need a single gun for multiple disciplines, consider a Stevens 555 Over/Under with interchangeable chokes instead.
What's in the box with the Winchester SXP Long Beard?
You receive the shotgun with the Invector-Plus X-Full choke tube installed, three length-of-pull spacers for the buttstock, and two comb inserts to adjust cheek height. The factory ships it with one 0.125-inch Allen wrench for the comb inserts and one 0.25-inch hex key for the stock bolt to facilitate adjustment. A standard trigger lock compatible with 5.5mm shackles is also included for transport compliance in most jurisdictions. Notably absent is any form of hard case; you'll need to supply your own for travel to the hunting grounds.
Is the Winchester SXP Long Beard worth it at $501.99?
At just over five hundred dollars, the SXP Long Beard offers exceptional value as a dedicated, optics-ready turkey platform that would cost over $800 to replicate by modifying a base-model pump. The inclusion of the premium choke tube, adjustable comb stock, and drilled-and-tapped receiver saves a minimum of $150 in aftermarket gunsmithing and parts. For the hunter who pursues turkeys exclusively or spends multiple weekends in a blind, this gun's focused design and out-of-the-box versatility justify the price tag. It's a purpose-driven investment that eliminates the guesswork from patterning sessions.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.25 lbs — balances forward for steady hold on a gobbler's head
- Includes premium Invector-Plus X-Full choke tube ($45 value)
- Receiver pre-drilled and tapped for #8-40 scope bases (saves $75+ gunsmithing)
- Length of pull adjustable from 14in to 15in with included spacers
Trade-offs
- Mossy Oak Obsession camo is specific — may not match your local foliage in late season
- Pump stroke requires deliberate 5.5-inch rearward travel — can be short-stroked under adrenaline
- No hard case included — adds $50-$100 for proper transport protection
Key attributes
| upc | 048702010545 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512352390 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | XF Turkey |
| length | 41.6000 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| sights | Adj TruGlo Fiber Optic Front & Rear |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a red dot sight?
- Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for #8-40 scope base screws. You'll need to purchase a separate Picatinny or Weaver-style base from brands like EGW or Warne for approximately $25-$40. Once mounted, the adjustable comb ensures you can achieve a proper cheek weld for the optic's height over bore.
- Does it fit standard 870 or 500 choke tubes?
- No. It uses Winchester's proprietary Invector-Plus threading. While the pattern is similar to Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes, the threads are not cross-compatible. You must use factory or aftermarket Invector-Plus marked tubes. Briley Manufacturing offers a full range of aftermarket options in various constrictions.
- Can you shoot slugs through the included choke?
- Absolutely not. Shooting rifled slugs or any slug through an X-Full turkey choke is dangerous and can bulge or split the barrel. For shooting slugs, you must purchase a dedicated cylinder or improved cylinder Invector-Plus choke tube. Always verify the specific choke is rated for the projectile you intend to fire.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Once the order is processed and your chosen FFL's license is verified—which typically takes 1-2 business days—ground shipping usually takes 3-7 business days to the continental US. All firearm shipments require a signature from the licensed dealer upon delivery. Expedited shipping options are available at checkout.
- Do you need a special trigger lock?
- No. The included trigger lock uses a standard 5.5mm wide shackle common to most cable locks. For higher security during long-term storage, you may want to invest in a solid-body lock from a company like Bulldog or a full-size trigger guard lock, but the factory-provided unit meets federal transportation requirements.