Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter 12ga 24in Pump Mossy Oak DNA
About this product
What is the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter 12ga 24in Pump Mossy Oak DNA? It's a purpose-built pump-action shotgun designed specifically for turkey hunting with a 3.5-inch chamber and Mossy Oak DNA camouflage finish. Built on Winchester's proven SXP platform, this 12-gauge shotgun incorporates several turkey-specific features that differentiate it from general-purpose field guns. The 24-inch barrel and Inflex Technology recoil pad make it maneuverable in heavy cover while reducing felt recoil from heavy turkey loads.
What is the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter used for?
This shotgun is specifically engineered for turkey hunting, where shot placement and patterning consistency matter more than rapid follow-up shots. The 24-inch barrel provides optimal balance between maneuverability in thick cover and sufficient sight radius for precise aiming. With its 45-inch overall length and 6.56-pound weight, it handles well in blinds and dense vegetation where longer shotguns would be cumbersome.
How does the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12ga?
The SXP Turkey Hunter offers better value for dedicated turkey hunting than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12ga, which costs approximately $200 more. While the Stevens provides the reliability of an over/under action, the SXP's pump action and 3.5-inch chamber capacity make it more versatile for changing hunting scenarios. The SXP's Mossy Oak DNA finish provides superior concealment compared to the Stevens' traditional walnut stock in turkey hunting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SXP Turkey Hunter weighs 6.56 pounds and measures 45 inches overall with its 24-inch barrel. This specific weight distribution places the balance point just forward of the action, making it quick to shoulder without feeling muzzle-heavy. The shotgun's 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most shooters wearing hunting layers, while the 24-inch barrel length keeps the firearm manageable in tight spaces without sacrificing patterning performance.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not ideal for waterfowl hunters who need weatherproof metal components or competitive shooters requiring rapid follow-up shots. The aluminum alloy receiver, while lightweight, lacks the corrosion resistance of stainless steel when exposed to saltwater environments. Additionally, the pump action's cycling time of approximately 1.2 seconds between shots makes it slower than semi-automatics for clay sports or bird hunting where multiple targets appear quickly.
What's in the box?
The SXP Turkey Hunter ships with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (improved cylinder, modified, and full), sling swivel studs, and the factory-installed TruGlo fiber-optic front sight. Winchester includes detailed choke tube installation instructions and recommends using the full choke for most turkey hunting applications with heavier shot sizes. The package also contains a standard steel trigger guard that accommodates gloved operation in cold conditions.
Is the Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter worth it at $489.99?
At $489.99, the SXP Turkey Hunter offers excellent value for hunters who need a dedicated turkey gun without compromising on essential features. The price includes features that competitors charge extra for, such as the Inflex recoil pad and premium choke tube system. Compared to semi-automatic turkey guns starting at $800+, the SXP delivers comparable performance for turkey-specific applications at nearly half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 6.56 lb weight — 1.2 lb lighter than comparable semi-auto turkey guns
- 3.5-inch chamber — handles maximum turkey loads that shorter chambers can't
- Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% versus standard pads
- 4+1 capacity — one more round than most pump-action turkey-specific shotguns
Trade-offs
- Aluminum alloy receiver — less corrosion resistant than stainless steel in wet conditions
- Pump action requires 1.2-second cycle time between shots — slower than semi-autos
- Mossy Oak DNA pattern limits versatility for non-turkey hunting applications
- No mid-bead sight — limits pointing consistency for moving targets
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702025792 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512452290 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 42 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | TruGlo Fiber-Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Adjustable Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the SXP Turkey Hunter uses Winchester's Invector-Plus choke system, which is compatible with aftermarket tubes from major manufacturers like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The threads are standard Invector-Plus pattern, accepting any choke tube marked for this system. Installation requires a standard choke tube wrench available from most firearms retailers for $15-25.
- Does it fit in a standard gun case?
- The 45-inch overall length requires a 48-inch or larger gun case for proper storage and transport. Most standard 42-inch cases will be too short. I recommend Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case or similar models from Pelican for secure transportation. The shotgun's width measures 2.1 inches at the thickest point, fitting standard double-rifle cases without issue.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, with delivery typically taking 5-7 business days to most continental US locations. Firearms ship to your local FFL dealer, who will conduct the required background check before transfer. Express shipping options are available for an additional $35, reducing transit time to 2-3 business days.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days of purchase for unused firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Firearms must be returned through an FFL dealer, and the customer bears all shipping and transfer fees. Custom orders and used firearms are final sale, so ensure fitment through your local dealer before purchasing online.
- Does this work with turkey choke tubes?
- Absolutely—the factory full choke tube patterns effectively with #4 through #6 turkey loads at 40 yards. For specialized turkey hunting, aftermarket extra-full turkey chokes from companies like Indian Creek provide tighter patterns for head shots at extended ranges. The Invector-Plus system maintains consistent patterns even with heavy 3.5-inch magnum loads generating 15,000 PSI chamber pressure.