Any feedback Winchester SX2 vs Browning Gold Hunter?

[mountainclmbr]

I have always had pump action shotguns, but have been looking around at semi autos for a while. There are two I have been looking at: Winchester SX2 12ga, 3" Ducks Unlimited, 26" tube, Gold inlay with fancy wood for around $800. The other is a Browning Gold Hunter, 12ga, 3", 26" tube for around $600. Both appear new. Anyone have experience with these?

Thanks,

 

[berettashotgun]

Yep, have shot the SX2 enough to say I don't like its percieved recoil - ditto for the gold.
I shoot berettas, point winchesters/brownings much better though, and hunt with a O/U for the majority of my shots per year at dove and quail.
I bought a SX2 as a choice over the Gold because I liked it better.It was CAMO was the only reason.
I was amazed at my perception of its recoil as compared to my wifes (MINE) beretta pintail with 1 1/2oz turkey loads. I'd take the pintail anyday. It is not even a gas gun, yet the SX2 did "FEEL" like it recoiled much harder.
I'd buy another SX2 , but I'd get a 3" model with gloss blue and wood. It is an EXCELLENT shotgun and is a real keeper.
I like them very much, but the recoil really suprised me.

 

[HSMITH]

I have models of both shotguns, both are outstanding guns. Pick the one that you like best, you really can't go wrong with either.

 

[mountainclmbr]

How do these two compare to other semi autos? I have always liked the Browning A5 and also could consider Winchester 1200, Remington 1100, Remington 11-87, etc.

 

[The Rifleman]

I didn't like the Winchester SX2's but I do like my Gold Hunter.

The 3 1/2 inch Magnum model is one of my favorite turkey shotguns.

Most shotguns will actually pattern better with a 3 inch magnum that with the 3 1/2 inch shells.

I wouldnt reccoment shooting 3 or 3 1/2 inch shells unless you are hunting because of the felt recoil - when you are bracing yourself for a shot.

When you are hunting you are not bracing yourself and you won't ever feel the shotgun kick - unless you are scared of it.

 

[Hoser]

I bought one of each and played with them both for a long time. Ended up keeping the Gold. Softer recoil and I hit better with it.

 

[HSMITH]

Both are dramatically better than the 1200 or the 11-87, I have owned those too. The only other shotgun to really consider is the Beretta IMO.

I like my X2 3.5" better in 12 ga than either of the Gold 12's, but the Gold 20 is just soooo darn good it isn't funny.

With the X2 3.5" and the Gold 20 I stopped buying shotguns, and that says a lot. I had over 20 shotguns in my posession at one time, and was buying and selling them all the time. I trimmed down to about 8 now, the X2 and Gold20, and some sentimental favorites. The X2 and Gold do anything that can be done with a shotgun very well for me.

 

[nico]

I have a 3" SX2 field model and have absolutely no complaints. It's been a great gun. The other semis I've fired are my dad's Benelli SBE and a 20ga Beretta 391 w/ 7/8oz loads, and my gun with 1 1/8oz loads is softer shooting than either. The recoil is less sharp (more of a push) than the Beretta or SBE. Not that there's anything wrong with either of those guns, but neither made me wish I had anything different.

 

[mountainclmbr]

Both are still available. The wood on the Win SX2 is great. Thanks for the feedback! Still trying to decide!

 

[JohnBT]

I have an SX-2 Waterfowl (3.5" Shadowgrass camo) and like the high rib better than the one on the Browning. Other than that they're about the same gun for my purposes. I don't think that 3" Hevi-shot loads kick much at all - nice soft shooter.

John

 

[Kingcreek]

Both are still available. The wood on the Win SX2 is great. Thanks for the feedback! Still trying to decide!

Wait long enough and you won't have to decide.
Both are excellent guns.
I like the SX2 alot. any difference in recoil is minimal and not an issue for me.
For some weird reason, the SX2 and my Beretta 390 handle and shoot the same. for me, that is...