First Look: Winchester SXP Shadow Defender Shotgun

by
posted on May 24, 2017
winchester-arms-sxp-shadow-defender-12-gauge-shotgun-high-res.jpg
Winchester Repeating Arms announced the addition of two new models to its line of pump-action shotguns: the SXP Shadow Defender and the SXP Shadow Marine Defender. Both new models are designed to offer gun owners with ideal platforms for personal defense.

The two guns both come equipped with pistol-grip stocks constructed from synthetic materials and incorporating a textured surface to enhance a shooter's grip. The shotguns also feature customizable length of pull, allowing users to add included spacers to adjust the length of the shotgun's stock in order to fit any size shooter.

Other features of the new shotguns include a customizable comb, as well as a textured forearm that is designed to give shooters an optimum grip on the front of the gun for added control, as well as extra purchase when racking a new round into the chamber. The gun is supplied with two extra comb pieces that allow owners to adjust the cheek height for ideal sight alignment.

Both guns feature 18-inch barrels and 3-inch chambers. The bore and chamber are chrome-plated to ensure durability and reliability. Other add-ons include the company's trademarked Invector-Plus cylinder choke tube, as well as a removable TruGlo fiber-optic front sight or a brass front bead. Both guns are drilled and tapped for scope rings and bases and feature aluminum-alloy receivers complete with a rotary bolt that features a black-chrome finish for added protection from the elements and fouling.

The Winchester SXP Shadow Defender features a matte-black finish on the receiver, barrel, stock and trigger of the gun, ensuring that no glare will impede a shooter's view or alert threats to the position of the user. The gun features a total magazine capacity of five 2 3/4-inch shells. The Shadow Defender is equipped with a brass-bead front sight and weighs in at a total of 7 pounds, 8 ounces. The suggested retail price for the Winchester SXP Shadow Defender is $449.99 for the 12-gauge model, while the 20-gauge model retails at a suggested price of $469.99.

The Winchester SXP Shadow Marine Defender includes many of the same features as the company's Shadow Defender, except that both the exterior and interior of the gun feature hard-chrome plating in order to withstand the harsh conditions found on the coast and in the salt air during maritime use. The suggested retail price for the Shadow Marine Defender is $499.99 for the 12-gauge model, while the 20-gauge option retails at a suggested price of $519.99.

Latest

Silencer Central Banish 30-V2
Silencer Central Banish 30-V2

First Look: Silencer Central Banish 30-V2 Suppressor

Now available with the HUB mount for greater flexibility.

First Look: CZ Shadow 2 Carry

A variant of the classic CZ-75 that's meant to go with you wherever you go.

Rifles: Stretch Yourself

While it’s unlikely you’ll ever need to take a defensive shot at 100 yards or farther, being able to make those hits means closer-range targets will seem easy.

First Look: Aguila 30 Round 5.56 NATO Ammo Packs

30 round magazine, 30 round packaging. Makes sense.

Skills Check: Near and Far

For us, “Drill Practice” is isolating an individual part of a skill and focusing intently on improving or mastering said skill. The goal with good drill practice is to maximize overall improvement while minimizing overall effort. Success equals consistency over time.

Roundup: Large Format 9mm Pistols

They're just like a full-size 9mm pistol, only more so.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.