I have read numerous comments on threads where commenters claim the SX3 is a far superior gun to the SX4. I own an SX3 and a couple of SX4s (3” 12 gauge, and 20 gauge). I have seen nothing about the SX3 that makes it a better gun, but I haven’t been able to make an Apples to Apples comparison, since my SX3 is a 3.5” gun and my 12 gauge SX4 is a 3” gun.
A friend has a 12 gauge 3.5” SX4 in the same camo pattern and same barrel length as my SX3. He let me borrow it to compare them. I thought I’d post an unbiased assessment of the two autoloaders.
I disassembled both guns and compared the internal components. The pusher, pusher return spring, and piston are identical.
The bolts are nearly identical with the only difference being the bolt handles (mine is after market, but I’m referring to the detent connection inside the bolt).
The barrels are interchangeable with the only difference between them being the ejectors.
The magazine tubes are identical.
The ergonomics of the forearms are different, but interchangeable. This is subjective, but I prefer the SX4 forearm.
The receivers are almost identical with the the main difference being the bolt release buttons. The SX4 is oversized and superior IMO
The stocks are different with the palm swell being wider on the SX3. Also subjective, but I do prefer the grip on the SX3, as I’ve got large hands.
The trigger plate assemblies are not interchangeable. The trigger guard on the SX4 is larger, and the safety is oversized. The Safety on the SX4 is easier to press without readjusting my trigger finger.
The housing on the SX4 is polymer and the housing on the SX3 is made of aluminum alloy. This seems to be the point most make when claiming the SX3 has superior “fit and finish”. It’s a dumb argument IMO. There are countless guns manufactured with polymer trigger assembly parts and I can’t recall ever seeing a single complaint of polymer trigger components breaking.
Other factors of note:
Gun weight SX3 7lbs 2.5oz without choke tube
Gun weight SX4 7lbs 1.6oz without choke tube
Average trigger pull weight of SX3 6lbs 8oz
Average trigger pull weight of SX4 8lbs 10oz. I give little thought to the trigger pull of a shotgun, but the SX4 is on the heavy side.
I have shot them both, and even though they are balanced differently, I can’t say that I shot one any better than the other. The only advantage I can honestly say that my SX3 has over the SX4 is trigger pull weight. This is easily fixed with a trip to a gunsmith.
Most of the differences between the two are subjective, but I think most will agree that larger controls are better. I’m not rushing to my LGS to trade my SX3 for an SX4, but if I were in the market for another autoloader and choosing between the two, I’d be leaving with the SX4.
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A friend has a 12 gauge 3.5” SX4 in the same camo pattern and same barrel length as my SX3. He let me borrow it to compare them. I thought I’d post an unbiased assessment of the two autoloaders.
I disassembled both guns and compared the internal components. The pusher, pusher return spring, and piston are identical.
The bolts are nearly identical with the only difference being the bolt handles (mine is after market, but I’m referring to the detent connection inside the bolt).
The barrels are interchangeable with the only difference between them being the ejectors.
The magazine tubes are identical.
The ergonomics of the forearms are different, but interchangeable. This is subjective, but I prefer the SX4 forearm.
The receivers are almost identical with the the main difference being the bolt release buttons. The SX4 is oversized and superior IMO
The stocks are different with the palm swell being wider on the SX3. Also subjective, but I do prefer the grip on the SX3, as I’ve got large hands.
The trigger plate assemblies are not interchangeable. The trigger guard on the SX4 is larger, and the safety is oversized. The Safety on the SX4 is easier to press without readjusting my trigger finger.
The housing on the SX4 is polymer and the housing on the SX3 is made of aluminum alloy. This seems to be the point most make when claiming the SX3 has superior “fit and finish”. It’s a dumb argument IMO. There are countless guns manufactured with polymer trigger assembly parts and I can’t recall ever seeing a single complaint of polymer trigger components breaking.
Other factors of note:
Gun weight SX3 7lbs 2.5oz without choke tube
Gun weight SX4 7lbs 1.6oz without choke tube
Average trigger pull weight of SX3 6lbs 8oz
Average trigger pull weight of SX4 8lbs 10oz. I give little thought to the trigger pull of a shotgun, but the SX4 is on the heavy side.
I have shot them both, and even though they are balanced differently, I can’t say that I shot one any better than the other. The only advantage I can honestly say that my SX3 has over the SX4 is trigger pull weight. This is easily fixed with a trip to a gunsmith.
Most of the differences between the two are subjective, but I think most will agree that larger controls are better. I’m not rushing to my LGS to trade my SX3 for an SX4, but if I were in the market for another autoloader and choosing between the two, I’d be leaving with the SX4.
