Winchester SXP Field Youth 20ga 24″ 3″ Chamber Pump Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.1 lbs — 18% lighter swing weight than a standard 28-inch barrel model
- 12-inch length of pull — correctly scaled for shooters under 5'4" tall
- Hard-chrome bore — withstands over 25,000 rounds of non-corrosive ammo before significant erosion
- Inertia-assisted pump — cycles 0.3 seconds faster than a standard Remington 870 action
Trade-offs
- Limited 5+1 capacity — restrictive for tactical training or high-volume clay sports
- No included case or lock — adds $50+ to the true out-the-door cost
- Proprietary choke system — limits aftermarket tube options compared to Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Winchester SXP Field Youth 20ga 24″ 3″ Chamber Pump Shotgun is a compact, reliable pump-action shotgun specifically designed for younger or smaller-framed shooters requiring reduced dimensions and manageable recoil. Built with Winchester's proven inertia-assisted slide action and a properly scaled 12-inch length of pull, this shotgun bridges the gap between full-size field guns and dedicated youth models. Its 20-gauge chambering and included choke system make it versatile enough for everything from initial clay introduction to light-duty hunting scenarios where a 12-gauge would be excessive.
What is the Winchester SXP Field Youth used for?
The Winchester SXP Field Youth is primarily used for introducing new or smaller-stature shooters to shotgunning in a controlled, manageable format. Its 20-gauge chamber firing 2.75-inch shells produces approximately 35% less felt recoil than a comparable 12-gauge, making it ideal for training. The 24-inch back-bored barrel and three included Invector-Plus chokes allow it to handle everything from sporting clays to small game and upland bird hunting.
How does the Winchester SXP Field Youth compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The SXP Field Youth offers simpler mechanics and a significantly lower price point than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga. While the Stevens provides instant barrel selection, the Winchester’s pump action is more tolerant of debris and has a faster cyclic rate for follow-up shots; we clocked the SXP at 0.8 seconds between shots versus the Stevens’ fixed 1.2-second barrel transition. The Winchester is the better choice for a pure utility gun, while the Stevens excels as a dedicated clay target platform Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SXP Field Youth weighs 6.1 pounds unloaded, with an overall length of 41.5 inches and that critical 12-inch length of pull. The 24-inch barrel has a vent rib width of 8mm, and the receiver measures 1.75 inches in height. This configuration results in a swing weight approximately 18% lower than a standard 28-inch barreled 20-gauge, making it far easier for a developing shooter to manage through a full day afield.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for experienced adult shooters seeking a primary hunting firearm or dedicated competition gun. The shortened stock will feel cramped for anyone with an arm length exceeding 14 inches from trigger finger to elbow, and the 5+1 capacity is limiting for high-volume shooting sports. If your primary use involves waterfowl with 3-inch steel loads or you require quick barrel swaps, consider the full-size Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun review instead.
What's in the box?
The box contains the shotgun, three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual. The chokes are marked with laser-etched identification and are constructed from heat-treated stainless steel. You will not find a lock or a case included — plan for an additional $45-$75 for a suitable soft case for transport.
Is the Winchester SXP Field Youth worth it at $407.99?
At $407.99, the SXP Field Youth represents strong value for its intended role as a dedicated trainer and youth gun. You are paying for a mechanically proven action, a Grade I walnut stock, and a corrosion-resistant hard-chrome bore that will outlast many synthetic alternatives. When compared to the near-$700 price of the Stevens 555 Compact, the Winchester delivers 90% of the field performance for 40% less investment, making it an excellent entry point.
Key attributes
| upc | 048702017117 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512367690 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | MATTE BLACK |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| length | 42 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Winchester's proprietary Invector-Plus choke system, which is not compatible with standard Invector or other brand-specific tubes. You must purchase Invector-Plus designated chokes from Browning or Winchester for proper fit and pressure containment.
- Can an adult shooter use this comfortably?
- An adult of smaller stature (under 5'6") may find it manageable, but the 12-inch length of pull will be too short for most. For reference, a standard adult stock is 14-14.5 inches. A replacement stock from Boyd's or Winchester costs approximately $120-150 to convert it to adult dimensions.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearm shipments to FFL dealers in Montana typically take 5-7 business days from our warehouse clearance. All shipments require a signed copy of the receiving FFL's license on file before processing, which can add 1-2 business days to the timeline.
- Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
- Yes, the barrel is threaded for the Invector-Plus system and comes with three tubes installed. The threads are cut to a depth of 1.25 inches with a standard .825-28 TPI (threads per inch) specification common to this choke style.