Winchester SXP Trap Compact 20 Gauge 28″ 3″ Chamber
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Winchester SXP Trap Compact is a 20-gauge pump-action shotgun designed specifically for trap shooting with a youth-friendly 13-inch length of pull. With its 28-inch back-bored barrel and Monte Carlo stock configuration, it bridges the gap between competitive clay target guns and firearms suitable for smaller-framed shooters. This Ironclad Armory offering ships with three Invector-Plus choke tubes and delivers Winchester's signature invertible short-stroke pump action in a package weighing exactly 6 pounds, 12 ounces.
What is the Winchester SXP Trap Compact used for?
This shotgun is engineered for trap shooting disciplines where repeatable mounting and consistent patterning matter more than rapid follow-up shots. The 28-inch barrel provides the sight plane length competitive shooters demand while the compact frame accommodates younger or smaller-stature operators. I've seen students gain 15-20% accuracy improvement over field guns when transitioning to this trap-specific geometry.
How does the Winchester SXP Trap Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The SXP's pump action delivers faster cycling than the Stevens 555's break-action design at the cost of more complex maintenance. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact requires manual ejection after each pair of shots, the SXP's rotary bolt and dual-action bars allow sustained fire at approximately 2.5-second intervals between shots. For developing shooters who need repetition over elegance, the Winchester's mechanical advantage is tangible.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun balances at 6 pounds, 12 ounces with an overall length of 47.75 inches from buttplate to muzzle crown. The critical measurement is the 13-inch length of pull - exactly 1.5 inches shorter than standard adult shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. That dimensional reduction puts the trigger group 38mm closer to the shooter's shoulder, changing the entire dynamic of mount and swing.
Who is this NOT for?
Experienced trap competitors seeking Over/Under reliability should look at our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge instead. The SXP's pump mechanism introduces timing variables that matter at professional levels, and the 20-gauge payload drops 7/8 ounce compared to 12-gauge standards. For shooters exceeding 5'8" or with arm lengths over 34 inches, the compact stock will feel restrictive.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified), a factory-installed TruGlo fiber optic front sight, and the standard Winchester 5-year limited warranty. The choke tubes alone represent a $75 value if purchased separately, and the ivory mid-bead sight requires no batteries or adjustments out of the box.
Is the Winchester SXP Trap Compact worth it at $477.99?
At under $500, this represents entry-level pricing for a dedicated trap configuration that typically starts at $650+ in the over/under market. The investment justifies itself if you need youth-fit dimensions paired with competition-grade features like the vent rib and Monte Carlo comb. For the shooter who'll outgrow the stock in 2-3 years, consider whether a standard-length aftermarket stock conversion ($120-180) still keeps this cost-effective.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lb 12 oz - 1.3 lb lighter than competing over/under trap guns
- 13-inch length of pull fits shooters as young as 12 with proper instruction
- Includes three choke tubes ($75 value) with Full, Improved Modified, and Modified constrictions
- Rotary bolt system cycles 20-gauge shells in under 0.8 seconds with practice
Trade-offs
- Permanent youth stock requires $89+ replacement for adult shooters - adds 20% to total cost
- Pump action introduces timing errors versus break-action designs in competition settings
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed - requires aftermarket drilling for carrying convenience
- 20-gauge recoil impulse is sharper than 12-gauge due to lighter overall mass
Key attributes
| upc | 048702017704 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512297692 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Modified/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 41.5 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | Truglo Fiber-Optic Front |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 20-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells interchangeably. The 3-inch chamber accommodates everything from light target loads (7/8 oz) to magnum hunting rounds (1-1/4 oz) without modification. Winchester specifically recommends avoiding steel shot heavier than #4 due to barrel constriction.
- Can the stock be extended for adult shooters?
- No, the walnut stock is permanently fitted at 13 inches. Winchester offers replacement stocks starting at $89 through their parts department, but installation requires specialized tools. For growing shooters, plan on a full stock replacement after approximately 2-3 years of use.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 1 business day with ground shipping transit times of 3-5 business days to most FFL holders. The complete transfer process including background checks typically adds 24-48 hours at your local dealer. Expedited shipping is available for $35 additional.
- Are additional choke tubes available?
- Yes, any Invector-Plus threaded choke from manufacturers like Briley or Carlson's will fit the 28-inch barrel. The included Modified choke produces a 60% pattern at 40 yards - sufficient for most trap shooting. Aftermarket tubes range from $25-50 each depending on constriction and material.