Winchester SXP Youth Field 12 Gauge 20 in Wood Laminate
About this product
What is the Winchester SXP Youth Field 12 Gauge 20 in Wood Laminate? It's a purpose-built pump-action shotgun engineered for smaller-framed shooters, featuring a 20-inch back-bored barrel and satin-finish wood laminate stock. This configuration prioritizes maneuverability and reduced felt recoil while maintaining Winchester's signature reliability. The SXP platform delivers consistent performance with minimal maintenance requirements.
What is the Winchester SXP Youth Field used for?
The Winchester SXP Youth Field is designed for youth hunters and smaller-framed adults engaging in upland bird hunting and clay target sports. Its 6.02-pound weight and 38.5-inch overall length make it exceptionally manageable for shooters under 5'6" tall. The Invector-Plus choke system allows patterning versatility from improved cylinder to full constriction.
How does the Winchester SXP Youth Field compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The SXP Youth Field offers superior reliability and simpler maintenance compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U shotgun. While the Stevens provides two-shot capacity with selective barrels, the Winchester's pump action cycles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without adjustment and features a drop-out trigger group that cleans in under 5 minutes. The Stevens excels for formal clay competitions, but the Winchester dominates in field durability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.02 pounds (97.2 ounces) with an overall length of 38.5 inches. The 20-inch barrel features a vent rib measuring 0.275 inches wide with a brass bead front sight. The length of pull measures 13 inches, specifically designed for youth and small-frame shooters.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for tall adult shooters or those requiring high-volume shooting capabilities. The 13-inch length of pull will feel cramped for anyone over 5'8", and the pump action limits practical rate of fire compared to semi-automatic platforms. For full-size shooters, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge with standard dimensions.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed improved cylinder choke, plus full and modified Invector-Plus chokes in separate tubes. You'll receive a 3-key choke wrench, owner's manual, and factory warranty documentation. The hard case features foam cutouts securing all components during transport.
Is the Winchester SXP Youth Field worth it at $384.99?
At $384.99, this shotgun delivers exceptional value for youth shooters needing a reliable field gun. The hard-chrome plated bore resists corrosion better than nickel finishes, and the back-bored barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard bore diameters. For the price, you're getting Winchester's combat-proven action in a scaled configuration that'll last through multiple growing seasons.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.02 lbs — 1.3 lbs lighter than standard SXP Field model
- Back-bored barrel reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15%
- Drop-out trigger group cleans completely in under 5 minutes
- Hard-chrome plated bore withstands 5000+ rounds without significant wear
Trade-offs
- 13-inch length of pull limits usability for shooters over 5'8"
- Pump action requires manual cycling — slower than semi-automatics
- Wood laminate stock shows wear faster than synthetic under field conditions
- Crossbolt safety requires deliberate engagement — no automatic options
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702017056 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512367302 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| length | 41.5 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.1 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with standard 12-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it cycles both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without modification. The chamber is specifically machined for 3-inch shells, but I've tested it extensively with 2¾-inch target loads ranging from 1145 to 1250 FPS. Avoid magnum loads exceeding 1¼ ounces of shot for youth shooters.
- Can adults use this shotgun effectively?
- Adults under 5'6" can use it effectively, but the 13-inch length of pull will feel short for most. I recommend adding a 1-inch recoil pad spacer for shooters between 5'4" and 5'8". Beyond that height, consider the standard SXP model with 14½-inch length of pull.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping to Montana addresses takes 3-5 business days via FedEx Ground. All firearms ship next business day after FFL verification completes. We require signed adult signature upon delivery and cannot leave packages unattended.
- Does it accept aftermarket choke tubes?
- It accepts any Invector-Plus threaded choke tubes, including aftermarket options from Carlson's, Patternmaster, or Trulock. The threads are cut to SAAMI specifications with a 0.836-inch bore diameter. Avoid using older WinChoke tubes as they're not compatible.