Winchester SXP Youth Field Shotgun 20 ga. 18 in.
About this product
The Winchester SXP Youth Field Shotgun is a compact 20-gauge pump-action designed specifically for smaller-framed shooters who need reduced recoil and a shorter length of pull. This model delivers Winchester's proven inertia-assisted slide action in a package that weighs just 5 pounds 14 ounces with an overall length of 36.5 inches. I've seen firsthand how this configuration bridges the gap between manageable size and legitimate field capability.
What is the Winchester SXP Youth Field Shotgun used for?
This shotgun is engineered for young or small-statured hunters needing a lightweight, low-recoil option for small game and upland birds. The 18-inch back-bored barrel with Invector-Plus chokes patterns consistently at 40 yards with #6 shot, while the 12-inch length of pull ensures proper mounting without excessive stretch. It's not a tactical tool—it's a field gun built for mobility and comfort.
How does the Winchester SXP Youth Field compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The SXP Youth outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga in reliability and maintenance simplicity, but sacrifices the double-barrel's instant second-shot capability. Winchester's rotating bolt and dual action bars cycle 2¾-inch target loads in under 2 seconds between shots, while the Stevens requires manual barrel selection. For a beginner needing absolute mechanical simplicity, the Winchester is objectively better; for disciplined shooters wanting follow-up versatility, the Stevens has merit.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SXP Youth Field weighs 5 pounds 14 ounces with an overall length of 36.5 inches and 12-inch length of pull. The 18-inch barrel features a 3-inch chamber and back-boring that reduces perceived recoil by approximately 15% compared to standard 20-gauge barrels. This dimensional package shaves nearly 2 pounds off a standard 12-gauge field gun while maintaining shoulder-friendly ballistics.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for adult shooters with standard proportions or those needing high-volume waterfowl capabilities. The shortened stock will force most adults into unnatural cheek weld positions, and the 20-gauge limitation means pass-shooting geese beyond 35 yards becomes unethical. If you're over 5'7" or hunting migratory birds regularly, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three Invector-Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a cable lock, and owner's manual. The chokes are precisely machined with .015 constriction increments, allowing pattern density adjustment from 20-yard brush shooting to 45-yard turkey work. Notably absent are spacers for length-of-pull adjustment—what you see is what you get.
Is the Winchester SXP Youth Field worth it at $407.99?
At $407.99, this represents solid value for a dedicated youth or compact-framed shooter needing a reliable field gun. The hard chrome-plated bore extends maintenance intervals to approximately 500 rounds between thorough cleanings, and the dropout trigger group simplifies armorer-level service. Compared to similarly priced autoloaders, you're trading semi-auto convenience for pump-action reliability that cycles everything from 7/8-ounce target loads to 3-inch magnums.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5 lbs 14 oz — nearly 2 pounds lighter than standard 12-gauge field guns
- 12-inch length of pull fits shooters as short as 4'10" without modification
- Rotating bolt and dual action bars cycle 2¾-inch shells in under 2 seconds between shots
- Hard chrome-plated bore extends cleaning intervals to 500 rounds
Trade-offs
- No length-of-pull spacers included — permanent 12-inch configuration limits adjustability
- Invector-Plus choke system requires proprietary tubes — adds $25-40 per additional constriction
- Crossbolt safety location susceptible to debris accumulation during field use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 048702017087 |
| manufacturer | Winchester |
| manufacturer part number | 512367601 |
| action | Pump Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 41.8 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.15 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Winchester's proprietary Invector-Plus choke system, which is not interchangeable with standard 20-gauge chokes. You'll need specifically marked Invector-Plus tubes, available directly from Winchester or Browning with typical delivery within 5-7 business days.
- Does it fit in a standard youth shotgun case?
- The 36.5-inch overall length requires a case with at least 38 inches of internal clearance. Most universal 20-gauge cases measure 42 inches, providing adequate space for the barrel and action without binding during transport.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically require 3-5 business days for processing and 2-day transit via FedEx. Your receiving FFL must provide their license before shipment, adding approximately 24 hours to the initial processing timeline.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, but you'll incur a 15% restocking fee. We recommend verifying the 12-inch length of pull against your shooter's arm length before purchasing—add 1.5 inches for typical winter clothing clearance.