Field Test: Winchester Super X Rifle (SXR) Autoloader
Like most of you riflemen, I have shot most of my deer with a bolt-action, all but a handful. So when I got the chance to carry the new Winchester Super X Rifle (SXR) autoloader in .270 WSM last fall, I felt a bit out of sorts, but I also looked forward to it.
First thing you notice is the rifle’s “international” styling. I have heard it called “Euro-trash,” but it's not that bad. The dark walnut stock looks good and fit me well. Checkering is basic, but okay. I do not care for the gray, gaudy SXR logo below the bolt handle, but the W checkered into the wood fore of the aluminum-alloy receiver is sort of cool.
Looks wise, the strange thing is the inch of gas-operating mechanism that protrudes out the black-tipped fore-end. One guy I ran in to in a camp said, “Man, got something sticking out your stock.” When I told him it was supposed to look like that he laughed. I attached a tan leather sling, which was my bad and looked awful; a black synthetic one would have fitted the rifle’s hip styling better.
To me a deer rife is a tool. I don’t care what it looks like (within reason) so long as it is dependable and accurate. My SXR was both. After bore-sighting the 2.5-10X scope, a buddy and I fired 15 shots with Winchester 150-grain Power Point loads. Look at the last 3 in the picture—super-tight and awesome, as good as any bolt gun out of the box. Factory trigger was good and crisp, better than I had expected. Action was super smooth.
The 7-pound rifle (24” barrel) carried well in the Nebraska hills, and once I got back in the swing of using a detachable-box magazine, it loaded and unloaded smoothly.
I am confident I could have killed a buck at 300 yards with the rifle, but I didn’t have too. The big muley I stalked and drew down on was only 100 yards away. I thumped him good and he tried to run. I pulled the trigger again for a fast finisher. I hadn’t done that in a while with an autoloader, and it felt good.
As I packed up my test SXR to send back, I felt a little sad to see it go. It’s different, but a shooter and I’d recommend it.
I like the way it looks. It may not be traditional (and a bit pricey for my frugal ways) but apparently it's a shooter and that's what matters most.
Jim
Posted by: jstreet | January 31, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Jim, I agree. I thought I would not like the look, but the more I carried it the more I liked what I saw. Frankly, I could not believe how well it shot, awesome. 270 wsm I really like
Posted by: hanback | January 31, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I think it looks pretty cool. Is it being produced at the FN plant (like the Model 70)? Might explain the euro styling a little. I like the satin finish dark wood. I've mentioned it before, I love the 270 WSM. Excellent deer caliber. It took me a couple years to find a bullet weight I like. I started with the 130 gr. Ballistic Silvertip and didn't care for it too much. Shot the 140 gr. Accubond last year and it was a huge improvement. I'm going to try the 150 gr. Supreme this coming year. What bullet did you chamber, Mike?
Posted by: Doug In Wisconsin | January 31, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Oops. Just re-read your post. Might have to look at the 150 gr. Power Point as well.
Posted by: Doug In Wisconsin | January 31, 2008 at 12:07 PM
the area i hunt is slug gun only so i have little experiece with rifles on deer the only one i own currently is a savage 17HMR i use for coyote and plinking
Posted by: ian in wisconsin | January 31, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I was wondering what folks were thinking about that gun. The group you shot makes up for the lack of beauty. You have to send back the stuff you try out? That stinks.
Posted by: bowkill1978 | January 31, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Bowkill, sometimes I have to send them back, sometimes I buy them at a VIP deal, it just depends. Doug, I tried the basic 150 Power Points first and with that last group, I'd have been crazy to change!
Posted by: hanback | January 31, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I'd have to agree with you Mike. That's a pretty damn good group.
Posted by: Doug In Wisconsin | January 31, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I shoot an old Rem. 742 I bought new in 1967. Shoots better than I do, but most likely not as well as the test rifle. I use a Rem 700 too and love them both so getting used to the pricey new one would mean minor adjustment- if I could afford it. Also, many states do not allow auto loaders (PA is one) I like mine and it's my go to gun.
Posted by: Mack | January 31, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I'm like you Mike...started and used primarily a bolt-action. Thanks for this review - makes me want to try one!
Posted by: deerPhD | January 31, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Those are some impressive groups for an autoloader. The Mule deer in the picture is even more impressive. I have always been a bolt action man. I inherited a Browning Bar in 30-06 made in Belgium a few years back. I sold it and bought a Remington 700 LSS in .300 RUM. Now the .270 WSM in a new Model 70 Stainless Synthetic with the fluted barrel would be more my cup of tea.
Posted by: Barry Sensing | February 03, 2008 at 12:00 PM