“G&A determined the winners for each category on a point system relating to three areas,” the editors noted. “First, the product must have been new (for 2017), and available for purchase. Second, it must demonstrate quality and reliability to a degree that met or exceeded its design objective. Lastly, the winner offered the greatest appeal…and offers great value.”

“Shotgunners are demanding more from scatterguns now than ever,” the G&A editors continued. “Aside from hitting what they’re aimed at, there’s an expectation for shotguns to swing light, instantly cycle, lack felt recoil, and run any load that can be found on a store shelf – all while enduring the harshest of field conditions.”

The G&A editors had the highest praise for the Super X4’s utter reliability (based in great part on the gun’s Active Valve Gas System) along with its exceptional ergonomics, easy to operate controls and ready adaptability to the needs of the individual shooter. 

“The balance of the SX4 is further forward that most semiautomatics,” the G&A editors reported. “which enables a fluid swing, smooth tracking and excellent follow through.”

While reading about the great fit and smooth swing of the Super X4 is all well and good, the real proof comes at the moment when you first pick one up and put it to your shoulder. Then you’ll know what all the excitement is about. Stop by your local Winchester Repeating Arms dealer today, and add a little extra excitement to your shotgunning.

You can read all about what impressed the editors in the December issue of Guns & Ammo, available at your local news stand, or online at gunsandammo.com

Original article copyright Guns&Ammo, 2017. Photos and graphics are copyright G&A, Winchester Repeating Arms and/or used with attribution and/or permission or are in the public domain. Review written by Winchester staff writer, Scott Engen. Copyright Winchester Repeating Arms, 2017.

Recognizing the best of the new and innovative for 2017 -- G&A Editors

Guns & Ammo editors, contributors and staff present 2017’s pre-eminent firearms, optic, ammunition, suppressor and innovation awards. Only products made available to consumers this last year qualify for consideration. Candidates that were introduced but experienced delays in shipping to retailers were excluded from voting. During our roundtable discussions, more weight towards the outcome was given to products engineered from the ground up and to those that potentially impact the greatest number of readers. Therefore, when faced with deciding between two otherwise equally important new products, the more affordable choice broke ties in our voting.

G&A acquired several samples of each candidate throughout 2017 for thorough evaluation. Products that produced doubt in reliability and consistent manufacturing standards were removed from the list of contenders. G&A determined the winner for each category on a point system relating to three criteria. First, the product must have been new and available for purchase. A line extension of an existing product doesn’t earn the emphasis as one possessing innovative features and engineering. Second, it must have demonstrated quality and reliability to a degree that met or exceeded its design objective. Lastly, the winner offered the greatest appeal to the masses. G&A’s staff awarded points in this third fulfillment following a survey of in-store availability and retail pricing to ensure the product exists and offers great value.

To protect the credibility of the Guns & Ammo of the Year Award, no manufacturers, advertisers or sales representatives were informed of our selection prior to the printing of this article. As always, there are no second-place winners or honorable mentions.