Winchester SX3 Flanigan
Mark Stone tests out a production copy of record breaking clay-buster Pat Flanigan’s Winchester’s SX3
So who is Pat Flanigan and why is his particular XS3 so special? Well simply put, back in 2005 using this gun with a high capacity magazine he could throw 11 clays in the air and shatter them all before any hit the ground. His best time was an amazing 1.442 seconds. Now you too have the chance to own this record breaking gun; well a copy of it anyway. However, you will not have this pleasure until 2009, as I have here Browning’s display model. But the gun will come with all the extras; Winchester’s familiar bright red travelling cases, a full set of extended ‘Signature’ multi-chokes, stock shims and a whole host of accessories.
Same but different
Technically, apart from the soft-touch, black, synthetic stock and forend plus the bright red anodised receiver, valve ring and pale grey 28” barrel finish, underneath the Flanigan is supposedly the exact same as any other SX3. That said, as soon as you pick it up this Winchester feels different, a tactile sensation of purpose and usability communicating between gun and hands. Somewhere along the lines Winchester has given this SX3 a tune up and whilst they insist nothings changed apart from the visuals, the Flanigan is just more responsive.
Assembly is exactly the same as any other SX3, as are its 3” chamber and the rest of the controls. Action-wise, the single claw bolt is brought into battery with the same release located directly below the ejection port whilst the bolt itself remains locked back once the final round has been discharged. Even the 6lbs 7oz trigger pull is more or less exactly as you’d expect.
Shot show
In standard form the Flanigan comes with the usual, Section 2, two-shot (+1) magazine. However, if you fancy emulating the man after whom this SX3 is named and you have the paperwork for a Section 1 on your FAC; an 11-shot, extension magazine tube is available. All you then have to do is be able to throw eleven clays into the air with one hand then shoot them all individually before they hit the deck. As to whether you can emulate Patrick Flanigan’s 2005 World Record or not is immaterial, what you do get as part of the package is a semi-auto that is capable of discharging a maximum of twelve rounds in 1.442 seconds.
This translates into a gun that sets itself up for second or third targets at a rate you’ll struggle to keep up with. Loaded up with three rounds of Express World Cup’s it became a pleasure to break a bird then shatter two of the resultant fragments, the 6mm vented rib and hi – viz bead floating into place.
Surprisingly, I found the Flanigan not to my liking as a Skeet gun, as for me the pattern placement is too high. However, shot over some of Coniston’s sporting layouts along with two other mid week straw balers; it was safe to say this particular X3 more than confirmed its abilities.
70/30 split
The more or less 70/30% pattern split allows the shooter to keep the target in full view, the general handling characteristic and 7lbs 8oz weight maintaining a smooth, flowing movement even on diametrically opposed birds. My other advice when shooting this SX3 would be to only mount the gun at the last moment, the overall dynamics providing the user with the facility to rotate arms, body and muzzles onto their intended target at the same time the hands, soft rubber butt and shoulder connect!
If you ever wanted to try or perfect the ‘move, mount, shoot’ technique, the Flanigan is the gun. Whichever discipline you shoot all you have to do is get used to the short stock, drops at comb and heel of 1¾” and 2” combined with a 14¼” length of pull typifying this and all SX3’s. These seemingly condensed measurements in turn tend to give the overwhelming feel of your nose being on the receiver instead of behind it. But keep the gun moving you’ll be surprised how natural the whole Flanigan shooting experience feels.
Red or dead
There’s no point whatsoever to saying the SX3 Flanigan doesn’t attract comment, as soon as you take it out of its slip the questions start. Once you’ve recorded your second 94% + score you’ll find the questions persist but they’re of a different nature; like when and where can a Flanigan be sourced and for how much? Probably not to everyone’s taste, but if you’re looking for a pure clay breaking semi you’ll go a long way to find something more distinctive, efficient or entertaining to use than Winchester’s new Flanigan.
Though not my scene, I was talking to Pete Moore about this gun and he said that the speed of cycle of the SX3 in general could well appeal to the Practical Shotgunner. With the 11-shot mag extension on board, it could be serious competition to the tricked up Remy 1100s and 11-87 that appear to dominate this discipline and at better money too; we shall see…
Regrettably the Flanigan you see here had to go back to make its next public appearance at the Midland Game Fair, otherwise I’d have been sorely tempted to make a bid. What I will say is that once UK supplies come on line, an example of this red racer will definitely find its way into my collection.
We Reckon!
• On looks alone the SX3 Flanigan is a winner
• An inspirational clay breaker in every sense
• A racing Winchester for less than a grand
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Name | Winchester SX3 Flanigan |
| Calibre | 12-bore/3” chamber |
| Barrel | 28” |
| Capacity | 2+1 |
| Magazine | 11-shot extension available |
| Weight | 7lbs 8oz |
| Signature | multi-chokes |
| Price | £890 |
All Prices Are Guides Due to the Changes in US & European Exchange Rates
Distributer information
-
Browning - Exquisite passion
Since 1897, the year when the first…
Telephone Number: 01235 514550
View more information
Magazine Subscriptions
Click on one of the covers above to find out our latest offers
We are now in mid march, 2009
Are these now available in the UK ?
Comment by: Tony Posted on: 23 Mar 2009 at 01:07 PM
Best bet to ring the importers BWM Arms Ltd 01235 514550
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 23 Mar 2009 at 05:48 PM
i really want to perchis this gun but is it better from the benelli?
Comment by: hamad Posted on: 29 Mar 2009 at 03:32 PM
I have ordered one of 8 shot versions back in February and have been told that I should get it in June after getting a variation to my firearms certificate.
I want to convert the gun to the 12 shot version as per the one that Patrick Flanigan uses for his exhibition shooting. I have been told by Winchester that they will not produce the conversion however the conversion is avalaible on Patrick Flanigans web site .http://www.patrickflanigan.com/store-pf1.cfm#me How do I go about obtaining one of these conversion kits from America and shipping it to the UK.
Any help or advice would be appriciated
Comment by: Trevor Ellis Posted on: 09 Apr 2009 at 07:36 PM
The problem with the USA today is what is considered exportable in terms of guns and accessories by their State Department. Speak to Flanigan and see if he is prepared to export the mag extension. Chances are you should have no problems as it will come through normal channels, but UK customs might get hold of it as it's a firearms part and you might have to explain why you are bringing it in and even pay duty on it.
Easier would be to ring around some of the more practically-oriented gun shops in the UK who might have Choate mag extensions for pump and auto shotguns. They I believe do a 10/12-shot unit for a number of gun types, doubtless the Winchester will be amongst them.
Good luck
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 15 Apr 2009 at 10:58 AM
I pick up my 12 shot Flanigun tomorrow - from Peter Starley (see www.black-powder.co.uk)!
Comment by: Nick Posted on: 16 Apr 2009 at 07:45 PM
Let us know what you think?
Comment by: Pete Moore Posted on: 17 Apr 2009 at 08:10 AM
Nick
Thanks for the link to Peter starley, I phoned him yesterday and he had one 12 shot Flanigan left so I have bought it and picked it up to today Sunday 19the April, I had 2 rounds of skeet today and I am very impressed with balance performance of the gun. It certainly turned a few heads!!
For anybody wanting one of these guns you wont be disappointed and if you want a 12 shot version Peter Starley is the man to talk to a very helpful bloke and top quality service
Comment by: Trevor Ellis Posted on: 19 Apr 2009 at 07:03 PM
im a bit confused. is the flanigun actually released in te UK yet to us normal folk?
Comment by: tim Posted on: 26 Apr 2009 at 01:56 AM
Hi could someone tell me what should have come with my sx3 flanigan? bought one back in Feb 09. I was told that there were only 2 available until later in the year, so i bought one. It took 4 weeks (2 weeks longer than i was told) but worth the wait . When it arrived it had no book, warranty card or shims. So I asked about the missing items but im still waiting (26th April 09) - still not arrived after many conversation - I keep being told that they are on order. So i would like to know what I should have received wth the gun.
Many thanks.
Richard
ps if you would like to know where not to buy a gun i south wales email me
Comment by: richard Posted on: 26 Apr 2009 at 10:05 PM
sorry forgot the address rowen71@hotmail.co.uk
Comment by: richard Posted on: 26 Apr 2009 at 10:10 PM
what the best winchester sx3 or brawning
Comment by: paradisie Posted on: 30 May 2009 at 07:28 AM
hi , I have sx3 3.5 barrel 30 but it written sx3 by white cooler what the differant between it and what write red with barrel 28?
Comment by: paradisie Posted on: 06 Jul 2009 at 08:28 AM
I will be getting mine Feb or before time for a change the 11-87 getting old.
Will have an big mag on it not quite as big as the one on my 11-87 15 rounds but that will go on my 870 pump soon.
Dave
Comment by: Dave Posted on: 19 Dec 2009 at 03:42 PM
i am interested to know whether the SX3 has optional shorter barrel of 24 or 22 inch. can someone enlighthen me?
Comment by: frank az Posted on: 08 Jan 2010 at 07:09 AM
There is the SXP (Pump) with an 18" barrel. Check out their website. Good luck finding one. I have tried with no luck.
Comment by: Josh Posted on: 27 Jan 2010 at 02:06 AM
just put away a flanigan sx3 until licence renewal comes back had a bargain at £710 the guy who had it new only shot very little catridges through it and it is more or less brand new i also got one on my fac which is the cortimunous with fac and shotgun my question is if i decide to go for extended tube [fac] will i be able to purchase tube and add it to my fac ? because this was a good price it is section 2 [2+1] on normal sg licence or will i be better off transfering it from sg licence to fac with the extended tube? [ i am a ukpsa member] your comments would be welcome regards terry.
Comment by: terry Posted on: 07 Mar 2010 at 05:01 PM
Hi
I am staying jeddah, saudi arabia.
I want to buy fiber magazine extension 10 shot with spring for my sx3 12 ga.
thanking you, waiting valuable reply from you.
Comment by: zarea Posted on: 06 Jul 2010 at 09:11 AM