Winchester Super X3 Owner's Manual

Winchester®Super X®3 Autoloading Shotgun Owner’s Manual

Licensee

Important instructions for

Winchester®Super X®3
Autoloading Shotgun

Winchester Rifles and Shotguns

Customer Service Department (United States)

BACO, Inc.

275 Winchester Avenue

Morgan, Utah 84050-9333

Phone: [phone]

If you have any questions or comments regarding your
new firearm, please feel free to write or call us. Use the
space below to record information about your new firearm.

Model _________________________________________

Serial Number __________________________________

Purchased From _________________________________

Date of Purchase ________________________________

Winchester and associated trademarks are registered trademarks of
Olin Corporation. Invector-Plus, Perma-Cote and Dura-Touch are
trademarks of Browning.

NEU06101.5/06013

Contents Page

Gun Safety Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

General Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

General Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Terminology and Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Initial Cleaning and Oiling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Operation of the Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Initial Assembly and Takedown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Magazine Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Firing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

In the Case of a Misfire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Invector-Plus

Magazine Three Shot Adapter (Plug) . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Stock Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Use of Extra Barrels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Mounting a Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Trigger Group Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Bolt Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Parts, Service, Repair and Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Website Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

™

Choke Tube System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

GUN SAFETY WARNINGS

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THESE OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS BE THOROUGHLY STUDIED BEFORE USING
THIS FIREARM TO ASSURE PROPER AND SAFE FIREARM
HANDLING. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS OR FAILURE TO OBEY ANY SAFETY
WARNING MAY RESULT IN INJURY TO YOURSELF OR
OTHERS, OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR FIREARM.

As a firearm owner, you accept a set of demanding
responsibilities. How seriously you take these
responsibilities can be the difference between life and
death. There is no excuse for careless or abusive handling
of any firearm. At all times handle your shotgun and any
other firearm with intense respect for its power and
potential danger.

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE
CAUTIONS, PROPER HANDLING PROCEDURES AND
INSTRUCTIONS OUTLINED IN THIS OWNER’S MANUAL
BEFORE USING YOUR NEW FIREARM.

1. Do not carry a loaded firearm with a live shell in the
chamber while running, climbing a tree, crossing a
fence or anywhere you might slip or fall, drop the
firearm or otherwise bump or jar the firearm. A firearm
that is dropped, bumped or jarred with a chambered

shell might accidentally discharge even with the safety
on, causing serious injury to you or someone else.
When you are ready to shoot and a shell is chambered,
keep the safety in the “on safe” position until shooting
is imminent.

2. Do not rely on the safety to prevent accidental
discharge. Many safeties merely block the trigger
and prevent firing by pulling the trigger. The safety
may not prevent an accidental discharge due to
dropping, jarring or bumping a firearm.

3. Use only ammunition for which the firearm is
chambered, as indicated on the barrel, to prevent
excessive pressure and possible serious personal injury.

4. Incorrectly reloaded ammunition can cause serious
personal injury and damage to the firearm due to
excessive pressure. Reload only after proper instruction
and in strict compliance with instructions and data
contained in current reloading manuals.

5. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to
shoot. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction in
case of accidental discharge.

6. Always check to ensure that the barrel is free of
obstructions before loading and using the firearm. If
you experience light recoil or off sound, check the
barrel for an obstruction.

1

7. Before firing, clean any grease or oil out of the barrel
with a cleaning rod and patch. Grease or heavy
accumulation of oil can cause excessive pressures
and result in serious personal injury.

8. Keep barrel, chamber and action free of rust. Rust in
the barrel and chamber can cause excessive pressures
resulting in serious injury. A rusted, pitted or eroded
barrel should be replaced.

9. Use hearing protection to prevent ear damage
from repeated exposure to gunfire.

10. Always use proper shooting glasses to prevent
eye injury from flying particles.

11. Never carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle or
carry one into a dwelling. Always carefully unload the
firearm before entering a motor vehicle, a dwelling or
an area such as a camp. Always point your firearm in a
safe direction while loading or unloading to prevent
serious injury in case of an accidental discharge.
Never load your firearm in a house or in a vehicle.

12. Never shoot at a hard, flat surface or at the surface
of water to avoid a ricochet and possible serious
personal injury to yourself or a bystander.

13. Store firearms in a clean, dry place out of reach of
children and separated from stored ammunition.

14. Never alter any parts of your firearm. Any alterations
or adjustments that may become necessary to the
operating mechanism should be performed by a
qualified gunsmith.

15. Hunting from elevated surfaces, such as tree stands, is
dangerous. Doing so may increase the risk of handling
any firearm. Always make certain that the stand being
used is safe, sturdy and stable. Always make certain
your firearm is unloaded when it is being taken up and
down from the stand. Always make certain that your
firearm is not dropped from the stand or dropped
while it is being taken up or down from the stand.

16. Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas,
cleaning firearms or handling ammunition may result
in exposure to lead and other substances known to
cause birth defects, reproductive harm and other
serious physical injury. Have adequate ventilation at
all times. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Super X®3 is a world-class shotgun with world-class
origins. Every aspect of the design points toward unmatched
reliability and superb handling. It is clear that this shotgun
has the performance features demanded by serious hunters
and shooters. A few things to take notice of are:

2

• The remarkably simple, self-adjusting Active Valve
gas piston system.

• The alloy receiver balances weight between the hands with
just enough barrel weight for a smooth swing.

™

• The acclaimed Invector-Plus

choke system incorporates
long choke tapers and a back-bored barrel for superior
shot patterns.

As you learn about your new shotgun and begin shooting
it, we’re sure you’ll agree its design sets new standards for
reliability and handling.

Your new shotgun is one of several different versions
and configurations offered. The basic operating
procedures are the same for all models. Where there
are differences, they are pointed out in this owner’s
manual for your convenience.

GENERAL OPERATION

This shotgun is an autoloading design that allows you to
fire follow-up shots by merely pulling the trigger. When
you fire a shell, the Active Valve gas system moves a shell
from the magazine to the chamber where it is fired with a
pull of the trigger. This can be repeated until the
magazine is empty. A single shell can also be inserted into
the chamber manually or moved from the loaded
magazine by cycling the action with the operating handle.

With the magazine three-shot adapter (plug) removed
from the magazine and using 2

3

⁄4" loads, the shotgun is
capable of shooting five shots in rapid succession, one
shot with each pull of the trigger. The short stroke of the
gas piston along with the snug, gas sealing fit of the gas
piston rings and tight fit of the piston sleeve push rod
limit the amount of combustion gases blown past the
piston sleeve and into the receiver, keeping the inside of
the receiver cleaner. This is an exceptionally advanced
design that offers reliable function from the gas system
and easy disassembly for maintenance and cleaning.
However, in order to keep your new shotgun in top
condition and operating at its peak performance, you
must read, understand and follow all of the instructions in
this owner’s manual.

Prior to using live ammunition, familiarize yourself
thoroughly with these operating instructions. Get
accustomed to the feel of your new firearm. Know the
forces required to operate the action. Learn how to pull
the trigger, and above all, know the location and
operation of the safety. Procedures for disassembly and
operation of various components are outlined later in this
owner’s manual. Please read and study them thoroughly.
In addition, always remember:

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A
SAFE DIRECTION. USE THE CORRECT AMMUNITION AS
REFERENCED BY THE INSCRIPTION ON THE BARREL.

3

Receiver

Ejection Port

Ventilated Rib

FIGURE 1

Sight

Recoil Pad

Safety

Trigger

Buttstock

Carrier Release Button

Trigger Guard

BEFORE LOADING YOUR FIREARM BE SURE ALL GREASE
AND OIL HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE BARREL AND
CHAMBER, AND THERE ARE NO OBSTRUCTIONS.

TERMINOLOGY AND DESCRIPTIONS

Descriptions in this owner’s manual generally refer to the
firearm in the horizontal position; that is, in the normal
firing position. For example, the muzzle is forward or front;
the butt stock is rearward or rear; the trigger is downward
or underneath; the sight is upward or on top. For general
parts terminology refer to Figure 1.

The shotgun is also shown disassembled to the extent
necessary in order to follow instructions contained in this
book (Figure 20, page 27). Figure 3 (page 6) covers the

™

Magazine Tube
(Inside Forearm)

Forearm

Magazine Cap

Invector-Plus
Choke Tube System

general features and benefits of the shotgun’s design.
Throughout this owner’s manual the term “action” refers
to the mechanism of this shotgun which loads and secures
the shell in the chamber.

SERIAL NUMBER

The serial number is located on the left side of the
receiver, just above the trigger guard. Record the
serial number at the front of this owner’s manual for
future reference.

INITIAL CLEANING AND OILING

Some metal parts of your new shotgun have been coated
at the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before

4

Muzzle

using your shotgun, clean the anti-rust compound from
the inside of the barrel, receiver, bolt mechanism and the
action/chamber areas. A high quality, lightweight gun oil
should be used to remove this compound and to give your
new firearm its first lubrication. Clean the barrel using a
cleaning rod and patch as explained under “Cleaning and
Maintenance Suggestions” found on page 33 in this
owner’s manual.

If your new shotgun is to be stored for an extended period
of time, it is permissible to leave the rust preventative
compound in place and keep your shotgun in its box for
maximum protection during long-term storage.

Before beginning assembly of your shotgun, you should first
wipe the mechanism clean and apply a few drops of quality
oil to the rails on which the bolt slides. These are found
inside the receiver (Figure 2). Avoid applying too much oil.

FIGURE 2

Be sure you lightly oil the bolt rails inside
the receiver at these points.

Only a light film is necessary. Excessive oil should be wiped
off, especially in cold weather.

CLEANING PARTS WITH SPECIAL FINISHES —

Be especially careful when cleaning firearms with
camouflage, Dura-Touch

®

Armor Coating and other
special finishes. Always prevent these surfaces from
coming in contact with cleaning solvents, barrel
scrubbers and other strong chemicals. It is preferable to
clean these surfaces with a light gun oil containing no
solvents or with a damp cloth and mild dish soap (be sure
to keep water out of the action). When cleaning your
firearm’s bore and action, protect the external finishes
from any contact with chemicals used. Also, avoid any
contact between external finishes and other strong
chemicals like those found in DEET-containing insect
repellents, sunscreens, etc. Damage to camouflage,
Dura-Touch and other finishes caused by chemicals is
irreversible and unrepairable.

AMMUNITION

There are two basic versions of this shotgun, those with a
31⁄2" chamber and those with a 3" chamber. This
information can be found inscribed on the barrel.

5

(Continued on page 8.)

SHOTGUN FEATURES

Several stock materials are available. Choose from
black or camouflage composite models with grip
enhancing Dura-Touch
traditional walnut models.

®

Armor Coating, or

The advanced aluminum alloy receiver offers the
strength of steel and exceptional between-the-hands
balance. Camo and Perma-Cote

™

UT finishes are both

durable and good looking, with minimal glare.

The entire bolt assembly removes easily for
thorough cleaning. This is a firearm designed for
extreme reliability under real-world, adverse
hunting conditions.

A deluxe next generation Pachmayr

®

Decelerator®recoil pad provides maximum
comfort. The hard heel prevents snagging
on clothing when shouldering.

The large safety button offers excellent
convenience with both gloved and
ungloved fingers. Plus, it is reversible
for left-handed shooters.

6

The trigger assembly quickly
removes with a durable two-pin
system for easy maintenance
and cleaning.

Lightweight, machined ventilated rib.

The advanced Active Valve gas system uses just the right amount
of gas needed to cycle the action. The 3
12 gauge field loads from 2
The 3" model shoots factory 12 gauge field loads from 2

1

3

⁄2" models shoot factory

⁄4" to 31⁄2" (11⁄8 oz. to 21⁄4 oz.) loads.

3

⁄4" to 3"

(1 oz. field to 2 oz.) loads.

FIGURE 3

.742" Back-Bored Technology creates the ideal
bore diameter, providing improved pattern
performance and shot velocity.

The longer Invector-Plus choke tubes have special tapers for optimum patterning, and
they are specially designed for back-bored barrels. It allows you to change choke
constrictions to meet the demands of the game being hunted or target presentation.
Extra-full choke tubes are available for hunting turkey or other game requiring extremely
tight patterns with lead shot loads.

7

• 31⁄2" — These models have a 31⁄2" chamber designed to
shoot factory 12 gauge loads including 2
(11⁄8 oz. to 21⁄4 oz.) field loads. (

They are

3

⁄4", 3" and 31⁄2"

NOT designed

to shoot the lightest factory 7⁄8 oz. and 1 oz. loads.)

3" — These models have a 3" chamber designed to

•
shoot factory 12 gauge loads including 23⁄4" and 3"
(1 oz. to 2 oz.) field loads. (

They are

NOT designed
to shoot the lightest factory 7⁄8 oz. and 1 oz. target
loads or any 31⁄2" shells.)

Winchester ammunition is always an excellent choice for
your new Winchester firearm, delivering the unmatched
performance and dependability you want.

USE ONLY THE EXACT AMMUNITION/GAUGE AS LISTED
ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BARREL. WINCHESTER
FIREARMS CAN ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR
INCIDENTS WHICH OCCUR THROUGH THE USE OF
CARTRIDGES OF NONSTANDARD DIMENSION OR THOSE
THAT, WHEN SHOT, DEVELOP PRESSURES IN EXCESS OF
INDUSTRY STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE SPORTING
ARMS AND AMMUNITION MANUFACTURERS’ INSTITUTE
(SAAMI). DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN POORLY
VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS, OR
HANDLING AMMUNITION MAY RESULT IN EXPOSURE
TO LEAD AND OTHER SUBSTANCES KNOWN TO CAUSE
BIRTH DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE HARM AND OTHER

SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY. HAVE ADEQUATE
VENTILATION AT ALL TIMES. WASH HANDS
THOROUGHLY AFTER EXPOSURE.

Incorrectly reloaded ammunition can cause serious
personal injury and damage to the firearm due to
excessive pressure. Reload only after proper instruction
and in strict compliance with instructions and data
contained in current reloading manuals.

OPERATION OF THE SAFETY

This shotgun is designed with a cross-bolt-type safety. It is
located just rearward of the trigger on the trigger guard,
and is convenient for gloved or ungloved fingers. It is
essential that you become very familiar with the feel, look
and operation of the safety on this shotgun before
attempting to load and shoot.

The cross-bolt safety prevents the trigger from being
pulled when in the “on safe” position. In the “off safe”
position, if your firearm is loaded with a shell in the
chamber, the chambered shell can be fired by simply
pulling the trigger.

The safety on this shotgun is reversible for right- or
left-handed operation. It comes from the factory in the
right-handed position. Verify the installation of your
firearm’s safety. Instructions in this owner’s manual are
for the safety installed in the right-handed position.

8

• “On Safe” — The safety button is pushed fully to
the right. The red band on the left side is not showing
(Figure 4). Always maintain the safety in the

“on safe” position (fully on) when a cartridge is in
the chamber and until shooting is imminent.

•

“Off Safe” — The safety button is pushed fully to the

left. A large red band is exposed on the button as it
protrudes on the left side of the trigger guard. The red
band is an added aid to safe gun handling (Figure 5).

CAUTION: THE RED WARNING BAND ON THE SAFETY
BUTTON IS FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY. DO NOT DEPEND
ON THE RED COLOR ALONE TO INDICATE YOUR
FIREARM’S SAFETY STATUS, AS TIME, EXPOSURE TO
THE ELEMENTS, AND THE ABRASIVE ACTION OF
CLEANING AGENTS CAN ERASE IT.

Never rely totally on your firearm’s safety button. It is
merely an aid to safe gun handling. Like any mechanical
device the safety can possibly fail; it can be jarred or
inadvertently manipulated into an unsafe condition.
Always keep your shotgun pointed in a safe direction.
At all times in the field keep the safety in the “on safe”
position and the barrel pointed in a safe direction. It is
a good idea never to load your shotgun until you are in
the field and shooting is imminent or until you are at
your station and it is your turn to shoot when you are
shooting at a range. For extra safety, and as a courtesy
to others, fully unload and place the action in the open
position at all times other than when shooting is
immediately imminent.

“On Safe” position

FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

“Off Safe” position.
Red Band showing.

9

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU BECOME VERY FAMILIAR
WITH THE FEEL, LOOK AND OPERATION OF THE SAFETY
ON THIS SHOTGUN BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO LOAD AND
SHOOT IT.

IMPORTANT: THE SAFETY ON THIS SHOTGUN CAN BE
REVERSED FROM RIGHT- TO LEFT-HANDED BY A
QUALIFIED GUNSMITH. WHEN REVERSED TO
LEFT-HANDED, THE SAFETY BUTTON’S RED WARNING
BAND WILL SHOW ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE
TRIGGER GUARD WHEN THE SAFETY IS IN THE
“OFF SAFE” POSITION.

INITIAL ASSEMBLY AND TAKEDOWN

ASSEMBLY —

Remove the barrel assembly and receiver/stock section
from the carton. The shotgun usually comes from the
factory with the barrel removed and the forearm still
attached to the magazine tube. Wipe them clean and
lightly oil component parts as explained under “Initial
Cleaning and Oiling” on page 4. It is important to
carefully follow the assembly instructions below —
especially steps 1, 2 and 3 — to assure the proper
assembly of your shotgun.

ALWAYS PLACE THE SAFETY IN THE “ON SAFE” POSITION
BEFORE BEGINNING ASSEMBLY PROCEDURES. VISUALLY
INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED MECHANISM AND
MAGAZINE TO BE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE SHOTGUN
IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED. POINT THE BARREL IN
A SAFE DIRECTION.

1. Lock the bolt rearward by pulling the operating handle
fully to the rear. If it will not pull rearward it usually
indicates that the bolt slide link has fallen out of the
end of the socket on the return spring plunger while
your firearm was being shipped. This is not a problem.
Refer to the section titled “Bolt Maintenance” on page
30 in this owner’s manual for special instructions on
how to perform this alignment procedure.

Align the piston sleeve push rod with the slot on
the left side of the receiver.

FIGURE 6

10

2. Carefully remove the forearm from the magazine tube
by unscrewing the magazine cap and sliding the forearm
forward off the magazine tube. DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD

ON THE OPEN REAR END OF WOOD FOREARMS. TOO
MUCH PRESSURE COULD CAUSE THE WOOD TO SPLIT.

The magazine spring is held in place by a friction-type
magazine spring retainer. ALWAYS KEEP THE MAGAZINE

POINTED AWAY FROM YOU AND OTHERS WHEN
REMOVING THE MAGAZINE CAP.

3. Leave the components of the gas system (the piston
sleeve, piston sleeve spring and gas piston) in place on
the magazine tube. They do not need to be removed,
except for cleaning. In the event that components of the
gas system have been removed, it is easy to reinstall
them as explained below.

FIGURE 7

Position the gas piston in the gas bracket on the bottom of the barrel.

4. If the gas piston, piston sleeve and piston sleeve spring
have been removed, first slide the piston sleeve spring
over the magazine tube. Then slide the piston sleeve
onto the magazine tube, piston sleeve push rod end first.
Check the piston sleeve push rod to make sure it is
aligned with the slot on the left side of the receiver
(Figure 6), as viewed from the normal shooting position.

5. Slide the gas piston into the rear of the gas bracket on
the barrel, smaller end first (Figure 7).

FIGURE 8

Insert the gas piston and gas
bracket over the magazine
tube. Start the barrel
extension into the receiver.

You may have to lift
up slightly on the
piston sleeve.

11

6. Hold the firearm in the vertical position. Slide the gas
bracket and gas piston over the magazine tube (Figure 8).
The barrel extension should slip solidly down into the
receiver. Make sure the piston sleeve push rod on the
piston sleeve moves freely in its slot in the left side of
the receiver. On a new firearm with very tight
tolerances, it may be necessary to lift up slightly on the
piston sleeve to allow the barrel extension to drop into
the receiver. After you do this, always check piston
sleeve push rod alignment as explained previously.

7. Replace the forearm by sliding it onto the magazine
tube and over the gas bracket so it seats securely. Install
the magazine cap. Make sure the magazine cap is fully
tightened down. Open and close the action several
times and then retighten the magazine cap. This will
help ensure a proper seal.

TAKEDOWN —

ALWAYS PLACE THE SAFETY IN THE “ON SAFE”
POSITION BEFORE BEGINNING DISASSEMBLY
PROCEDURES. VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER, FEED
MECHANISM AND MAGAZINE TO BE ABSOLUTELY
CERTAIN THE SHOTGUN IS COMPLETELY UNLOADED.
POINT THE BARREL IN A SAFE DIRECTION.

Disassembly for storage is essentially the reverse of the
assembly procedures. The action should be left open if

disassembly of the rest of the firearm will not be
performed. If you intend to fully disassemble your firearm,
you may start with the action closed.

1. Unscrew the magazine cap and remove it. Because the
magazine spring is held in place by a friction-type
magazine spring retainer, always be careful which
direction the end of the magazine is pointed.

ALWAYS KEEP THE MAGAZINE POINTED AWAY
FROM YOU AND OTHERS WHEN REMOVING THE
MAGAZINE CAP.

2. Remove the forearm by sliding it forward off the
magazine tube.

3. If you are disassembling your shotgun for cleaning
remove the barrel, gas piston, piston sleeve and piston
sleeve spring by sliding them forward off the magazine
tube. See “Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions” on
page 33 in this owner’s manual for cleaning procedures.
If you are disassembling for storage, lock the action
open. Leave the gas piston, piston sleeve and piston
sleeve spring on the magazine tube as explained
previously. Reinstall them if they have been removed.
Install the forearm over the magazine tube and screw on
the magazine cap. You will then have two compact
units: (1) the barrel, and (2) the action with forearm
and stock.

12