Winchester Repeating Arms X3 User Manual

Winchester® Super X®3 12 and 20 gauge Autoloading Shotgun Owner’s Manual

Important instructions for the

Winchester® Super X®3
Autoloading Shotgun

Winchester Repeating Arms
Customer Service Department (United States)
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 is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation.

AO1206/12243

Contents Page

State Warning ..................................1

WARNING: You are Responsible for Firearms Safety ...1

General Description and Operation .................6

Nomenclature ..................................7

Serial Number .................................10

Initial Cleaning and Oiling .......................10

Operation of the “Safety” ........................11

Assembly .....................................12

Disassembly ...................................14

Ammunition ..................................14

Magazine Capacity..............................15

Three-Shot Adapter (Plug) .......................16

Loading ......................................18

Firing ........................................20

Unloading ....................................21

Interchangeable Choke Tube System ...............21

Scope Mounting Instructions .....................24

Extra Barrels...................................25

Length of Pull Adjustment .......................26

Comb Adjustment ..............................29

Cleaning and Maintenance Suggestions .............32

Removal of the Trigger Group and Bolt Assemblies ....34

Parts, Service, Repair and Questions................40

Website Information ............................41

State Warning

According to state law, California requires that firearm
manufacturers, distributors and retailers include
conspicuous, specific warnings with firearms sold in
that state.

Warning: You are reSponSible For
FirearmS SaFetY

FAILURE TO FOLLOW ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH.

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 this firearm and all
other firearms with intense respect for their power and
potential danger.

Please read and understand all of the cautions, warnings,
notices, proper handling procedures and instructions
outlined in this owner’s manual before using your
new firearm.

1 ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE OF YOUR FIREARM

POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION EVEN THOUGH
YOU ARE CERTAIN IT IS UNLOADED.

Never point any firearm at anything you do not intend
to shoot. Be extremely alert and aware of all persons
and property within the range of your ammunition.

2 NEVER RELY TOTALLY ON YOUR FIREARM’S

MECHANICAL “SAFETY” DEVICE. LIKE ANY
MECHANICAL DEVICE, A “SAFETY” CAN SOMETIMES
FAIL; IT CAN BE JARRED OR INADVERTENTLY
MANIPULATED INTO AN UNSAFE CONDITION.

The word “safety” describes a firearm’s trigger block
mechanism, sear block mechanism, hammer block
mechanism or firing pin block mechanism. Mechanical
“safeties” are designed to place your firearm in a safer
status, and no guarantee can be made that the firearm

1

will not fire even if the “safety” is in the on safe
position. Mechanical “safeties” merely aid safe gun
handling and are no excuse for pointing your firearm’s
muzzle in an unsafe direction. See “Operation of the
“Safety” on page 11 for instructions on the operation
of this firearm’s “safety.”

Remember, safe gun handling does not stop with your

firearm’s mechanical “safety” devices, it starts there.
Always treat this firearm with the respect due a
loaded, ready-to-fire firearm.

Some firearms do not have a mechanical “safety”.

Many target firearms, lever-action firearms and pistols
do not have manual “safety” mechanisms. Therefore it
is critical to read and understand the owner’s manual
for every firearm which explains the safe operation of
the firearm.

While it is a good idea to test your firearm’s

mechanical “safety” periodically for proper function,
never test the “safety” while your firearm is loaded or
pointed in an unsafe direction.

3 WHENEVER YOU HANDLE ANY FIREARM, OR HAND

IT TO SOMEONE, ALWAYS OPEN THE ACTION
IMMEDIATELY AND VISUALLY CHECK THE FIREARM’S
CHAMBER TO MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE FIREARM IS
COMPLETELY UNLOADED.

Make certain the firearm does not inadvertently

contain any ammunition. Remember, merely

removing the magazine does not mean the chamber is
unloaded. Always keep the chamber empty and
the “safety” in the on safe position unless shooting
is imminent.

4 ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND EYE PROTECTION

WHEN SHOOTING.

Unprotected, repeated exposure to gunfire can cause
hearing damage. Wear hearing protection (shooting
ear plugs or muffs) to guard against such damage.

Wear shooting glasses to protect your eyes from flying

particles. Allow proper distance (eye relief) between a
scope and your eye when firing a scoped pistol, rifle or
shotgun. Do not use unorthodox shooting methods
that could cause the rearward travel of the slide or bolt
of a firearm to contact your eyes, face or hands.
Always keep a safe distance between the muzzle of
your firearm and any persons nearby, as muzzle blast,
debris and ejecting shells could inflict serious injury.

Always wear eye protection when disassembling and

cleaning any firearm to prevent the possibility of
springs, spring-tensioned parts, solvents or other
agents from contacting your eyes.

5 KEEP ALL FIREARMS UNLOADED DURING

TRANSPORT, EVEN WHEN STORED IN A HOLSTER,
GUN CASE, SCABBARD OR OTHER CONTAINER.

6 DROPPING OR JARRING A LOADED FIREARM CAN

CAUSE ACCIDENTAL DISCHARGE.

2

This can occur even with the “safety” in the on safe
position. Be extremely careful while hunting or during
any shooting activity to avoid dropping any firearm.

7 HUNTING FROM ELEVATED SURFACES SUCH AS

TREESTANDS IS DANGEROUS.

Doing so may increase the risk of mishandling a
firearm. The following rules should always be observed
by you and those you hunt with. Always make certain
that the stand being used is safe and stable. Always
make certain that 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. Remember, a loaded firearm may
discharge when dropped, even with the “safety” in

the on safe position.

8 STORE YOUR FIREARM AND AMMUNITION

SEPARATELY, WELL BEYOND THE REACH
OF CHILDREN.

Take prudent safeguards to ensure your firearm does
not become available to untrained, inexperienced or
unwelcome hands. Store all firearms in secure, locked
cases or a gun safe. Keep your firearm unloaded when
not in use.

9 BEWARE OF BARREL OBSTRUCTIONS.

Mud, snow and an infinite variety of other objects may
inadvertently lodge in a barrel bore. It only takes a
small obstruction to cause dangerously increased

pressures that can damage your firearm and cause
serious injury to yourself and others.

BEFORE CHECKING FOR A BARREL OBSTRUCTION,

BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS COMPLETELY
UNLOADED, THERE IS NOT A LIVE SHELL IN
THE CHAMBER AND THE “SAFETY” IS IN THE
ON SAFE POSITION.

After assuring yourself that the firearm is completely

unloaded, open the breech or action and look through
the barrel to be sure it is clear of obstructions. If an
obstruction is seen, no matter how small it may be,
clean the bore with a cleaning rod and patch as
described on pages 32-33 of this owner’s manual.

10 BE ALERT TO THE SIGNS OF AMMUNITION

MALFUNCTION. IF YOU DETECT AN OFF SOUND OR
LIGHT RECOIL WHEN A CARTRIDGE OR SHELL IS
FIRED, DO NOT LOAD ANOTHER CARTRIDGE OR
SHELL INTO THE CHAMBER.

If your firearm fails to fire, keep the muzzle pointed in
a safe direction for a minimum of 30 seconds. Rotate
the ejection area of the firearm away from you,
carefully open the action and remove the cartridge or
shell from the chamber. If the primer is indented, the
defective cartridge should be disposed of in a way that
cannot cause harm. If the primer is not indented, your
firearm should be examined by a qualified gunsmith
and the cause of the malfunction corrected before
further use. Glance down the barrel to make sure that

3

no obstructions remain in the barrel. Completely clear
the barrel before loading and firing again. Failure to
follow these instructions can cause extensive damage
to your firearm and possible serious injury to yourself
and others.

11 NEVER INSERT A SHELL OF THE INCORRECT GAUGE

INTO ANY FIREARM.

The gauge of your firearm is marked on the barrel.
Store all shells of different gauges in completely
separate and well-marked containers. Never store shells
of mixed gauges in a common container or in your
pockets. See pages 14-15 for more information on the
correct ammunition for your firearm.

12 EXAMINE EVERY SHELL YOU PUT IN YOUR FIREARM.

We assume no responsibility for the use of unsafe or
improper firearm and ammunition combinations or
damage or injury caused by damaged ammunition.
It is your responsibility to read and heed all warnings in
this owner’s manual and on ammunition boxes.
See page 14 for more information on the correct
ammunition for your firearm.

13 USE ONLY SAAMI APPROVED AMMUNITION.

The barrel and action of this firearm have been made
with substantial safety margins beyond the pressures
developed by established American commercial loads.
Nevertheless, we can assume no liability for incidents
which occur through the use of shells of nonstandard

dimensions or which develop pressures in excess of
commercially available ammunition which has been
loaded in accordance with standards established by the
Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’
Institute (SAAMI).

14 MAKE SURE OF ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN THE AREA

THAT YOU DISCHARGE A FIREARM. LEAD EXPOSURE
CAN OCCUR FROM DISCHARGING FIREARMS IN
POORLY VENTILATED AREAS, CLEANING FIREARMS
OR HANDLING AMMUNITION.

Lead is a substance that has been known to cause birth
defects, reproductive harm and other serious injury.
Wash hands thoroughly after exposure to ammunition
or after cleaning a firearm.

15 DO NOT SNAP THE FIRING PIN ON AN EMPTY

CHAMBER; THE CHAMBER MAY NOT BE EMPTY!

Treat every firearm with the respect due a loaded
firearm, even though you are certain the firearm
is unloaded.

16 KEEP YOUR FINGERS AWAY FROM THE TRIGGER

WHILE LOADING AND UNLOADING UNTIL SHOOTING
IS IMMINENT.

17 BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND BACKSTOP,

PARTICULARLY DURING LOW LIGHT PERIODS.

Know the range of your ammunition. Never shoot at
water or hard objects.

4

18 ALWAYS UNLOAD YOUR FIREARM’S CHAMBER

BEFORE CROSSING A FENCE, CLIMBING A
TREE, JUMPING A DITCH OR NEGOTIATING
OTHER OBSTACLES.

Never place your firearm on or against a fence, tree,
car or other similar object.

19 BE DEFENSIVE AND ON GUARD AGAINST UNSAFE

GUN HANDLING AROUND YOU AND OTHERS.

Don’t be timid when it comes to firearm safety. If you
observe other shooters violating any of these safety
precautions, politely suggest safer handling practices.

20 BE CERTAIN YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED

BEFORE CLEANING.

Because so many firearm accidents occur when a
firearm is being cleaned, special and extreme care
should be taken to be sure your firearm is unloaded
before disassembly, cleaning and reassembly.

Keep ammunition away from the cleaning location.

Never test the mechanical function of any firearm
with live ammunition.

21 TEACH AND SUPERVISE FIREARMS SAFETY TO ALL

MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY, ESPECIALLY TO
CHILDREN AND NON-SHOOTERS.

Closely supervise newcomers to the shooting sports.
Encourage enrollment in hunting and shooting
safety courses.

22 NEVER DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR

TAKE ANY TYPE OF DRUGS BEFORE OR
DURING SHOOTING.

Your vision, motor skills and judgment could be
dangerously impaired, making your gun handling
unsafe to you and to others.

23 READ AND HEED ALL WARNINGS IN THIS OWNER’S

MANUAL, ON AMMUNITION BOXES AND WITH ALL
ACCESSORIES THAT YOU INSTALL ON YOUR
FIREARM.

It is your responsibility to secure the most up-to-date
information on the safe handling procedures of your
Winchester firearm. We assume no liability for
incidents which occur when unsafe or improper
firearm accessories or ammunition combinations
are used.

24 PRACTICE PERIODIC MAINTENANCE, AVOID

UNAUTHORIZED SERVICING.

Your firearm is a mechanical device which will not
last forever, and as such, is subject to wear and
requires periodic inspection, adjustment and service.
Winchester firearms should be serviced by a
Winchester Repeating Arms Authorized Repair
Center or by our Service Facility in Arnold, Missouri.
We assume no responsibility for injuries suffered or
caused by unauthorized servicing, alterations or
modifications of Winchester firearms.

5

25 WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE ON

FIREARMS THAT HAVE BEEN ALTERED, ADDED TO
OR SUBSTANTIALLY CHANGED.

Removal of metal from the barrel, or modifications
of the firing mechanism and/or operating parts, may
lead to a refusal of service on such firearms. We will
charge you for parts and labor to return the firearm to
original specifications.

DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, ALTER

THE TRIGGER, “SAFETY” OR OTHER PARTS OF
THE FIRING MECHANISM OF THIS OR ANY OTHER
FIREARM. FAILURE TO OBEY THIS WARNING
MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOURSELF
OR OTHERS.

BE CAREFUL!

FIGURE 1

Bolt

Receiver

Buttstock

Ejection Port

general DeScription anD operation

gene ral DeSc ript ion

Every aspect of the Super X®3 is designed to produce
unmatched reliability and superb handling, qualities that
are demanded by serious hunters and shooters. The
remarkably simple, self-adjusting Active Valve gas piston
system makes the Super X3 the fastest cycling autoloader
available. The alloy receiver balances weight between the
hands with just enough barrel weight for a smooth swing.
The acclaimed Invector-Plus

™

interchangeable choke tube
system provides 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 shotgun is one of several different versions offered.
The basic operating procedures are the same for all

Ventilated Rib

Front Sight

Recoil Pad

“Safety”

Trigger

Trigger Guard

Loading Port

Muzzle

Forearm

Barrel

Magazine Cap

6

models. Where there are differences, they are pointed
out in this owner’s manual for your convenience.

gene ral oper ation

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
loaded 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 2¾" loads, the shotgun is
capable of shooting five shots in rapid succession, one shot
with each pull of the trigger. The short stroke and snug,
gas-sealing fit of the gas piston limits 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 the operating instructions in this
owner’s manual. Get accustomed to the feel of your
new firearm and 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.

nomenclature

In conventional firearm terminology the position and
movement of firearm parts are described as they occur with
the firearm horizontal and in the normal firing position:
i.e., the muzzle is forward or in front; the buttstock is
rearward or to the rear; the trigger is downward or
underneath; the rib is upward or on top. For general parts
nomenclature, refer to Figure 1 on page 6. For specific
parts names related to disassembly, refer to Figure 2.

FIGURE 2

7

Barrel Extension

Bolt Slide

Buttstock

Trigger Group

Recoil pad

Bolt

Piston Sleeve Spring

Trigger Group Pins

Gas Bracket

Bolt Handle

Follower

Three-Shot Adapter (Plug)

Piston Sleeve

Magazine Cap

Magazine

Magazine Spring

Forearm

(Continued on page 10.)

Barrel

Gas Piston

Retainer

FIGURE 3

The advanced aluminum alloy receiver
offers the strength of steel and exceptional

Shot gun Feature S

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

between-the-hands balance. Camo and
Perma-Cote
and good looking, with minimal glare.

®

Armor Coating, or traditional walnut models.

For optimum shooting comfort, 12 gauge SX3 shotguns feature a
soft Inflex recoil pad that uses directional deflection to pull the
stock down and away from your face. A deluxe, next-generation

®

Pachmayr

Decelerator® recoil pad provides maximum shooting

comfort on 20 gauge models.

™

UT finishes are both durable

The large safety button offers excellent
convenience, even with gloved fingers.
It is reversible for left-handed shooters.

8

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

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

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

The advanced Active Valve gas system uses just the right
amount of gas needed to cycle the action and tames recoil.

Lightweight, machined ventilated rib.

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.

9

The shotgun is also shown disassembled to the extent
necessary in order to follow instructions contained in this
book (Figure 2, page 7). Figure 3 (pages 8-9) covers the
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 book for future reference.

initial cleaning anD oiling

NOTICE! PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING
INFORMATION BEFORE CLEANING YOUR FIREARM.

clea ning par tS With Spec ial Fini SheS

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 not repairable.

WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN ASSEMBLING AND
DISASSEMBLING YOUR SHOTGUN TO PREVENT SPRINGS,
SPRING-LOADED PARTS, SOLVENTS OR OTHER AGENTS
FROM CONTACTING YOUR EYES, RESULTING IN INJURY.

Some metal parts of your new firearm have been coated at
the factory with a rust preventative compound. Before
using your firearm, 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 29 in this
owner’s manual. Before beginning assembly of your firearm
you should first wipe the mechanism clean and apply a few
drops of quality oil on the indicated surfaces (Figure 4,
page 11). Avoid applying too much oil. Only a light film is
necessary. Excessive oil should be wiped off, especially in
cold weather.

10

FIGURE 4

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

Oil the bolt rails inside the receiver
lightly at these points.

operation oF the “SaFetY”

ALWAYS KEEP THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE POSITION
UNLESS SHOOTING IS IMMINENT. ALWAYS KEEP THE
MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THESE WARNINGS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.

The cross bolt “safety” is designed to prevent the trigger
from being pulled when in the on safe position. The
“safety” is located at the rear of the trigger guard. In the
off safe position, a red warning band is visible on the
“safety” button on the left side of the trigger guard. It is

The “safety” shown in the
on safe position.

The “safety” shown in the
off safe position.

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 “safety” on this shotgun is reversible for right- or left­handed operation. It comes from the factory in the right­handed 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.

To place the firearm on safe, press the “safety” button to
the right (Figure 5). To move the “safety” to the off safe
or fire position, press the “safety” button to the left. This
exposes the red warning band on the “safety” button
(Figure 6).

11

With the “safety” in the on safe position the trigger and
hammer are blocked and the shotgun cannot be fired. 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.

DO NOT DEPEND ON THE RED COLOR ALONE TO
INDICATE YOUR FIREARM’S “SAFETY” STATUS. TIME,
EXPOSURE TO THE ELEMENTS AND THE ABRASIVE
ACTION OF CLEANING AGENTS CAN ERASE IT. FAILURE
TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.

aSSemblY

ALWAYS KEEP THE MUZZLE POINTED IN A SAFE
DIRECTION. BEFORE STARTING ASSEMBLY
PROCEDURES, VISUALLY INSPECT THE CHAMBER TO BE
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE FIREARM IS COMPLETELY
UNLOADED. PLACE THE “SAFETY” IN THE ON SAFE
POSITION. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THIS WARNING COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

The Super X3 shotgun is delivered in the box with
the barrel removed and the forearm attached to the
magazine tube.

1. Take the receiver in hand. Lock the bolt rearward
by pulling the operating handle fully to the rear.

NOTICE! NEVER ALLOW THE ACTION TO SLAM CLOSED
BY PRESSING THE CARRIER RELEASE BUTTON WITHOUT
THE BARREL INSTALLED. IF THE BOLT IS RELEASED
FORWARD WITH THE BARREL REMOVED, THE
OPERATING HANDLE WILL HIT THE RECEIVER AND
CAUSE DAMAGE.

2. Remove the forearm from the magazine tube by
unscrewing the magazine cap and sliding the forearm
forward, off the magazine tube.

NOTICE! DO NOT SQUEEZE HARD ON THE OPEN REAR
END OF A WOOD FOREARM. TOO MUCH PRESSURE
COULD CAUSE THE WOOD TO SPLIT.

3. The components of the gas system: the piston sleeve,
piston sleeve spring and gas piston remain in place and
do not need to be removed except for cleaning. If
these components have been removed, reinstall them
as explained below. Otherwise, proceed to step 7.

4. Slide the piston sleeve spring and piston sleeve (push
rod end first) onto the magazine tube. The push rod
on the 12 gauge model goes in the slot on the left side
of the receiver (Figure 7, page 13). The push rod on
the 20 gauge model goes in the slot on the right side
of the receiver. Make sure the piston sleeve spring is
properly positioned in the piston sleeve.

12