Smaller hunters need a shotgun that fits. The Winchester SX4 Compact in 20 gauge has a 3 inch chamber, a 28 inch barrel and the Invector-Plus choke system, in a shorter-stocked package.

A compact stock means a shorter length of pull, so a youth or smaller adult can shoulder the gun without stretching. The 20 gauge gives gentle recoil, and the gas-operated SX4 action softens it further. That combination lets a new shooter focus on the bird and not the kick. Spend an afternoon at the range before the season so you know exactly where it shoots.

Invector-Plus chokes thread into the muzzle and allow you to change patterns by the day. Use modified for doves and improved cylinder for close-flushing quail. The 28 inch barrel gives a smooth swing for upland work, and the weight keeps the gun steady.

In North Carolina, this is a fine dove and quail gun, and it works for squirrels and rabbits with the right shells. It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where the background check is completed at pickup.