For wet blinds and cold mornings in the marsh, Cerakote is a blessing. This Winchester SX4 Hybrid Hunter is a 12 gauge semi-auto with a Cerakote FDE finish and a Realtree Max-7 camouflage stock.

Max-7 is a pattern aimed at wetlands and timber, so it suits duck hunting along the Outer Banks and the sounds, as well as flooded hardwoods in the east. The Cerakote coating protects the metal from salt air, mud and damp. Both are rough on blued guns. A little practice every month beats a long session once a year. Spend an afternoon at the range before the season so you know exactly where it shoots. Wipe it down after wet weather and store it dry, because North Carolina humidity is hard on steel.

The SX4 uses a gas-operated action with a smooth feel and is known for cycling a wide range of loads. Recoil is tamer than with a pump, which makes it a nice choice for long days when you shoot many shells. A Hybrid Hunter setup is meant for hunting in all conditions.

It ships to a North Carolina FFL dealer, where you complete the background check at pickup.