I’m a sucker for smoothbores. Over/unders in particular. Weatherby has just announced they’re getting back into the market with their new Orion line of reasonably priced double guns perfect for the field or clay busting. We’ll fondle check one out at SHOT and try to arrange for a review gun. Press release after the jump . . .
Orion® over/under shotguns return to the Weatherby® product line in 2015 with endurance tested, field proven performance and a classically handsome look that inspires confidence and pride in bird hunters and clay target shooters alike. They can be seen at Weatherby’s SHOT Show booth, #12729, starting Tuesday, January 20, in Las Vegas.
The new Orion over/under shotguns come in 12 gauge with a 26- or 28-inch barrel and three-inch chamber. Each weighs approximately seven pounds—light for a quality over/under.
“Back by popular demand, our new Orion is a rock-solid, beautiful over/under shotgun that offers exceptional balance and effortless swing through,” said Adam Weatherby, executive vice president/chief operating officer. “We subjected it to rigorous testing to ensure smooth, reliable performance. We also gave it the Weatherby touch to meet the expectations and inspire the dreams of hunters and shooters everywhere.”
Orion over/under shotguns sport a rich Grade “A” walnut stock with a high-gloss finish and a rounded Prince of Wales grip featuring precision-cut checkering (22 LPI) for comfortable, sure handling in the field. A Pachmayr® Decelerator® pad helps reduce felt recoil. The pad’s “speed mount heel” is designed to prevent catching on clothing when shouldering the gun.
In addition, Orion shotguns have a traditional boxlock action with a dual conical pin locking mechanism for superior structural integrity. The forged steel receiver is shallower in depth and thinner in profile than traditional 12-gauge designs to provide exceptional balance and reduced weight. The chamber and bore are chrome lined for easier cleaning and greater corrosion resistance to withstand years of high-volume shooting. Automatic shell ejectors allow for faster reloading.
Other key features include a matte ventilated top rib to provide a better sighting plane and dissipate heat waves quicker. The threaded brass bead front sight atop the barrel helps facilitate quick target acquisition. An ambidextrous top tang safety also serves as barrel selector, allowing the shooter to quickly choose which barrel shoots first. The safety is designed for easy use, even with gloved hands.
Each Orion over/under shotgun features Weatherby’s Integral Multi-Choke System and comes with Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full choke tubes that allow shooters to tailor their shot patterns for specific hunting applications.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: $1,099. For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com.
Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s line features the new WBY-X™ products as well as the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles (production and custom); Threat Response® shotguns and rifles; semi-auto, pump and over/under shotguns; premium ammunition; and security/shooting accessories. For more information, go to www.weatherby.com. The company is based in Paso Robles, Calif., and invites all hunters and shooters to visit its free online community at www.weatherbynation.com or Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Weatherbyinc. Follow @weatherbyinc on Twitter.