WEATHERBY ORION I
Posted May 19, 2023
The Weatherby Orion I Over/Under Shotgun is one of the premier shotguns on the market. It is a beautifully designed, superbly balanced and operated firearm that is perfect for upland, waterfowl, and sporting clays shooting. The Orion I is the flagship model of the Weatherby line of over/under shotguns, and rightly so.
This shotgun is made from the highest quality steel and finished with a nickel alloy coating, making it one of the most durable and attractive shotguns on the market. The steel receiver is drilled and tapped for easy mounting of a slicked, adjustable rib, so you can customize the balance of the gun for different shooting conditions. The stock is made from select Turkish walnut, which is hand-checkered for a sure grip and finished with an oil varnish. This all adds up to a truly stylish looking shotgun.
The mechanics of the Orion I are superb. It is mechanism is machined with tight tolerances to ensure reliable and consistent firing. You get a crisp and positive trigger pull every time. The cocking handles are well-placed and easy to operate. The safety is conveniently located on the top tang and can be engaged with either hand. The barrel selector is easy to use and conveniently located for quick loading and unloading.
In addition to all of these features, the Orion I comes standard with a three-inch, ported barrel. This allows for increased durability and accuracy, while the porting reduces muzzle jump and recoil. This ensures that the shooter stays on target for more accurate follow-up shots. For increased flexibility, this model is also available with a longer barrel.
One of the great features of the Orion I is the interchangeable chokes. These are supplied with a full, improved modified, and modified choke tubes. This allows the shooter to choose the right choke for the shooting conditions. The chokes come in one-inch lengths and are made from stainless steel for durability. An additional set of three extended chokes are available as an optional extra.
The Weatherby Orion I Over/Under Shotgun is a semi-automatic, over/under shotgun that is comfortable to shoot and easy to operate. Everything about this shotgun has been well thought out and designed for optimal performance. The balance, the weight, and the durability are all top notch, and this shotgun is sure to provide years of shooting enjoyment. Whether you’re a serious competitive shooter, a weekend adventurer, or a beginner, the Weatherby Orion I has something to offer every shooter.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-The Weatherby Orion I rod is lightweight, yet incredibly strong.
-It features a unique blend of power and sensitivity, allowing you to have complete control over all your casts.
-It is comfortable in your hand, and offers a great grip for increased accuracy and control.
-It features a short handle that makes it feel natural in your hands.
-It is well suited for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Cons:
-The Weatherby Orion I rod is slightly more expensive than similar models.
-It may be too light for some heavier lures.
-It may not be as strong as rods made from other materials.
Who Should Buy
Those who want a reliable, high-quality over and under shotgun should consider WEATHERBY ORION I. The combination of a chrome lined barrel, chrome plated receiver, and Briley Spectrum chokes make this gun ideal for recreational target shooting and hunting. The price point also adds to the appeal as well.
On the other hand, serious hunters who are looking for a shotgun with increased accuracy and power should look elsewhere. Also, those with limited budgets might want to consider looking for other options as WEATHERBY ORION I comes with a larger price tag.
Comparisons
| Product | Barrel Length | Rate of Twist | Overall Length | Capacity | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherby Orion I | 28" | 1:12" | 48.5" | 3+1 | Walnut |
| Beretta 682 Gold E | 30" | 1:12" | 48" | 2+2 | Walnut |
| Browning Citori | 28" | 1:12" | 48" | 3+1 | Walnut |
| Tristar SCT-12 | 28" | 1:12" | 48.25" | 5+1 | Synthetic |
| Perazzi MX12 | 32" | 1:12" | 50.25" | 2+2 | Walnut |
Features / Specs
• Caliber: 12 gauge
• Action: Over and Under
• Barrel length: 28"
• Chamber: 3"
• Stock: Turkish Walnut
• Length of Pull: 14-3/8"
• Drop at Comb: 1-1/2"
• Drop at heel: 2-1/2"
• Weight: 6.5 lbs
Popular Accessories
The most popular accessories for the Weatherby Orion I include:
- Scope: A scope is essential for precision aiming and shooting accuracy, and the Orion I utilizes a popular scope mount that is compatible with a variety of styles.
- Bipod: A bipod is an essential accessory for the Orion I, allowing for more stability while shooting.
- Magazine: A magazine is a must for the Orion I, for quick and easy reloading.
- Cleaning Kit: Every rifle needs to be taken care of and the Orion I includes cleaning kit that is specifically designed for cleaning the bore and chamber of the gun.
- Sling: The Orion I includes a comfortably padded sling that provides great support for carrying the rifle around in the field.
- Stock: The Orion I includes a black, checkered synthetic stock that is designed for comfort and performance.
Accuracy
The Weatherby Orion I is highly accurate and dependable. It uses a floating barrel system to improve shot-to-shot accuracy and reduce barrel whip. The trigger is crisp and provides for a consistent and predictable shot every time. The chromoly steel barrel and classic Monte Carlo stock are known for their accuracy and durability. Additionally, the Orion I features a sub-MOA guarantee. Using Weatherby factory or premium ammunition, shooters can expect to achieve groups less than 1-inch at 100 yards. Overall, the Weatherby Orion I offers no compromise when it comes to sub-minute of angle accuracy.
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