WEATHERBY SA-08
Posted May 19, 2023
The Weatherby SA-08 is a shotgun that is designed to be reliable, affordable, and versatile – and it lives up to that promise. Since its introduction in 2011, this shotgun has become a popular choice for casual shooters, competition shooters, and hunters.
The Weatherby SA-08 is a semi-automatic, gas-operated shotgun that uses a short stroke piston system to cycle the action. It is available in 12 and 20 gauge and utilizes a 3-inch chamber. The overall build quality and finish of the gun is top-notch, with solid metal and a beautiful stock that is both stylish and functional. It also includes a variety of features that make it an attractive choice for shooters of any experience level.
For starters, the SA-08 has an adjustable length of pull (LOP) between 13.75” and 14.75”, allowing shooters to customize the gun to their size and preference. This is a great feature for shooters with smaller frames that may not be able to comfortably handle a full size shotgun. Additionally, the gun is available with either a 28" or 26" barrel, depending on your preference. There is also a range of sight options available, including a drilled and tapped receiver for mounting optics, as well as bead and ventilated rib sights.
The actions of the Weatherby SA-08 is smooth, with minimal feeding issues and a very crisp trigger that allows for quick target acquisition. It also cycles reliably, with no notable malfunctions even when used in competition. Unloading and reloading is fast and easy with the convenient side-mounted shell carrier and pump handle.
The gun is also compatible with a variety of loads, including light and heavy target loads, and the adjustable gas system allows shooters to tune it to their chosen load. This is particularly helpful for those who use it for competitive shooting, as they can easily switch between different types of ammunition without any issues.
The Weatherby SA-08 is well-suited for a variety of shooting situations, from casual plinking to competitive shooting. It’s relatively light, making it easy to handle and carry, and its sleek design makes it a frontrunner in the aesthetics department. It’s also well-balanced, ensuring less fatigue to the shooter while still providing plenty of power.
Overall, the Weatherby SA-08 is a great shotgun and a great value. It is reliable, accurate, and ready to take on whatever you throw at it. Whether you’re a casual shooter, competition shooter, or hunter, the SA-08 is sure to fit the bill. It’s a fantastic gun at an even better price, and one that any shooter, regardless of experience level, should consider.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
-Lightweight and easy to carry
-Works with various loads and shells
-Has a good reputation for reliability
-Long lasting composite stock is a durable material and is easy to maintain
-Features include dependable Invector-Plus choke system, extended magazine capacity, and twin bead sights
Cons:
-Pricey (around $700)
-Cheap plastic trigger guard
-Limited options in aftermarket parts and upgrades
Who Should Buy
The Weatherby SA-08 is a semi-automatic shotgun designed for hunting, sporting clays, and recreational shooting. The gun is reliable and well suited for a number of uses, but it is best suited for experienced shooters with knowledge of shotgun handling and safety. It is not suitable for novice shooters, as its semi-automatic nature can be intimidating and challenging to learn. Furthermore, its high cost makes it a poor choice for someone who is only interested in occasional shooting.
Comparisons
| Product | Type | Weight | Capacity | Barrel Length | Stock Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEATHERBY SA-08 | Inertia Subauto | 6.4 lb | 4+1 | 28" | Synthetic |
| Beretta A400 Xtreme Unico | Inertia Subauto | 6.3 lb | 3+1 | 28" | Synthetic |
| Browning Maxus | Locking Bolt | 7.3 lb | 4+1 | 28" | Composite |
| Benelli SuperSport | Inertia Subauto | 6.1 lb | 4+1 | 30" | Synthetic |
| Franchi Affinity | Inertia Subauto | 6.4 lb | 4+1 | 28" | Composite |
Features / Specs
• Available in Synthetic, Composite, Wood, and Deluxe Wood options
• Gauge: 12, 20, and 28
• Barrel Length: 26’’, 28’’ or 30’’
• Capacity: 4+1
• Safety: Cross Bolt Safety
• Overall Length: 45’’
• Weight: 6.5 lbs - 7.5lbs
• Chokes: F, M, IC, C
• Stock: A Grade Glossy Walnut
Popular Accessories
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- Recoil Pad – Many shooters find that installing a better recoil pad, such as a Kick-EEZ or similar, helps them to absorb some of the shock and felt-recoil of shooting the WEATHERBY SA-08.
- Magazine Extensions – Adding a magazine extension can provide extra capacity for more rounds and make reloading the SA-08 easier and faster.
- Sling or Shell carrier – Installing a sling or shell carrier will make carrying the SA-08 easier and more comfortable.
- Red Dot Sight – Installing a red-dot sight allows for better accuracy with the SA-08's short barrel and improves sight acquisition in low light conditions.
- Stock and Forend – Replacing the stock and forend of the WEATHERBY SA-08 can help give it a more personalized look and offer increased ergonomics.
Accuracy
The Weatherby SA-08 is an impressive semi-automatic shotgun that's built for optimal accuracy. The cold-hammer forged barrel features a unique tapered profile for improved bullet alignment and a tight bore-to-chamber fit, while the gas-operated action is engineered to shoot 2 3/4-inch or 3-inch 12-gauge shells with impressive accuracy and power. The barrel also features a wide vent rib with a magazine capacity of 4+1 shells, while the generous length of pull helps with sighting the target. All in all, the Weatherby SA-08 is a reliable and accurate shotgun that's a great choice for shooters of all kinds.
