WEATHERBY SA-459
Posted May 19, 2023
The Weatherby SA-459 is a semi-automatic shotgun designed and manufactured by Weatherby, a California-based firearms manufacturer. It is a popular choice among hunters and other sport shooters due to its versatility and reliability. It is available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge and can fire all three basic shotgun shell types – 2-3/4 inch, 3-inch, and 3-1/2 inch shells. The SA-459 also features an innovative gas system which increases reliability and reduces felt recoil. For these reasons, the SA-459 is an excellent choice for both hunting and home defense.
When I first purchased my SA-459, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of quality and craftsmanship that had gone into its construction. The body of the gun is constructed from aluminum alloy, which provides a sturdy and lightweight frame that is both durable and corrosion resistant. The action is chrome plated for rust prevention, and the barrel has a matte black bluing finish that gives it a nice, clean look. The rotating bolt and rotating magazine tube help ensure the gun is kept in top working condition and the extended magazine tube provides a secure and comfortable grip for shooting.
I have owned several firearms over the years, but this was the first time I purchased an semi-automatic shotgun. It took me a while to get used to the new functionality, but after a few trips to the range I was able to master the art of loading and unloading shells quickly and easily. The SA-459 proved to be incredibly reliable and the gas system helped reduce felt recoil. The action was also smooth and I measured the trigger pull at a crisp 5.5 pounds. I could feel the quality of the internals when shooting, as the gun had no malfunctions during my testing.
One of the key features of the SA-459 is its modularity. It comes with two interchangeable recoil pads, allowing you to customize the rifle to fit your body type and shooting style. The fore-end grip and stock are also adjustable, so you can tailor the gun to your preferences. I found this to be extremely useful, as I could quickly change between shooting a steady, slow-paced target shooting session and an aggressive, high-speed competition shoot. The interchangeable components also makes the SA-459 a great choice for sporting clays and waterfowl hunting.
In addition to its great design and performance, I was also surprised by how well the SA-459 managed and handled recoil. The gas-operated system did a great job at absorbing some of the shock, providing relief to my shoulder and allowing me to land more accurate shots. I was also impressed by the gun’s accuracy and the tight shot patterns it produced. The barrel was also nicely balanced, making it easy to swing and follow through on a target.
Overall, I was incredibly impressed by the Weatherby SA-459. It offers the perfect combination of quality and craftsmanship, a reliable gas system that reduces felt recoil, and the ability to easily customize the gun to fit your shooting style and preferences. It is an excellent choice for hunters, sporting clays, and for home defense. The SA-459 will be a reliable companion for many years to come.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Its highly adjustable ergonomics are tailored to give shooters a perfect fit.
- It has a very lightweight construction, making it easy to handle and carry.
- It has an incredible reliability and durability.
- Its overall design is attractive and sleek.
- It is very easy to field strip and maintain.
- The barrel and receivers are chrome-lined for ultimate corrosion resistance.
- Its trigger is adjustable and comes with a 3.5 lb pull weight.
- It comes with a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, lights and other accessories.
Cons:
- The price is relatively higher than other shotguns in its class.
- The magazine tube capacity is shorter at just 4 rounds.
- The action is not as smooth as some other shotguns in its class.
- It is not ambidextrous, and some parts may require customization if you’re a left-handed shooter.
Who Should Buy
WEATHERBY SA-459 shotguns are designed for hunting and shooting sports. They are reliable, durable and have a long service life. As such, they should be an excellent choice for anyone who participates in these activities frequently, especially those that require the use of a shotgun.
Those who do not participate in hunting or shooting sports may find it difficult to justify the cost of a WEATHERBY SA-459 shotgun. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for those users.
Comparisons
| Weatherby SA-459 | Marlin Model 60SB | Savage Axis II XP Combo | Mossberg 702 Plinkster | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber | 12 and 20 Gauge | .22 LR | .223 Remington | .22 LR |
| Barrel Length | 28 in. | 19 in. | 22 in. | 18.5 in. |
| Capacity | 5+1 | 14+1 | 4+1 | 10+1 |
| Stock | Realtree APG synthetic | Black Synthetic | Black Synthetic | Black Synthetic |
| Sights | Fiber Optic | Adjustable Fold Down | Droptine Scope | Fixed Front/Adjustable Rear |
| Weight | 6.75 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 4.2lbs |
Features / Specs
• Semi-Automatic Gas Operated Shotgun
• 12 GA Chamber
• 3" Shell Capacities
• 24" Barrel With 3" Chamber
• Realtree Hardwoods™ HD Camo Finish
• 5 Round Capacity
• Synthetic Stock with Comfort Tech™ Technology
• Chrome-Lined Barrel
• Integral MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rail
• Recoil Reducing Buttstock Pad
• Standard Invector™ Flush-Mount Choke System
Popular Accessories
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- Magazines
- Sling
- Recoil pad
- Scope mount
- Bipod
- Barrel shroud
- Barrel extension
- Foregrip
- Flashlight/Laser
- Muzzle brakes
Accuracy
The Weatherby SA-459 is an extremely accurate shotgun for its price range. It utilizes Weatherby’s own Pillar-Bed System that ensures that the barrel and receiver are perfectly free-floating and perfectly aligned to ensure accuracy and performance. The Weatherby SA-459 is known for its shot-to-shot reliability which makes it ideal for home defense as well as hunting and clay shooting. The SA-459 has a minimum headspace of .010" and is chamber-checked for perfect headspace and chamber size and finish, ensuring that it remains accurate for many years to come with proper maintenance. The Weatherby SA-459 will provide years of reliable use with its solid build and excellent accuracy.
