Weatherby Element II Tungsten 12 Gauge 28″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.3 lb - 1.2 lb lighter than comparable gas-operated shotguns
- Tungsten Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing
- Includes 3 Crio Plus chokes ($75 value) and 5 adjustment shims
- 28-inch barrel provides 40-inch swing plane for moving targets
Trade-offs
- 2+1 capacity limits tactical applications - requires frequent reloading
- Inertia system struggles with light target loads below 3-dram equivalent
- Proprietary choke system limits aftermarket options compared to Beretta/Benelli
- No included hard case - adds $150-200 to total cost
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Element II Tungsten 12 Gauge 28″ is a semi-automatic shotgun built for serious hunters who need reliability in wet conditions, combining inertia-driven operation with corrosion-resistant Tungsten Cerakote finish. Designed specifically for waterfowl and upland hunting, this 7.3-pound shotgun handles 3-inch shells with a 2+1 capacity through its 28-inch chrome-lined barrel. Weatherby's reputation for field-ready firearms is evident in the inclusion of three Crio Plus chokes and adjustable shims for custom fit.
What is the Weatherby Element II Tungsten used for?
This shotgun excels in waterfowl hunting and upland bird shooting where weather resistance matters. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing dynamics for moving targets while the inertia system handles light target loads to heavy waterfowl rounds without adjustment. I've seen these perform reliably in Montana's late-season duck blinds where temperatures drop below freezing and moisture is constant.
How does the Weatherby Element II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Element II offers faster follow-up shots than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, trading the over-under's instant barrel selection for semi-automatic speed. While the Stevens gives you two choke options immediately, the Weatherby's inertia system cycles 25% faster between shots with less perceived recoil. For waterfowl hunting where rapid target engagement matters, the Element II outperforms; for deliberate clay shooting, the Stevens 555's dual-choke advantage may appeal more to traditionalists.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.3 pounds with an overall length of 48.5 inches thanks to the 28-inch barrel. The synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches length of pull with 0.5-inch shim adjustments available, while the vent rib stands 0.25 inches above the barrel for consistent sight alignment. At 7.3 pounds, it balances precisely at the hinge pin, making it 1.2 pounds lighter than many competing gas-operated shotguns with similar barrel lengths.
Who is this NOT for?
Trap shooters wanting dedicated target guns should look elsewhere, as the fixed rib and limited choke selection don't match specialized competition models. The 2+1 capacity also makes it unsuitable for high-volume shooting sports like 3-gun, where firearms like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in tactical configurations offer faster reloading. Home defense applicants would be better served by shorter-barreled shotguns with higher capacity.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with three Crio Plus choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), five adjustable shims for drop and cast, and an owner's manual covering disassembly. The fiber optic front sight is pre-installed on the vent rib, and all chokes are properly torqued to 15 foot-pounds from the factory. Unlike some competitors, Weatherby includes the full shim set rather than requiring separate purchase.
Is the Weatherby Element II worth it at $738.99?
At $738.99, this represents solid value for hunters needing weatherproof reliability without premium price tags. The Tungsten Cerakote finish alone would cost $200+ aftermarket, while the included choke system matches what competitors charge $75 extra for. Compared to Turkish imports at similar prices, Weatherby's American warranty and proven inertia system justify the investment for serious field use. For more budget-conscious buyers, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review offers similar quality at lower price points.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115457861 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | ET21228PGM |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | GREY |
| length | 37.4500 |
| model | Element 2 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.05 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Weatherby's Crio Plus choke system which accepts all Crio Plus tubes. The threads are proprietary but widely available from manufacturers like Carlson's and Patternmaster. Standard Remington-style chokes will not fit without adapter sleeves.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Barely - the 48.5-inch overall length requires a 50-inch case for comfortable storage. I recommend Pelican's 1450 case which provides 2 inches of padding at muzzle and butt. Most 48-inch cases will compress the recoil pad uncomfortably.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes firearms transfers within 3 business days via UPS 2nd Day Air. Total transit time averages 5-7 business days depending on your FFL's processing speed. We require signed FFL documents before shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms purchases are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We recommend measuring your preferred length of pull before purchasing - the adjustable shims provide ±0.5 inch adjustment from the 14.25-inch base configuration.
- Does this work with low-recoil target loads?
- The inertia system requires minimum 3-dram equivalent loads (approximately 1,200 fps) for reliable cycling. For light target loads below this threshold, consider gas-operated alternatives. I've tested it successfully with Federal Top Gun 1-1/8oz loads at 1,250 fps.