Weatherby Element II Synthetic Shotgun – 28 in
About this product
The Weatherby Element II Synthetic 28-inch is a field-purpose semi-automatic shotgun built specifically for reliable 3-inch shell cycling in upland and waterfowl environments using an inertia-operated system and oversized controls for adverse conditions. This platform prioritizes consistent target acquisition with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and fiber optic bead, while the synthetic stock with adjustable comb and shims accommodates a wide range of shooters. At 6.7 pounds, it balances maneuverability with enough mass to control felt recoil during sustained strings.
What is the Weatherby Element II Synthetic 28-inch used for?
This shotgun is designed for upland game and waterfowl hunting where you need immediate follow-up shots without manual cycling. The inertia-operated system reliably cycles 3-inch shells from target loads to waterfowl steel, making it versatile across seasons. The 28-inch barrel provides a 48-centimeter sight plane that improves swing-through on flushing birds, while the included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes let you pattern from 30 yards to 50 yards with appropriate ammunition.
How does the Weatherby Element II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Weatherby Element II is a better choice for hunters who value quick follow-up shots and simplified maintenance, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U provides superior balance and instant choke selection for transitioning between different target distances. The Element II’s semi-automatic action reduces perceived recoil by approximately 20% compared to the over-under’s direct transfer, but the Stevens 555 offers immediate access to two different chokes via its dual barrels. For purely driven bird scenarios or trap shooting, examine the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, where deliberate second-shot selection matters more than rapid fire.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.7 pounds (3.04 kilograms) and measures 49 inches overall from buttpad to muzzle. The 28-inch barrel has a 3-inch chamber and a chrome-lined bore with a 10-millimeter vent rib for reduced heat mirage. The synthetic stock has a length of pull adjustable from 14.25 inches to 14.75 inches using the included shims, and the comb can be raised or lowered by 0.25 inches to align your eye with the 3-millimeter fiber optic bead.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for competitive clay shooters who need precision-balanced over-unders or tactical users requiring magazine capacities above 2+1 rounds. The inertia system requires a firm shoulder mount and specific ammunition weights—light target loads under 1 1/8 ounces may not cycle reliably without breaking in the action with 200 rounds of heavier hunting loads. If you primarily shoot at formal ranges or need a dedicated home-defense tool, look at gas-operated autoloaders or pump-action platforms with higher capacity.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with Crio Plus choke tubes in Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder, three stock shim sets for adjusting cast and drop, a hard plastic choke tube wrench, and an owner’s manual covering disassembly. Weatherby does not include a case or cleaning kit—plan to add a 51-inch soft case for transport and a .410 bore brush for the chrome-lined chamber. All components ship in a single cardboard carton with foam inserts; unboxing and initial lubrication takes about 15 minutes before first range use.
Is the Weatherby Element II Synthetic worth it at $692.99?
At this price point, the Element II delivers reliable field performance and adjustable ergonomics that compete directly with Turkish semi-autos costing $150 more. The chrome-lined bore and Crio Plus choke system add corrosion resistance and patterning consistency typically found on shotguns priced over $800. For hunters needing a dedicated waterfowl or upland tool that will handle mud, rain, and temperature swings without gas-system fouling, this represents solid value compared to more complex gas-operated alternatives.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.7 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than most gas-operated 28-inch semi-autos
- Chrome-lined bore resists corrosion from steel shot and wet conditions
- Adjustable length of pull from 14.25" to 14.75" with included shims
- Oversized controls are operable with gloves in temperatures down to -10°F
Trade-offs
- Limited 2+1 capacity requires frequent reloading in high-volume dove fields
- Inertia system requires specific ammunition weights — light target loads may not cycle reliably
- No case included — adds $40-70 for proper transport protection
- Proprietary Crio Plus chokes limit aftermarket options compared to Invector threads
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115457915 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | ES22028PGM |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.3500 |
| model | Element 2 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 3.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.6 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Weatherby's proprietary Crio Plus choke thread pattern, which is not interchangeable with standard Invector or Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads. You must purchase Crio Plus-specific tubes from Weatherby or authorized manufacturers like Carlson's. Pattern testing with your chosen load is recommended at 40 yards before hunting season.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- No, the overall length of 49 inches means it will fit in any case labeled for 50-inch or longer shotguns. We recommend the Savior Equipment Specialist 51-inch soft case or a comparable Plano All-Weather hard case with interior dimensions of at least 50.5 inches. Always verify case length specifications before purchase.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground, with transit times of 5-7 business days to most Montana addresses. Firearms ship to your chosen FFL holder only—ensure your dealer's license is on file before ordering. Rural deliveries may add 1-2 additional days depending on local service.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- No, Ironclad Armory does not accept returns for ammunition-related cycling issues unless a mechanical defect is confirmed by their armorers. The inertia system requires proper shooting form and breaking in with at least 100 rounds of 3-inch magnum loads. Consult the manual's minimum load specifications—typically 1 1/8 ounces at 1200 fps—before attempting lighter target loads.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended choke tube?
- Yes, Carlson's manufactures extended choke tubes specifically for the Weatherby Crio Plus system in constrictions from Cylinder to Extra Full. The extended portion adds approximately 1.5 inches to the muzzle, which may affect point of impact at distances under 20 yards. Always pattern-test any aftermarket tube with your hunting load before field use.