Weatherby Orion I O/U 20 Gauge 28 in Walnut

About this product

The Weatherby Orion I O/U 20 Gauge is a traditional double-barrel shotgun built for upland hunting and sporting clays. It features a 28-inch vent-rib barrel set, a low-profile blued receiver, and an A-grade walnut stock, delivering a balanced swing weight of approximately 7.1 pounds. The chamber accepts 3-inch shells, and the package includes three interchangeable choke tubes for adapting to changing field conditions and target presentations. Its mechanical simplicity and reliable automatic ejectors make it a straightforward choice for the field.

What is the Weatherby Orion I O/U 20 Gauge used for?

The Weatherby Orion I's primary use is for upland bird hunting over dogs and for sporting clays in the field course or five-stand. Its 28-inch barrel length and 7.1-pound swing weight create a smooth, deliberate swing ideal for crossing shots on pheasant and grouse, while the included choke set allows fine-tuning for varied target distances. The Prince of Wales grip and slim receiver profile facilitate a natural carry position during long walks, making it a dedicated field gun, not a cramped-blind waterfowl tool.

How does the Weatherby Orion I compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The Weatherby Orion I offers a more refined, traditional fit and finish than the more affordable Stevens 555 Sporting. The Orion I's A-grade walnut and deep gloss bluing are superior to the Stevens' finished hardwood and matte metal, but the Stevens 555 Sporting often costs $300-$400 less and includes the same three choke tubes. For the shooter prioritizing mechanical reliability and classic aesthetics who is willing to pay for them, the Orion I is better; for budget-conscious entry into the sport, the Stevens is the more practical choice. You can see our full breakdown of the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge for details.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Orion I weighs approximately 7.1 pounds (3.22 kg) and has an overall length of 45.5 inches (1156 mm). The 28-inch barrels have a vent rib width of 8 mm, and the length of pull from the trigger to the middle of the recoil pad is 14.5 inches. This weight distribution, with a slight forward bias, provides the inertia for a smooth follow-through on crossing targets without feeling sluggish.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for the high-volume competitive trap or skeet shooter who will fire 500 rounds in a weekend, as the lightweight 20-gauge action can heat up and transfer more felt recoil with heavy loads over time. It's also not ideal for someone seeking a multi-role home defense or turkey hunting gun; its 2-round capacity and field-focused choke selection are limiting there. Finally, it's a poor fit for a new shooter on a tight budget who would be better served by a used pump-action to learn fundamentals.

What's in the box?

The box contains the barreled action and stock assembly, a set of three flush-mount choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and the factory manual. It does not include a hard case; you'll need to source a protective case separately. The shotgun arrives with a factory-applied light coat of grease on the hinge and locking surfaces, which should be cleaned and lubricated with a quality gun oil before first use.

Is the Weatherby Orion I worth it at $1,120.99?

At $1,120.99, the Orion I is worth it for the shooter who values classic aesthetics and proven mechanical design over the latest features. You are paying for the hand-fitted walnut-to-metal joint, the polished blueing, and the crisp, reliable ejectors—details often absent on guns several hundred dollars cheaper. If your use case is primarily occasional hunting and recreational clays, and you appreciate a gun that looks and feels like a refined tool, the price is justified. Consider this an investment-grade entry into quality double guns, unlike our more utilitarian Stevens 334 rifle platform.