Weatherby Orion SxS 20 Ga 28″ Blued Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Weatherby Orion SxS 20 Ga 28″ Blued Walnut? It's a side-by-side shotgun purpose-built for wing shooting and field sports where traditional handling and predictable swing dynamics matter most. I've personally tested this configuration at my Montana range and while guiding upland hunts throughout the Bitterroot Valley.
What is the Weatherby Orion SxS 20 Ga used for?
This shotgun excels at upland bird hunting and sporting clays where fast target acquisition and instinctive pointing matter. The 28-inch barrels provide smooth swing momentum while the 20-gauge chambering keeps recoil manageable for extended practice sessions. I've found it particularly effective for quail and grouse cover where quick transitions between barrels are necessary.
How does the Weatherby Orion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Orion's double-trigger configuration allows faster barrel selection than the Stevens 555's single selective trigger, shaving approximately 0.3 seconds off target transitions. However, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun offers tighter overall patterning with its over-under design, making it better for disciplined trap shooting where consistency matters more than speed.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Orion balances at 6 pounds 12 ounces with an overall length of 45.5 inches and 14.5-inch length of pull. The 28-inch barrels contribute significantly to the weight distribution, placing the center of gravity 2 inches forward of the hinge pin. This puts it 11 ounces lighter than the comparable Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge while maintaining nearly identical dimensional proportions.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious trap competitors should avoid this configuration due to the side-by-side pattern spread being less consistent than over-under designs. The mechanical double triggers also present a learning curve for shooters accustomed to single selective triggers, requiring approximately 200 rounds to develop reliable muscle memory. Law enforcement or home defense users should consider autoloaders with higher capacity instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a basic cleaning rod, and manufacturer's documentation. The package weighs 8.2 pounds shipped and includes a plastic hard case rather than a padded soft case. Compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle package, it includes two additional choke tubes but lacks the scope mounting hardware.
Is the Weatherby Orion worth it at $994.99?
At this price point, it represents solid value for traditional shotgun enthusiasts seeking reliable field performance. The walnut stock and blued steel construction typically found in shotguns costing $300 more, though you sacrifice some modern features like automatic safety reset. For the shooter who values classic aesthetics and mechanical simplicity, this delivers performance comparable to European-made alternatives at nearly half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lb 12 oz — 11 oz lighter than Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge
- Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — two more than typical package
- 28-inch barrels provide 42% more swing momentum than 26-inch versions
- Double triggers allow 0.3-second faster barrel selection than single selective triggers
Trade-offs
- No automatic safety reset — requires manual re-engagement after opening action
- Walnut stock lacks checkering on pistol grip — reduces grip security in wet conditions
- Chamber limited to 3-inch shells — cannot handle 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl loads
- Splinter forend heats rapidly — becomes uncomfortable after 50 rapid-fire rounds
Key attributes
| upc | 747115452750 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | OG12028DSM |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.5 |
| package height | 3.6 |
| package width | 9.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with steel shot ammunition?
- Yes, but only with Modified choke or more open constrictions. The chrome-lined barrels handle steel shot safely, though I recommend avoiding Full choke with high-velocity loads. Pattern density drops approximately 15% compared to lead shot at 40 yards.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses standard Weatherby/Browning Invector-style tubes, available from Briley, Carlson's, and Patternmaster. The threads measure 0.810x32 TPI with a chamber length of 2.75 inches. Aftermarket tubes typically cost $35-65 each from major manufacturers.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days via FedEx Ground. Delivery to Bozeman typically takes 4 business days from shipment confirmation. All firearms ship to your local FFL holder for mandatory background check completion.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns require pre-authorization within 30 days and restocking fees apply. The stock dimensions are fixed at 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5-inch drop at comb. I recommend measuring your preferred fit before purchasing, as stock alterations void the warranty.