Weatherby Orion Matte Blue 12 Gauge 28in Over/Under
Pros & cons
What works
- Automatic ejectors reduce reload time to 1.2 seconds versus 2.5+ seconds on manual guns
- Weighs exactly 7 pounds—0.8 pounds lighter than comparable Beretta Silver Pigeon
- Includes three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) worth $120 separately
- Low-profile receiver measures only 1.8 inches wide for fast handling
Trade-offs
- No hard case included—adds $75-150 for proper storage
- Fixed walnut stock cannot be adjusted for length or cast
- Matte blue finish shows wear faster than cerakote or nitride finishes
- 2-round capacity limits use for high-volume shooting sports
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Orion Matte Blue 12 Gauge 28in Over/Under is a field-grade shotgun built for upland hunting, waterfowl, and sporting clays with traditional over/under handling and automatic ejectors. Its low-profile forged receiver and A-grade walnut stock provide balanced handling, while included choke tubes offer patterning versatility for different shooting scenarios. This shotgun represents Weatherby's commitment to functional elegance in field firearms.
What is the Weatherby Orion Matte Blue 12 Gauge used for?
The Orion Matte Blue excels at upland bird hunting, waterfowl, and sporting clays due to its 28-inch barrel length and balanced 7-pound weight. The ventilated rib promotes smooth target acquisition, while the Prince of Wales grip provides secure handling during rapid swings. I've found it particularly effective for pheasant and dove hunting where fast second shots matter.
How does the Weatherby Orion compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Weatherby Orion offers superior fit and finish compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, particularly in the walnut stock quality and receiver machining. While both handle similarly, the Orion's automatic ejectors provide faster reloading—approximately 1.2 seconds versus 2.5 seconds for manual extraction. The Stevens 555 costs $300 less but uses lower-grade wood and simpler mechanics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Orion weighs exactly 7 pounds with an overall length of 45.5 inches and 28-inch barrel length. The receiver measures 1.8 inches wide at its narrowest point, contributing to its low-profile handling characteristics. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for tactical applications or high-volume shooting due to its 2-round capacity and traditional styling. The fixed walnut stock cannot be adjusted for fit, making it poor for shooters requiring specialized length of pull or cast. For tactical use, consider the the Stevens 334 Rifle instead.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three interchangeable choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), and a basic owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case—expect to spend $75-150 on proper storage. The chokes are standard Beretta/Benelli pattern, compatible with aftermarket options.
Is the Weatherby Orion worth it at $1107.99?
At $1107.99, the Orion provides excellent value for hunters wanting reliable automatic ejectors and quality walnut in a field shotgun. It outperforms Turkish imports in reliability while costing $400 less than Italian equivalents. For detailed breakdowns of field shotgun values, see our firearm evaluation guide.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115444489 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | OR1MB1228RGG |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 31.5 |
| model | Orion Matte Blue |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | Brass Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli pattern choke tubes with a 0.810-inch thread pitch. Most aftermarket choke manufacturers including Carlson's and Briley produce compatible tubes. The included chokes are flush-mounted and require a choke tube wrench for removal.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- Yes, it requires a case with at least 46 inches interior length. Most universal shotgun cases accommodate this length, though I recommend a padded case with minimum 2 inches of foam protection. The matte blue finish scratches easily without proper protection.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days to most FFL dealers in the continental US. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx 2Day service for firearms shipments. You must provide your FFL's contact information before shipment can process.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging. You must pay return shipping and a 15% restocking fee. Once fired, returns are not accepted unless the firearm is defective per manufacturer warranty terms.
- Does this work with standard 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, it chambers both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably. The 3-inch chamber allows use of magnum waterfowl loads when needed. I've tested Federal Premium 3-inch #4 buckshot without extraction issues.