About this product

Weatherby Orion SxS 12 Gauge 28" 3" Chamber

The Weatherby Orion SxS is a break-open side-by-side shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells built for traditional upland bird hunting and clay target sports. This 12 gauge features 28-inch barrels with a swamp/top rib and brass bead sight, paired with oil-finished A Grade walnut furniture and mechanical double triggers for authentic field handling. With an overall length of 46 inches and weighing 7.2 pounds, it delivers the balanced swing dynamics serious wingshooters demand without modern gadgetry.

What is the Weatherby Orion SxS used for?

The Orion SxS excels at upland bird hunting and clay target shooting where fast, instinctive pointing matters more than high-volume firepower. Its 28-inch barrels provide smooth swing characteristics for crossing shots on pheasant and grouse, while the mechanical double triggers allow instant barrel selection without fumbling for a selector switch. The straight English stock and splinter forend maintain classic handling that purists prefer over pistol-gripped modern shotguns.

How does the Weatherby Orion SxS compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Orion SxS offers more traditional handling and faster barrel selection than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, but sacrifices some versatility for clay sports. Where the Stevens uses a single selective trigger and longer 30-inch barrels for sustained target tracking, the Orion's double triggers and 28-inch barrels deliver quicker initial acquisition at the cost of follow-up shot consistency. The Stevens better suits dedicated trap/skeet shooters, while the Orion dominates in tight-cover bird hunting where milliseconds matter.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Orion SxS weighs 7.2 pounds (115.2 oz) with an overall length of 46 inches and 28-inch barrels measuring 711mm long. The walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel, accommodating most adult shooters without modification. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge at 6.8 pounds, the Orion carries more mass for reduced felt recoil with 12 gauge loads.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun isn't for tactical/home defense users or high-volume clay shooters who need extended magazine tubes or optical sight compatibility. The break-action design limits capacity to two shells versus pump-action or semi-automatic alternatives, while the traditional iron sights lack rail mounting for red dots or scopes. Waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch chambering for steel shot should consider the longer-chambered models available from other manufacturers.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun, five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full), and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Each choke tube weighs 2.1 ounces and features external notches for quick identification in the field without removing gloves. Notably absent are any case, choke tube wrench, or cleaning kit—expect to budget $40-60 for these essential accessories separately.

Is the Weatherby Orion SxS worth it at $961.99?

At $961.99, the Orion SxS delivers authentic side-by-side performance at nearly half the cost of custom-built English equivalents, though it sacrifices some refinements in wood-to-metal fit. The mechanical triggers provide reliable ignition without electronic components that can fail in wet conditions, while the included five-choke system offers pattern versatility exceeding many competitors at this price point. For shooters valuing tradition over tactical, this represents solid value despite needing immediate accessory investments.