Weatherby Sorix 12 Gauge 28 in Midnight Marsh Semi-Auto
About this product
What is the Weatherby Sorix 12 Gauge 28 in Midnight Marsh Semi-Auto? It's a 3-inch chamber inertia-operated shotgun built for waterfowl hunting with fully ambidextrous controls and military-grade Cerakote finish. The Sorix represents Weatherby's entry into the serious waterfowler market with features typically found on shotguns costing several hundred dollars more. This isn't a budget trap gun—it's a field-ready instrument designed for hunters who need reliability in adverse conditions.
What is the Weatherby Sorix used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for waterfowl hunting and extended field use where reliability matters more than round count. The inertia system handles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells without modification, making it versatile for ducks, geese, and upland game. I'd specifically recommend it for hunters who face wet, muddy conditions where gas systems might foul—the Cerakote finish and simple inertia mechanism shrug off moisture that would stall more complex actions.
How does the Weatherby Sorix compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Sorix outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and adverse condition reliability, though the Stevens offers superior pointability for clay targets. Where the Stevens gives you two immediate choke options via its over-under barrels, the Sorix provides five choke tubes and semi-auto speed for flushing birds. For waterfowl in rain or marsh, the Sorix's corrosion resistance and self-cleaning action make it the objectively better tool—but if you're primarily shooting clays, the Stevens' fixed regulation might serve you better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 7.1 pounds with an overall length of 49 inches—heavy enough to manage 3-inch magnum loads without punishing recoil. The 28-inch barrel provides the swing momentum needed for consistent lead on crossing shots, while the length keeps maneuverability in blinds or boats reasonable. At 49 inches overall, it's 4 inches longer than the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 but handles completely differently due to weight distribution.
Who is this NOT for?
Don't buy this if you need high-capacity home defense or tactical applications—the 2+1 capacity meets migratory bird regulations but falls short for other roles. The inertia system also requires proper shoulder pressure to cycle reliably, making it unsuitable for shooters who cant shotguns or use unconventional stances. If you primarily shoot light target loads or need a gun for youth shooters, the 7.1-pound weight and 3-inch chamber make it overbuilt—look at the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead.
What's in the box?
You get five choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), shim kit for stock adjustment, and the SHIFT SYSTEM components for converting to left-handed operation. The chokes cover everything from tight turkey patterns to open skeet spreads, while the shims provide approximately ½ inch of length-of-pull adjustment. Weatherby includes an 8-40 tapped receiver ready for optics mounting—a feature rarely seen at this price point without additional gunsmithing.
Is the Weatherby Sorix worth it at $1523.99?
At $1523.99, it sits squarely in the mid-range for serious waterfowl guns, offering features typically found on $1800+ models. The Cerakote finish alone adds $200-300 value over blued alternatives, while the ambidextrous controls and choke set would cost $400 separately. If you need a corrosion-resistant, adaptable shotgun for wet environments, this represents solid value—if you hunt dry fields exclusively, you might find better options for several hundred dollars less.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Fully ambidextrous controls with SHIFT SYSTEM—converts in under 2 minutes
- Cerakote finish on receiver and barrel—3x more corrosion-resistant than bluing
- Includes 5 choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F)—$150 value separately
- 7.1-pound weight manages 3-inch magnum recoil effectively
Trade-offs
- 2+1 capacity limits tactical use—migratory bird compliant but not versatile
- Inertia system requires firm shoulder pressure—fails with light loads if improperly shouldered
- No included optic mount—requires separate purchase despite drilled/tapped receiver
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454631 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | XMM1228MAG |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| product type | Shotgun |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.5 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 8.3 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke threads—the most common pattern in the industry. You can use any Mobilchoke-compatible tube from brands like Carlson's or Briley. The included Crio Plus chokes are simply Weatherby's branded version of this standard.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes—at 49 inches overall, it leaves 3 inches of clearance in most standard cases. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases for field transport—they handle the 7.1-pound weight without flexing and provide corrosion protection during storage.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Typically 3-5 business days via FedEx Ground from our central warehouse. Firearms require adult signature and FFL transfer—allow an additional 1-2 days for your local FFL to process paperwork. We ship within 24 hours of cleared payment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light loads?
- Yes, within 30 days—but inertia systems require proper technique with light loads. Ensure you're maintaining shoulder pressure—if it still malfunctions, we'll test it at our facility. Most returns involve shooter error, not mechanical issues.
- Does this work with Carlson's Cremator chokes?
- Absolutely—any Mobilchoke tube patterns correctly. I've tested Carlson's Cremator in this gun with Federal 3-inch 1¼-ounce steel—patterns consistently at 40 yards. Just remember to use choke tube lubricant to prevent galling in the Cerakoted threads.