Weatherby Orion I O/U 20 Gauge 3-inch Chamber Matte Blued

About this product

What is the Weatherby Orion I O/U 20 Gauge? It's a full-size over/under shotgun engineered for traditional field and clay use, defined by its matte blued steel barrels, Satin Grade A walnut stock, and mechanical features like automatic ejectors and a single selective trigger. This 3-inch chambered 20-gauge exemplifies balanced design for upland hunting and sporting clays, maintaining classic American shotgun lines while delivering reliable performance. It stands in contrast to many modern synthetic-stocked models by prioritizing walnut-and-steel construction and proven mechanical simplicity.

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

You buy this shotgun for upland bird hunting and recreational clay target shooting. Its 20-gauge chambering, weighing approximately 6.9 pounds unloaded, provides a manageable balance between recoil and payload for pheasant, quail, or grouse over moderate ranges. The included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder choke tubes (three specific units) let you tune patterns from 40-yard passing shots to 20-yard flushes, while the Prince of Whales grip offers a secure hold during quick mount-and-fire sequences typical in field conditions. It is not intended for waterfowl hunting where 3" steel shot loads are standard, nor for high-volume trap or skeet competitions where dedicated sporting guns with adjustable combs dominate.

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

The Weatherby Orion I prioritizes traditional walnut-and-steel construction and mechanical ejectors, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge focuses on cost-effective performance with a synthetic-reinforced stock. The Orion I's automatic ejectors positively remove spent hulls versus the Stevens' extractors, which merely lift them—saving roughly 1.5 seconds per reload cycle during a 25-target sporting clay round. Weatherby uses a Grade A walnut stock with hand-cut checkering; Stevens employs a select walnut laminate over a synthetic core for durability in wet conditions. For a shooter valuing classic aesthetics and authoritative ejection, the Orion I is superior; for a budget-conscious hunter prioritizing all-weather resilience, the Stevens 555 offers better value.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs approximately 6.9 pounds (3,130 grams) with an empty chamber and measures 46.5 inches in overall length from buttplate to muzzle. A 28-inch barrel length (712 mm) provides a swing momentum suitable for most field and sporting applications, with a 14.5-inch length of pull from trigger to buttplate center accommodating average adult statures. The receiver width between barrels is 1.8 inches, keeping the sight plane relatively low for intuitive pointing. These dimensions produce a balanced firearm that neither feels muzzle-light during fast swings nor stock-heavy during carry over a three-hour hunt.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for dedicated trap shooters requiring a high-rib configuration, nor for hunters pursuing turkeys or waterfowl where 3.5-inch chambers and full-camo finishes are standard. The matte blued finish offers minimal corrosion resistance compared to modern nitride or cerakote treatments, making it a poor choice for coastal marshes or sustained wet conditions. The 20-gauge chambering also limits effective range and pellet count versus 12-gauge alternatives for goose or duck blinds. Finally, its traditional walnut stock and lack of modular adjustments make it unsuitable for shooters who need precise comb height or cast adjustments for competitive fit.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun with three internal choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Weatherby does not include a hard case—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts for shipment. The choke tubes are installed in the barrels at the factory; the wrench allows removal for cleaning or pattern testing. No additional accessories like snap caps, cleaning kits, or extra choke constrictions are provided, which is standard for shotguns in this price segment.

Is the Weatherby Orion I worth it at $1,107.99?

At $1,107.99, this shotgun justifies its price if you value traditional American over/under construction with mechanical ejectors and Grade A walnut. You are paying approximately $300 more than the Turkish-made Stevens 555 for blued steel versus matte black finish, automatic ejectors versus extractors, and hand-finished walnut versus laminate. For a hunter or recreational clays shooter who prefers ejectors and appreciates walnut grain, this represents a reasonable premium for tangible mechanical and aesthetic upgrades. However, if your priority is pure budget performance or all-weather synthetic reliability, that $300 is better spent on ammunition, a fitted case, or a more robust bolt-action rifle platform for larger game.