Picked up the Weatherby Orion SxS, last year. I've been super impressed for a "budget" side by side. It shoots straight and seems like it'll be reliable in the field.
It is hard to find a cooperative mule these days to compare. A couple of things: a heavy lead 20 gauge load is 1-1/4 oz. at 1185 fps, not the 1330 - 1400 fps commonly used in 12 gauge. So, you are starting with a lower intensity load, it is only one or two shots per day at wild pheasants, and as it is cooler weather you have built-in padding as a matter of course. The 1-1/4 oz. 1185 fps load is something I never notice when hunting with a 6-1/4 lb. gun that fits. Certainly, a gas gun is softer shooting, as is a heavier gun. A heavy 20 gauge diminishes the purpose of a gun that is carried all day, but is only shot a couple of times.
A question for my/all our hopeful future, and maybe a video content idea for you. Scenario... I have gotten as old as the hills but I'm still creaking around and still able to hunt albeit very slowly and a little painfully; but the shotguns I have each have an issue that makes them too difficult to hunt with at my advanced age and I need one that will suit me and help and finish up my days in the field. --- What shotgun brand - model - gauge - style should I pick as my last one for easy-recoil, loading, carry, unloading, safety, etc... ? --- No single answer could be right for everyone, of course, but something as a generality for most would be a great answer. --- Thank You.
I'm not clear on what specific issues you are referring to, or what you are hunting. Personally, I consider a 6 to 6-1/4 lb. 20 gauge ideal for most everything. www.chuckhawks.com/20gaugeandthehighqualityshotgun.html . Heavy loads are not needed for dove or quail, and if you use TSS loads, even a ¾ oz. load of TSS #8 is good for wild pheasants to fifty yards.
Looks like a dandy all around shotgun in 20 gauge 3 inch capable especially using TSS shot shell loads.
Picked up the Weatherby Orion SxS, last year. I've been super impressed for a "budget" side by side. It shoots straight and seems like it'll be reliable in the field.
She’s a beaut! Look at that wood! Weatherby quality for sure!
Weatherby is doing a lot of things right: the 18i 20 gauge is a good example.
Great review!
Thanks!
Great video. Thanks for posting. Inertia action though... will it kick like a mule with heavy 3 " shells ?
It is hard to find a cooperative mule these days to compare. A couple of things: a heavy lead 20 gauge load is 1-1/4 oz. at 1185 fps, not the 1330 - 1400 fps commonly used in 12 gauge. So, you are starting with a lower intensity load, it is only one or two shots per day at wild pheasants, and as it is cooler weather you have built-in padding as a matter of course. The 1-1/4 oz. 1185 fps load is something I never notice when hunting with a 6-1/4 lb. gun that fits. Certainly, a gas gun is softer shooting, as is a heavier gun. A heavy 20 gauge diminishes the purpose of a gun that is carried all day, but is only shot a couple of times.
A question for my/all our hopeful future, and maybe a video content idea for you. Scenario... I have gotten as old as the hills but I'm still creaking around and still able to hunt albeit very slowly and a little painfully; but the shotguns I have each have an issue that makes them too difficult to hunt with at my advanced age and I need one that will suit me and help and finish up my days in the field.
---
What shotgun brand - model - gauge - style should I pick as my last one for easy-recoil, loading, carry, unloading, safety, etc... ?
---
No single answer could be right for everyone, of course, but something as a generality for most would be a great answer.
---
Thank You.
I'm not clear on what specific issues you are referring to, or what you are hunting. Personally, I consider a 6 to 6-1/4 lb. 20 gauge ideal for most everything. www.chuckhawks.com/20gaugeandthehighqualityshotgun.html . Heavy loads are not needed for dove or quail, and if you use TSS loads, even a ¾ oz. load of TSS #8 is good for wild pheasants to fifty yards.