Weatherby Orion I Review

Arthur

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March 6, 2024

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The Weatherby Orion I is a renowned shotgun celebrated for its exceptional quality and performance. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into its features, performance, and overall capabilities, enabling you to make an informed decision about its suitability for your needs.

Weatherby Orion I Overview

The Weatherby Orion I stands out as a sleek and trustworthy over/under shotgun, perfect for both hunting adventures and sport shooting events. Built with care and an eye for detail, this shotgun wins the hearts of those who use it. It balances style with functionality, offering users a smooth and accurate shooting experience.

Whether you’re aiming at the game in the wild or targets on a course, the Orion I delivers consistently excellent performance. Its design not only looks good but also ensures comfort and ease of use, making it a top pick for shotgun lovers everywhere.

An image of Weatherby Orion I

Weatherby Orion I Specifications

  • Gauge: 12 or 20 gauge
  • Barrel Length: 26 or 28 inches
  • Chamber: 3 inches
  • Weight: Approximately 7 to 7.5 pounds
  • Stock: Grade A walnut with a gloss finish

Weatherby Orion I Features

IMC (Integral Multi Choke) Choke Tube

Chokes

The Orion I comes with a set of interchangeable chokes, allowing shooters to adapt to different hunting or shooting situations with ease.

Chrome-Lined Barrels

The Orion I’s barrels are chrome-lined, offering enhanced resistance to wear and corrosion. This not only prolongs the life of the shotgun but also maintains its accuracy over time by protecting the bore from the elements and the corrosive effects of certain types of ammunition.

Chrome Lined Barrels of Weatherby Orion I
Receiver and Trigger of Weatherby Orion I

Adjustable Trigger System

The Orion I features an adjustable trigger system that allows shooters to customize the trigger pull to their personal preference, enhancing comfort and accuracy during shooting.

Recoil Pad

Featuring a rubber recoil pad, this shotgun mitigates felt recoil, making it comfortable to shoot even during extended sessions.

Stock and Recoil Pad of Weatherby Orion I
Ventilated Rib of Weatherby Orion I

Ventilated Rib

Equipped with a ventilated top rib, this shotgun offers improved heat dissipation and a clear sight picture, enhancing accuracy and target acquisition.

Performance


The Weatherby Orion I is a great shotgun for both hunting and sports. It’s made to be easy to handle and works very well, making sure you can shoot accurately. This shotgun is something you can rely on, whether you’re out hunting or shooting clay pigeons for fun. It always does what you expect it to do, hitting the target just right. People who like shooting will find a lot to love in the Orion I because it’s so dependable and precise.

Also, this shotgun is good for many different kinds of shooting. It doesn’t matter if you’re shooting at birds in the wild or aiming at clay targets in a competition, the Orion I is up for the task. It gives a steady performance that makes shooters feel confident, no matter their experience level. This makes the Weatherby Orion I stand out as a top choice for anyone who enjoys shooting. It’s a shotgun that makes every shot count, adding to the fun of the sport.

Weatherby Orion I Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Elegant design with high-quality walnut stock
  • Smooth and reliable action
  • Interchangeable chokes for versatility
  • Comfortable shooting experience with the recoil pad

Cons

  • Slightly heavier compared to some other models
  • Limited to 12 or 20-gauge options

Maintenance

Here are some simple steps to keep it in good shape:

A close-up of a weatherby shotgun with the action open, against a white background.

Cleaning

  • After each use, thoroughly clean the shotgun to remove any debris, powder residue, and moisture.
  • Use a cleaning rod, patches, and solvent to clean the bore, ensuring it is free from any buildup.
  • Clean the action and receiver to remove any dirt or fouling.

Lubrication

  • Apply a light coat of gun oil to the metal components to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
  • Use a grease specifically designed for firearms on the hinge pins and other moving parts to maintain proper function.

Storage

  • Store the shotgun in a dry and cool environment to prevent rust and corrosion.
  • Consider using a gun safe or cabinet to protect the shotgun from unauthorized access and environmental damage.

Inspection

  • Regularly inspect the shotgun for any signs of wear, damage, or rust.
  • Check the stock for any cracks or damage, and address any issues promptly.

Professional Servicing

  • Periodically have the shotgun inspected and serviced by a qualified gunsmith to ensure that all components are in good working condition.

Additional Tips

Beginner Tips for Using the Weatherby Orion I:

Tips Icon

Safety First

  • Before handling the shotgun, familiarize yourself with basic firearm safety rules and ensure you have received proper training on handling and operating a shotgun.

Get Proper Training

  • Consider taking a firearms safety course or seeking guidance from experienced shooters to learn the fundamentals of safe and effective shotgun use.

Familiarize Yourself with the Manual

  • Read the owner’s manual provided with the shotgun to understand its features, operation, maintenance, and safety guidelines.

Practice Proper Handling

  • Spend time practicing safe handling, loading, unloading, and aiming the shotgun in a controlled and supervised environment.

Invest in Safety Gear

  • Prioritize safety by investing in appropriate eye and ear protection to safeguard yourself while shooting.

Start with the Basics

  • Begin with low-recoil loads and gradually work your way up to more powerful ammunition as you become more comfortable and experienced with the shotgun.

Regular Maintenance

  • Develop a routine for cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting your shotgun to ensure its reliability and longevity.

Seek Guidance

  • Do not hesitate to seek guidance from experienced shooters or professionals if you have any questions or concerns about owning or operating the Weatherby Orion I shotgun.

Weatherby Orion I Performance Review

AspectReview SummaryScore
AccuracyThis shotgun is super accurate. It hits exactly where you aim, which is perfect for hunting animals or hitting targets in competitions.9/10
ReliabilityIt works great all the time. It made it tough to handle any weather and hardly ever got stuck or broke down. You can count on it when it matters most.9/10
CustomizationYou can change a few things, like the chokes to control how the shot spreads. But, you can’t change a lot compared to other guns. Some people might wish for more options.6/10
ErgonomicsIt’s made to feel good and comfortable when you hold and shoot it. It’s balanced well, so it won’t make your arms tired, even if you use it a lot.8.5/10
ValueIt’s a bit pricey, but it’s a good deal because it’s built to last and does a great job. If you really like hunting or shooting sports, it’s worth the money.8/10
OverallPutting it all together, this shotgun is really good. It’s especially recommended because it shoots well, is dependable, and feels nice to use. A few downsides but still great.8.3/10

Conclusion

The Weatherby Orion I is a top-notch over/under shotgun that offers exceptional quality, reliable performance, and versatile functionality. Its elegant design, smooth action, and comfortable shooting experience make it a solid choice for both hunting and sport shooting. Despite being slightly heavier than some models and limited to 12 or 20-gauge options, the Orion I excels in accuracy, dependability, and overall value, making it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking a dependable firearm at an affordable price point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Weatherby Orion I suitable for trap shooting?

Yes, the Weatherby Orion I is well-suited for trap shooting, offering accuracy, reliability, and a comfortable shooting experience.

2. Can the chokes of the Weatherby Orion I be customized?

The Weatherby Orion I comes with interchangeable chokes, allowing shooters to adapt to different hunting or shooting situations with ease.

3. How does the Weatherby Orion I handle recoil?

Featuring a rubber recoil pad, the Weatherby Orion I effectively mitigates felt recoil, ensuring a comfortable shooting experience, even during extended sessions.

4. What is the barrel length of the Weatherby Orion I?

The Weatherby Orion I is available with barrel lengths of either 26 or 28 inches, providing options to suit individual preferences.

5. Is the Weatherby Orion I easy to maintain?

The Weatherby Orion I requires regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection to ensure its reliability and longevity. Following a simple maintenance routine will keep it in good shape.

6. Can the trigger pull of the Weatherby Orion I be adjusted?

Yes, the Weatherby Orion I features an adjustable trigger system that allows shooters to customize the trigger pull to their personal preference, enhancing comfort and accuracy during shooting.

7. What is the build quality of the Weatherby Orion I like?

The Weatherby Orion I exhibits excellent build quality, offering a reliable and durable firearm at an affordable price point.

8. Is the Weatherby Orion I versatile for different shooting activities?

Yes, the Weatherby Orion I is a versatile shotgun suitable for various shooting activities, including hunting and sport shooting.

9. What type of safety features does the Weatherby Orion I have?

The Weatherby Orion I features a basic and easy-to-use safety with a tang-mounted safety located just behind the top lever.

10. How does the Weatherby Orion I perform in terms of accuracy and reliability?

The Weatherby Orion I offers exceptional accuracy and reliability, making it a dependable and precise shotgun for hunting and sport shooting activities.

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