A reliable side-by-side shotgun priced under $1,000 might sound like wishful thinkingโas unlikely as finding a featherweight elk rifle that shoots tight groups. Yet, Weatherby has pulled it off with its new Orion side-by-side. This Turkish-made shotgun isnโt just functional; itโs good-looking enough to hold its own next to pricier options. With a performance edge thatโs sure to win over bird hunters, it proves you donโt need to drop three grand to own a quality scattergun.
Letโs not overstate itโthe Orion isnโt heirloom material. This is a practical, no-frills shotgun meant to get the job done in the field. Itโll handle a variety of loads, from marsh hunts to upland pursuits, and itโs the kind of gun you wonโt feel bad about scratching up. If youโre looking for a side-by-side that works as hard as you do without the pretense, this might just be the one.
Weatherbyโs Side-by-Side Legacy
Weatherbyโs new Orion isnโt their first venture into side-by-sides. The company has a history of collaborating with foreign manufacturers to create quality shotguns. The original Orion side-by-side, made in Spain, was part of Weatherbyโs lineup for two decades before being discontinued in 2003. Later, they teamed up with Fausti in Italy to produce the Athena DโItalia. While well-received, that partnership eventually fizzled out.
The latest Orion is manufactured by Yildiz, a mid-sized Turkish company known for producing Academy Sportsโ affordable shotguns. But Yildiz wanted to step up their game and align with a premium brand like Weatherby. The result? A shotgun that balances affordability, performance, and a touch of style.
Design and Features
Kyle Killen, Weatherbyโs international sales manager and the lead on this project, set out to create a โblue-collarโ side-by-side thatโs functional and affordable. The design process involved balancing features against cost. โWe had to make some tough calls,โ Killen explained. โEjectors? Gone. We stuck with extractors. Fancy engraving? Nopeโwe opted for better wood instead. And we couldnโt skimp on barrel regulation, which is crucial for accuracy.โ
The Orionโs design takes cues from classic workhorse guns like the Winchester Model 21. Its plain blued receiver and clean lines are a nod to simplicity, while the grade II wood elevates the overall look. The gunโs features include:
- Double triggers
- Splinter forend
- 28-inch barrels
- Manual tang safety
- Brass bead sight
- Five extended choke tubes
The result is a shotgun that weighs in at 6 pounds, 12 ounces and handles as well as it looks.
The decision to forgo ejectors in favor of extractors keeps costs down while ensuring reliability in the field. While some might miss the convenience of ejectors, many hunters appreciate the simplicity and durability extractors offer. The choice of a manual tang safety is another nod to traditionalists who prefer control over automation.
How It Stacks Up
Competitors like the Tristar Bristol and Stoeger Uplander offer alternatives in this price range, but the Orion holds its own. The Tristar retails for about $1,200 and includes features like a case-colored receiver and single selectable trigger. Stoegerโs Uplander is more budget-friendly at around $500 but lacks the refinement and performance of the Orion. Meanwhile, the Orionโs closest match, CZโs Bobwhite G2, has been discontinued, leaving the Weatherby as a standout in the sub-$1,200 category.
Where the Orion does diverge from tradition is its extended choke tubes. While not everyone loves the look, Killen stands by the decision. โExtended tubes perform better with steel shot,โ he noted. โWe wanted a gun thatโs future-proof, ready for non-toxic loads in public hunting areas.โ My testing confirmed his point: the extended chokes delivered excellent patterns across a range of loads.
Performance in the Field
I spent last fall putting the Orion through its paces in the field, and it didnโt disappoint. From dove season to late-season pheasants, this shotgun proved itself to be reliable and versatile. My primary load was an Improved Modified choke in the left barrel and a Modified choke in the right, and I tested a variety of ammo, including:
- Prairie Storm #5
- HeviShot HEVI-Bismuth #5
- Winchester Bismuth #4
- Winchester Xpert HV #4 steel
Patterns averaged 83% with lead and bismuth loads and 78% with steel, demonstrating the Orionโs capability across different ammunition types. These consistent patterns inspire confidence whether you’re flushing quail or chasing geese.
One memorable mishap was entirely my fault. While hunting public-land pheasants, I loaded heavy Winchester Super Pheasant shellsโ1 ยผ ounces of #4 shotโand ended up double-tapping both triggers in quick succession. The recoil was a wake-up call, and after that, I adjusted to lighter loads in the first barrel. This incident highlighted the need to familiarize oneself with the gunโs triggers, as the double triggers require precision under pressure.
Despite the occasional user error, the Orion performed admirably. Its balance leans slightly forward, making it ideal for long crossing shots but less so for quick snap shooting. The 28-inch barrels felt longer than they are, but that extra reach came in handy for distant birds. The gunโs overall weight and balance made it easy to carry on long hikes, a crucial factor for upland hunters.
Durability and Maintenance
The Orionโs durability became evident after months of field use. The shotgun endured scratches, dings, and exposure to harsh weather without any functional issues. The grade II walnut stock held up well, and the blued steel showed only minor wear. Cleaning the gun was straightforward, thanks to its simple design. Regular maintenance kept it running smoothly, proving that this shotgun is built to last.
Final Thoughts
The Weatherby Orion side-by-side is a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by either overpriced collectibles or cheap, underwhelming options. Itโs a shotgun for hunters who value performance over pretenseโa workhorse with just enough polish to turn heads at the range. Available in 12, 20, and .410 bore, itโs versatile enough for a variety of hunting scenarios.
At the end of the season, after countless hikes through briars and snow, the Orion had proven itself as a capable, durable, and affordable shotgun. If Weatherby keeps this model in their lineup, theyโll have a winner on their hands for years to come. For under $1,000, the Orion isnโt just a good shotgun; itโs a great one.
For anyone in the market for a reliable, stylish, and affordable side-by-side, the Weatherby Orion is worth serious consideration. Itโs a gun that will perform when it matters most, whether youโre flushing grouse in the woods or breaking clays at the range. Weatherby has successfully combined heritage and practicality, delivering a shotgun that exceeds expectations at its price point.
