Weatherby Element 2 20 Gauge 28″ Tungsten Synthetic
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Weatherby Element 2 20 Gauge 28″ Tungsten Synthetic? It is a lightweight, inertia-operated 20-gauge shotgun built for reliability in cold, wet field conditions. The shotgun's 6.7-pound weight is manageable for upland hunting or clay shooting over long sessions, and its 28-inch vent-rib barrel with a chrome-lined bore provides a clean sight picture and corrosion resistance.
What is the Weatherby Element 2 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is built primarily for waterfowl and upland bird hunting. Its inertia-driven action cycles 2-3/4" and 3" shells reliably in cold, wet conditions where gas systems can foul. The adjustable length of pull and included shims allow for a quick fit to the shooter, making it suitable for a 5'10" adult to pattern consistently across a 20-yard spread with the provided Modified choke.
How does the Weatherby Element 2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Weatherby Element 2 is a superior choice for sustained field use where reliability is critical. While the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge O/U offers a traditional break-action with a walnut stock for around $100 less, the Element 2's semi-automatic operation provides faster follow-up shots and significantly reduced felt recoil, which is measurable over a 100-shell session. The inertia system in the Element 2 is less prone to malfunction from fouling than the Stevens' extractors are from repeated opening and closing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun has an unloaded weight of 6.7 pounds (108.9 ounces). Its key length dimension is the 28-inch barrel with a 3-inch chamber, and the overall length is approximately 48.5 inches. For comparison, the 20-inch barreled Stevens 334 rifle measures 40 inches overall, making this shotgun roughly 8.5 inches longer and better suited for a longer, swinging point on crossing targets.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the shooter looking for a purely aesthetic, traditional upland gun with wood furniture. It is also not ideal for home defense, as its 28-inch barrel makes it less maneuverable in confined spaces than a 18.5-inch model. Its 2+1 capacity is also a limiting factor for three-gun competitions where tube-fed shotguns with 8+1 capacities are standard.
What's in the box?
The box contains the complete shotgun, three Crio Plus choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), the necessary choke tube wrench, the stock shims for adjusting the comb and cast, and the standard owner's manual with warranty card. It does not include a hard case or a sling, which are sold separately for approximately $35 and $25, respectively.
Is the Weatherby Element 2 worth it at $738.99?
At its price point, the Element 2 delivers reliable performance that justifies the cost for a dedicated field shooter. You are paying for Weatherby's inertia system, which is proven to cycle over 5,000 rounds between cleanings with standard loads, and a durable Tungsten Cerakote finish that resists salt corrosion far better than blued steel. For the hunter who values reliability in adverse conditions over ornate finish, it represents a solid value.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.7 lbs — a full pound lighter than many comparable 12-gauge autoloaders.
- Inertia-operated action proven for 5,000+ rounds between cleanings.
- Tungsten Cerakote finish provides superior corrosion resistance to standard bluing.
- Tool-less disassembly for field maintenance in under 60 seconds.
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Crio Plus choke system limits aftermarket tube options — replacements cost ~$30 each.
- 2+1 capacity is limiting for high-volume clay or waterfowl scenarios.
- Synthetic stock has a utilitarian feel; lacks the aesthetic of a walnut stock like on the Stevens 555 Sporting.
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed on the fore-end, requiring a $15 aftermarket kit.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115457908 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | ET22028PGM |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | GREY |
| length | 37.3000 |
| model | Element 2 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.75 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 20 gauge choke tubes?
- No, it uses Weatherby's proprietary Crio Plus choke system. The threads are not directly compatible with other common patterns like Beretta Mobilechokes or Browning Invector. You must purchase the specific Weatherby Crio Plus tubes, which retail for about $30 each from Ironclad Armory.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch rifle case?
- Barely. With the barrel attached, the shotgun's 48.5-inch overall length leaves about 1.5 inches of clearance in a standard 50-inch takedown case. For safe transport, a 52-inch case from a vendor like Plano is recommended to ensure the muzzle and butt pad are not compressed.
- How long does shipping take for online purchases?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL orders within 1 business day. Once shipped via UPS, ground transit to most continental US locations takes 3-5 business days. Total time from order to your selected FFL is typically 5-7 business days, assuming no state-specific waiting period delays.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL, in compliance with federal law. Before the transfer, you can inspect the shotgun at your FFL for mechanical defects. Ironclad Armory's warranty covers defects for 5 years, but fit is not a covered warranty issue. We recommend handling the shotgun in person first if possible.