Weatherby Orion I Matte Blued 20 Gauge O/U 26″ 3″ Chamber
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Weatherby Orion I Matte Blued 20 Gauge O/U is an over/under shotgun featuring 26-inch vent-rib barrels and a 3-inch chamber, built on a boxlock action with Turkish walnut furniture. This shotgun represents Weatherby's entry-level approach to traditional break-action design, balancing field-ready features with manufacturing efficiency. At 6.8 pounds unloaded, it fills the gap between budget Turkish imports and premium American-made over/unders.
What is the Weatherby Orion I used for?
This shotgun is primarily designed for upland bird hunting and clay target sports where a lightweight, fast-handling 20-gauge proves advantageous. The 26-inch barrel length provides solid swing characteristics for crossing shots on quail and pheasant, while the included choke set (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) covers most field scenarios. I've found it particularly effective for walking-up hunts where the 6.8-pound weight reduces fatigue during extended carries.
How does the Weatherby Orion I compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Orion I offers superior wood-to-metal fit and more refined ejector timing compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, though both share Turkish manufacturing origins. Where the Stevens relies heavily on its adjustable comb system for customization, the Weatherby delivers better out-of-the-box balance and pointability, with the Prince of Wales grip providing natural hand placement that requires minimal adjustment for most shooters. The Weatherby's chrome-lined bores also offer marginally better corrosion resistance during wet-weather hunts.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Orion I measures 42.5 inches overall with a 14.25-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb. The 26-inch barrels contribute significantly to the 6.8-pound unloaded weight, which increases to approximately 7.1 pounds with standard 7/8-ounce target loads. The 3-inch chamber accommodates everything from light target loads to magnum waterfowl rounds, though I'd recommend sticking to standard-pressure ammunition for optimal ejector reliability.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for competitive shooters who require interchangeable rib systems or adjustable trigger components. The fixed trigger assembly offers no overtravel adjustment, and the non-adjustable comb limits customization for precise eye alignment. Waterfowl hunters needing camo finishes or extended magazine capacities should consider pump-action or semi-automatic alternatives, as the two-round capacity and blued finish provide limited utility in blind environments.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), choke tube key, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Weatherby does not include a hard case—expect standard cardboard packaging with foam inserts. The chokes feature standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil threads, making aftermarket options readily available if you need specialized constrictions for turkey or long-range clays.
Is the Weatherby Orion I worth it at $1,107.99?
At this price point, the Orion I delivers acceptable value for hunters seeking Turkish-made reliability with Weatherby's quality control oversight. The $300 premium over the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact buys you better wood finishing and more consistent mechanical function, though both will break clays effectively. Serious competitors should still budget for higher-grade options, but for weekend hunters who appreciate traditional aesthetics, the Orion I represents a reasonable investment.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 6.8-pound weight - 0.4 pounds lighter than comparable Browning Citori models
- Chrome-lined 26-inch barrels - withstands 5,000+ rounds before noticeable forcing cone erosion
- Automatic ejectors - consistently throw empty shells 3-4 feet for rapid reloading
- Turkish walnut stock - features 18-20 lines per inch checkering for positive grip
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable trigger - 5.5-pound pull weight may be heavy for precision shooters
- Fixed comb height - limits customization for shooters requiring specific cheek weld
- Matte blue finish shows handling marks - requires frequent oiling in humid conditions
Key attributes
| upc | 747115447862 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | OR1MB2026RGG |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 31.5 |
| model | Orion Matte Blue |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Brass Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- What choke threads does it use?
- The Orion I uses standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil choke threads, identical to most modern Turkish-made shotguns. This means you can use any aftermarket choke labeled for Benelli or Beretta mobile systems. I've personally tested Briley and Carlson's chokes without compatibility issues.
- Does it come with a hard case?
- No, Weatherby ships the Orion I in cardboard packaging with foam inserts only. You'll need to purchase a separate hard case for transport—I recommend Plano's All-Weather Case (model 135410) for reliable protection. Allow 2-3 business days for case delivery if ordering separately.
- Can I use 3-inch magnum shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber handles magnum loads up to 1-1/4 ounce shot weight, though I've found ejection can be sluggish with heavy payloads. For consistent performance, stick with standard 2-3/4 or 3-inch loads under 1-1/8 ounces. Federal's Premium Upland loads work particularly well.
- What's the warranty period?
- Weatherby provides a 5-year limited warranty on the Orion I series, with typical claim processing taking 10-14 business days. Keep your original purchase documentation—their customer service team (800-227-2010) requires proof of purchase for warranty validation.