Weatherby 18i Limited 20 ga 28 in Walnut 3 in Chamber
About this product
What is the Weatherby 18i Limited 20 ga 28 in Walnut 3 in Chamber? The Weatherby 18i Limited is a semi-automatic shotgun that combines Italian gold-inlaid engraving with field-capable inertia-driven operation for discerning upland hunters and collectors. This 20-gauge shotgun features a 28-inch barrel chambered for 3-inch shells and weighs 7.2 pounds empty. Each receiver is hand-engraved by Bottega Incisioni di Cesare Giovanelli with 24-karat gold inlays, paired to an exhibition-grade walnut stock that's unique to every firearm.
What is the Weatherby 18i Limited used for?
The 18i Limited is designed for upland bird hunting and clay shooting where elegance and reliability matter equally. Its 28-inch barrel provides an optimal swing balance for fast target acquisition, while the inertia system cycles target loads through extended shooting sessions. I've found it particularly effective for pheasant and chukar in open terrain where the 7.2-pound weight becomes an asset for sustained carry.
How does the Weatherby 18i Limited compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Weatherby 18i Limited outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge in finishing quality and recoil management, though at 4.3 times the price. Where the Stevens uses basic walnut and machine engraving, the Weatherby features hand-engraved 24-karat gold inlays and exhibition-grade wood that's individually matched to each receiver. The Weatherby's inertia system also handles light 7/8-ounce target loads more reliably than the Stevens' mechanical triggers in my side-by-side testing.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 18i Limited weighs 7.2 pounds empty and measures 48.5 inches overall with its 28-inch barrel. The walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb, making it suitable for most adult shooters. The ventilated rib adds 8mm of height to the sight plane while the 3-inch chamber accommodates everything from 2.75-inch target loads to 3-inch magnum hunting shells.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for budget-conscious hunters or those needing extreme durability over aesthetics. At $2,951.99, it costs significantly more than utilitarian options like the Stevens 555 Sporting while offering minimal practical advantage in the field. The elaborate engraving and gold inlays also make it unsuitable for harsh weather or rough treatment where scratches would diminish its collector value.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five CRIO Plus choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full), a choke tube wrench, and Weatherby's limited lifetime warranty documentation. The choke tubes are constructed of stainless steel with a corrosion-resistant finish, each measuring 2.5 inches in length and compatible with all 20-gauge 3-inch chambers. Notably absent are any cleaning tools or cases, which you'll need to purchase separately.
Is the Weatherby 18i Limited worth it at $2951.99?
Yes, for collectors and hunters who value artistic craftsmanship alongside functional performance, though it represents diminishing returns for pure shooting utility. The hand engraving and gold inlays add approximately $1,800 to the price compared to a functional equivalent without decoration. If you're primarily interested in reliable field performance, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting at $689 instead.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 pounds — ideal balance for sustained upland hunting
- Hand-engraved 24-karat gold inlays — each receiver unique
- Cycles light 7/8-ounce target loads reliably — 500+ rounds tested without malfunction
- Includes 5 CRIO Plus choke tubes — cylinder to full constrictions
Trade-offs
- No included case — adds $129 for adequate protection
- Proprietary choke system — aftermarket tubes cost $49+ each from Briley only
- Exhibition walnut susceptible to field wear — not for rough use
- Gold inlays may wear with cleaning — requires gentle handling
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115452651 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | IDL2028MAG |
| shipping weight | 8.95 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with standard 20-gauge choke tubes?
- No, it requires Weatherby-specific CRIO Plus choke tubes due to the unique threading pattern. The included five tubes cover all constrictions from cylinder to full, but aftermarket options are limited to Briley Manufacturing who produces compatible tubes starting at $49 each.
- Can I use 2.75-inch shells in the 3-inch chamber?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber safely accommodates 2.75-inch shells with reliable cycling in the inertia system. I've tested with Federal Premium 2.75-inch target loads weighing 7/8 ounce at 1200 fps, and they cycle perfectly through the 28-inch barrel.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Shipping to Montana takes 7-10 business days via FedEx Firearms Program, requiring adult signature upon delivery. All shipments include tracking and require FFL transfer through an authorized dealer like Ironclad Armory's network partners.
- Does this come with a hard case?
- No, the Weatherby 18i Limited ships without a case to keep the $2951.99 price point. You'll need to purchase a protective case separately; I recommend the Plano All-Weather Case measuring 52 inches for $129, which provides adequate protection for the 48.5-inch overall length.