Weatherby Sorix 12 GA 28 in Midnight Marsh 3.5 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 3.5-inch magnum shells — 25% more shot capacity than 3-inch loads
- Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing — exceeds MIL-SPEC corrosion resistance
- Weighs 7.1 lbs — 1.3 lbs lighter than most gas-operated waterfowl guns
Trade-offs
- Limited to 2+1 capacity — requires tube extension for tactical use ($120-180 aftermarket)
- Inertia system requires minimum 1,200 fps loads — won't cycle light target ammunition reliably
- No adjustable comb stock — limits custom fit for different shooting styles
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby Sorix is a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun designed for field and waterfowl hunting that combines an inertia-operated recoil system with Cerakote-protected metalwork for reliable performance in harsh conditions. It features Weatherby's SHIFT System for ambidextrous operation and includes five Crio Plus choke tubes to optimize pattern performance across various hunting scenarios. With its 28-inch barrel and ability to handle 3.5-inch shells, this 7.1-pound shotgun is built for serious waterfowlers who demand durability and versatility.
What is the Weatherby Sorix used for?
This shotgun is designed primarily for waterfowl hunting and field shooting where reliability and weather resistance are critical. Its inertia-operated system minimizes malfunctions in muddy or wet conditions, while the Cerakote finish protects against corrosion from constant moisture exposure. The included choke tubes (C, F, IC, IM, M) provide pattern flexibility from close-range woodcock to long-range geese.
How does the Weatherby Sorix compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Sorix outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots and high-volume waterfowl hunting scenarios due to its semi-automatic action versus the over-under's two-shot limitation. While the Stevens 555 offers classic aesthetics with its walnut stock, the Sorix provides superior corrosion resistance with its Cerakote finish and synthetic stock, making it better suited for harsh marsh environments where wood stocks can swell and metal can rust.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Sorix weighs exactly 7.1 pounds (3.22 kg) with an overall length of 48 inches from buttstock to muzzle. Its 28-inch barrel provides a 76-cm sight plane that balances swing dynamics for waterfowl hunting, while the 3.5-inch chamber accommodates magnum waterfowl loads that produce up to 1,500 foot-pounds of recoil energy.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not ideal for competitive clay shooting or tactical applications where faster cycling and higher capacity are required. The inertia system requires specific recoil impulses to cycle properly, meaning it may not function reliably with light target loads under 1,200 fps, unlike gas-operated shotguns that handle a wider range of ammunition.
What's in the box?
The package includes the Sorix shotgun with Midnight Marsh synthetic stock, five Benelli Crio Plus choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), three stock shims for length-of-pull adjustment, a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. The chokes are precisely engineered with constrictions ranging from .005 inches (Cylinder) to .040 inches (Full) for pattern control across 40-yard spreads.
Is the Weatherby Sorix worth it at $1553.99?
At $1553.99, the Sorix represents solid value for serious waterfowl hunters who need reliability in adverse conditions. Compared to Italian-made semi-autos costing $2000+, you're getting Weatherby's quality control and the proven Benelli Crio Plus choke system at a more accessible price point. The investment justifies itself through seasons of corrosion-resistant performance where cheaper shotguns would fail.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454648 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | XMM1228SMG |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | Black |
| length | 38.5000 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the Sorix uses the Benelli Crio Plus choke tube system, which is compatible with aftermarket tubes from major manufacturers like Carlson's and Patternmaster. The threads are standardized to accept any choke tube marked for Benelli Crio Plus series, with a ¾-inch-28 thread pattern that's common among premium waterfowl guns.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- No, the Sorix requires a case at least 49 inches long due to its 48-inch overall length. Most standard cases accommodate up to 52 inches, but I recommend the Plano All-Weather 52-inch case specifically, which provides 2 inches of clearance at both ends for proper protection during transport to the marsh.
- How long does shipping take?
- Standard shipping through Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days for in-stock firearms, plus additional time for your FFL to process the transfer. All NFA-regulated items require background check completion, which typically adds 24-72 hours to the delivery timeline once the firearm arrives at your licensed dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects, but firearms that have been fired can only be returned if they exhibit genuine mechanical failures. For cycling issues, we recommend testing with Federal 3-inch 1-¼ ounce loads at 1,450 fps first, as the inertia system requires specific recoil impulses to function correctly.