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Weatherby Sorix Storm 12ga Semi-Auto 28″ 3″ Chamber

SKULIP|WBXST1228MAG Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.6 ★★★★½ Based on 52 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1523.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this shotgun over a combined 1,200 rounds during a brutal Montana waterfowl season, shooting everything from federal 1-ounce target loads at 1,140 fps up to 3-inch Hevi-Shot waterfowl loads at 1,450 fps. The first thing you notice is the crisp, 4.5-pound trigger break that's clean enough for turkey head-shots at 40 yards, combined with a recoil pad that actually reduces felt recoil by about 20% compared to the standard Weatherby field pad. The inertia system didn't falter once, even after dunking the gun in a slough and firing immediately without cleaning — a gas gun would have choked on that sediment. Compared directly to the Beretta A300 Outlander, the Sorix Storm is 0.8 pounds lighter when swinging on crossing mallards and cycles faster with mixed loads, but the trade-off is noticeably sharper recoil with 3-inch magnums. The A300's gas system soaks up more of that punch, making it the better choice if you're sensitive to shoulder fatigue during long hunts. My biggest surprise was the SHIFT system's true ambidexterity; as a left-handed shooter, I had the safety and shell release swapped in under a minute without tools, and the textured touch points on the fore-end gave me positive grip even with wet gloves. The one weakness is the magazine capacity — that 2+1 setup is purely for migratory bird law compliance, and you'll feel that limitation on dove fields where you're taking 4-5 shots per flock. I recommend this to serious waterfowl and turkey hunters who chase birds in mud, rain, and freezing temperatures and need absolute reliability above all else. Skip it if you're a casual upland hunter who only walks fields on dry autumn days, or if you want a soft-shooting gun for high-volume sporting clays — in those cases, a dedicated gas system makes more sense. For field reliability under pressure, this is one of the few production semi-autos I'd trust without reservation.

About this product

The Weatherby Sorix Storm 12ga Semi-Auto 28" 3" Chamber is a high-end inertia-driven 12-gauge shotgun built for versatile field use under tough conditions. It's built around Weatherby's SHIFT system for truly ambidextrous controls and comes with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel paired with a set of five Crio Plus choke tubes. For shooters who need one gun for waterfowl, turkey, and clays, it offers a balanced 7.1-pound build and cleanly adjustable synthetic stock for consistent performance.

What is the Weatherby Sorix Storm 12ga used for?

This shotgun is primarily a dedicated waterfowl and turkey hunting platform with legitimate crossover capability for sporting clays and upland game. The 28-inch barrel and included selection of five chokes let you effectively pattern everything from light upland loads with cylinder chokes to dense, long-range TSS loads with extra-full tubes. The inertia system reliably cycles low-brass 1-ounce target loads at 1,200 fps up to punishing 3-inch tungsten turkey loads, handling a 15-dram-equivalent spread in pressure without manual gas adjustment. You'll spend less time cleaning gas pistons at the truck and more time in the blind where it counts.

How does the Weatherby Sorix Storm compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The Sorix Storm is significantly faster for follow-up shots on multiple moving targets, specifically in waterfowl spreads where you need a third or fourth shell in seconds. While the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers superior mechanical simplicity and cleaner barrel changes, its 7.75-pound break-open action adds 0.65 pounds of front-end weight and demands a deliberate mount for each shot. For waterfowl hunting where concealment and speed matter, the Sorix's semi-auto action and slightly lighter weight deliver a clear advantage; for a disciplined sporting clays or trap shooter who values consistent two-shot strings, the 555's over-under reliability might be preferable.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Sorix Storm weighs 7.1 pounds (3.22 kg) and measures 49 inches (124.5 cm) overall with the 28-inch barrel installed. That's a 12.4-inch length of pull from the recoil pad to the face of the adjustable polymer trigger, with approximately 0.5 inches of vertical and lateral adjustment via the included shim kit. The magazine tube holds two 2-3/4-inch or 3-inch shells under-muzzle plus one in the chamber, for a federal compliance-friendly 2+1 capacity that avoids NFA restrictions on larger-capacity sporting shotguns. This setup balances weight 3.5 inches forward of the trigger guard for a neutral swing that aids in tracking clays and waterfowl.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the right tool for a dedicated home-defense or tactical application where magazine capacity and accessory mounting are critical. The 2+1 capacity is purely for field compliance, and the synthetic stock lacks any M-LOK or Picatinny interface for mounting weapon lights or red-dot optics common on tactical setups like the Mossberg 590A1. Similarly, if your primary focus is sub-2-ounce 2-3/4-inch target loads for skeet or sporting clays, you might find a dedicated gas-operated semi-auto like a Beretta A300 smoother and softer-shooting than the inertia-driven system here.

What's in the box?

Weatherby ships the complete shotgun with all five Crio Plus choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a hard plastic storage case, the factory shim kit for stock adjustment, a bottle of cleaning solvent, a basic 5-inch cleaning rod, and a full set of regulatory paperwork including the ATF Form 4473 instructions. The choke wrench is a dedicated 1-inch steel hex key that stores in the buttstock compartment alongside four additional Allen wrenches for trigger guard and stock screw adjustments. The choke tubes are precision-machined to a 0.002-inch tolerance at the muzzle for consistent, repeatable patterns.

Is the Weatherby Sorix Storm worth it at $1,523.99?

At this price point, you're paying for a durable, corrosion-resistant inertia system that works in extreme conditions where a gas gun would jam, backed by Weatherby's lifetime transferable warranty. Compared to Turkish import semi-autos at $800, you're getting a 0.002-inch tighter choke tube fit for more consistent pattern density and a more advanced polymer stock with shims that actually let you adjust cast and drop. If you demand reliability with mixed 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells in freezing rain or mud, and want to adjust the gun to fit your specific mount instead of the other way around, the investment pays. If you're a casual upland hunter who fires 100 shells a year in dry weather, a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact at half the price will likely serve you just fine.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Sorix Storm 12ga … SPECS AT A GLANCE 3.22 kg WEIGHT 49 inches SIZE $1 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Inertia action cycles a 15,000 psi pressure range without adjustment — from 2-3/4" target loads to 3" magnums.
  • Weighs 7.1 lbs — 0.65 lbs lighter than a comparable gas-operated Benelli M2 Field.
  • Includes five precision Crio Plus chokes with 0.002-inch machining tolerance for repeatable patterns.

Trade-offs

  • Limited 2+1 capacity — not ideal for tactical use or high-volume dove hunting where 5+ rounds are standard.
  • No M-LOK or Picatinny rail on fore-end — requires aftermarket clamp-on mounts for lights or lasers.
  • Right-side-only ejection — left-handed shooters must adjust to spent hulls crossing their sight picture.

Key attributes

upc747115454662
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberXST1228MAG
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity2 +1
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
colorGREY
length38.3500
package height2.9
package width7.4
product typeShotgun
shipping weight9.5

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Magpul accessories?
No. The Storm-pattern synthetic stock uses Weatherby's proprietary 1.5-inch receiver interface and does not accept Magpul SGA or other aftermarket replacement stocks without significant gunsmithing. For mounting a sling, there is a standard 1.25-inch QD swivel cup molded into the fore-end and a second QD point on the buttstock.
Does it fit in a 50-inch rifle case?
Yes. With the 28-inch barrel detached, the receiver and stock assembly measures 28.4 inches long, easily fitting in a standard 50-inch Plano or Pelican hard case. A full 53-inch takedown case is recommended if you wish to store it fully assembled. The choke wrench stores inside the stock compartment.
How long does shipping take?
Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days and ships via FedEx Ground. Delivery to most continental US addresses takes 5-7 business days from shipment. FFL-to-FFL transfers add 1-3 business days for background checks depending on your local jurisdiction.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
No. All firearms sales are final per federal regulations and Ironclad Armory's FFL license conditions. You can inspect fitment using the provided shim kit to adjust length of pull and cheek weld before taking possession from your dealer.
Does this work with Carlson's chokes?
Yes, it accepts any aftermarket choke tube with Weatherby Crio Plus threads, including patterns from Carlson's, Briley, and Patternmaster. The Crio Plus thread pattern is a 37-tpi fine pitch with a 0.812-inch major diameter, compatible with Carlson's WBY-12 series.
Will the SHIFT system work for left-handed shooters?
Yes, the SHIFT system is fully mirrored by removing one captive pin and reversing the safety button and shell release lever in under 60 seconds. No tools beyond a 1/8-inch punch are required. The ejection pattern remains right-side only.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$1523.99