The Weatherby Orion Sporting Clays shotgun has earned a reputation as a high-performing over-under, favored by both seasoned competitors and enthusiastic sporting clays shooters. But does it live up to the hype? This in-depth review dives into the Orion's features, performance, pros, and cons, helping you determine if it's the right fit for your shooting needs.
Design and Construction: A Blend of Elegance and Durability
The Orion Sporting Clays boasts a classic, elegant design, immediately recognizable as a high-quality over-under. Its construction emphasizes durability and reliability, using high-grade materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Weatherby utilizes a robust receiver, meticulously machined for precise tolerances. The action is known for its smooth operation, contributing to a comfortable shooting experience.
Key Features:
- Steel Receiver: Provides exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear.
- High-Grade Wood Stock: Typically crafted from Turkish or American walnut, offering a beautiful finish and comfortable grip. The stock's geometry is designed for excellent ergonomics and pointability.
- Adjustable Comb: This feature allows for customization to fit individual shooter preferences and enhances cheek weld for optimal sight alignment.
- Multi-Choke System: The Orion Sporting typically comes with interchangeable chokes (often Invector-DS), providing shooters with the versatility to adapt to various targets and shooting conditions. This enables adjustments for different distances and target presentations.
- Engraving: While not a functional feature, the often-intricate engraving adds to the shotgun's aesthetic appeal, reflecting its premium status.
Performance on the Sporting Clays Course
The Weatherby Orion consistently delivers exceptional performance on the sporting clays course. Its balanced design and smooth action contribute to quick target acquisition and follow-through. The adjustable comb is particularly beneficial for fine-tuning the fit, which directly impacts accuracy and consistency. Many shooters praise its ability to handle fast-moving targets with precision.
Handling and Feel:
The weight and balance are key aspects often highlighted by users. While not overly light, the Orion manages to strike a balance between maneuverability and stability, even during extended shooting sessions. The recoil is generally manageable, thanks to the shotgun's weight and design.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and durability.
- Smooth action and reliable performance.
- Adjustable comb for personalized fit.
- Versatility thanks to the multi-choke system.
- Elegant design and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Price point: The Orion is positioned as a premium shotgun, which makes it a significant investment.
- Availability: Depending on your location and retailer, availability may be limited.
- Weight: While generally considered well-balanced, some shooters might find it a bit heavy for extended use.
Conclusion: Is the Weatherby Orion Right for You?
The Weatherby Orion Sporting Clays shotgun is a high-quality over-under that delivers exceptional performance and a refined shooting experience. Its robust construction, adjustable comb, and versatile multi-choke system cater to the needs of serious sporting clays shooters. However, the significant price tag must be considered. If you're a dedicated sporting clays enthusiast seeking a premium shotgun capable of consistent high performance, the Orion is certainly worth serious consideration. But if budget is a primary constraint, you may want to explore other options in the market. Thoroughly researching comparable models and potentially handling the Orion before purchasing is strongly recommended.
