Mention Weatherby to most hunters and shooters and they’ll be quick to tell you about the company’s founder Roy Weatherby, and his passion for magnum cartridges and fine rifles. And while it’s true that Weatherby has made (and still makes) some of the best big game rifles on the market, we shouldn’t forget that the company has been offering shotguns for over 50 years.

A few years ago, Weatherby revived their Orion line of shotguns, and now the company is offering a side-by-side version of the Orion. Available in 12- or 20-gauge, these guns are built like traditional European guns and feature double triggers, a swamped rib, English-style straight stock, and a splinter forearm. And, as with the Orion over/under, the guns are rather austere, sporting a black chrome finish with “Weatherby” on the right side of the boxlock action.

Don’t mistake austere for unattractive, though. The lines and styling are that of a classic European double, and though the gun lacks ornamentation, it still has the look and feel of a fine upland gun. Perhaps understated is the best way to describe the look. The Orion isn’t dolled up with a bunch of engraving or ornamentation that would drive up the price. The stock is made from Turkish walnut, and the wood has a lot of features and character. The splinter forearm has a flat base and is equipped with a Deeley-style lever that, when pulled down, allows for the removal of the forearm. The bottom and sides of the forearm feature diamond checkering that matches the checkering on the wrist of the stock. There’s an extended trigger guard tang that runs along the wrist of the stock and adds strength to ensure longevity, and the base of the wrist is rather flat. There’s a dense black rubber recoil pad at the rear of the stock to reduce recoil impact. The stock comes with an oil finish that looks good and serves to protect the wood from abuse.

The twin mechanical triggers are articulated so that the finger naturally moves from the front trigger to the rear during the firing sequence. Pressing the front trigger fires the right barrel, and the rear trigger fires the left barrel. The front trigger broke at an average of 5.5-pounds when measured on a Wheeler trigger gauge, and the rear broke at 5 pounds. There’s a simple tang safety that moves forward to fire and rear for safety, and the safety features a round checkered knob that makes it easy to control.

Swamped ribs are traditionally found on fine European doubles, and they differ substantially from the raised ventilated ribs common on most semiauto, pump, and over/under shotguns. The swamped (or concave) rib runs low between the barrels and rises up to a front bead, so as with most doubles, you’re pointing the muzzle of the gun at the target, though the bead itself is still visible. It’s a simple, classic touch that makes the Orion feel like the classic side-by-side field gun it was designed to be. The basic front brass bead is small but functional.

Weatherby, Built to a Higher Standard

During its long history of shotgun sales, Weatherby has not manufactured most of the shotguns that they have offered, but instead has sourced those guns from the best manufacturers in the world. In the past, Weatherby shotguns were built in Japan and Italy, but the new Orion Side-by-Side hails from Turkey where it is manufactured by Yildiz, a company with a 40-year history of manufacturing shotguns and a solid reputation. In the past, Turkish guns have gotten a bad rap, and some Turkish guns certainly deserved the criticism levied against them. However, not all Turkish guns are equal. Yildiz is producing some of the finest shotguns to come from Turkey, and their factory is home to some of the best engineers in the country. The barrels are drilled from 4140 steel and the inner diameter and straightens are controlled by precision machines, and the ribs and barrels are joined by silver welding. Barrels are chrome lined and proof tested using 1550 bar loads. The result is a gun that is extremely durable, and Yildiz tests these guns to several thousand rounds. These guns are solidly built and engineered to stand up to harsh conditions.

Initially these guns will be available in 12- and 20-gauge. The 20-gauge version I tested came with 28-inch barrels, and equipped it weighed just 6 1⁄2 pounds. These guns are chambered for both 2 3⁄4 and 3-inch shotshells, and the balance point lies right at the front of the receiver as it should be. Five extended Yildiz chokes come standard (skeet, IC, modified, IM, and full). MSRP is set at $1,099.

Weatherby Orion Side-by-Side: Field Test

Side-by-sides will never be popular with the masses, but those who prefer the classic looks and feel of a British-style double will quickly learn to fall in love with this gun. There are some less expensive side-by-sides, but the quality of the Weatherby Orion is a step above most entry-level doubles. Metal-to-wood fit is better than lower-priced doubles but, not surprisingly, is not on-par with a double costing more. However, the Orion is a solidly-built gun that will last in the field and isn’t embarrassing to look at. On the contrary, the lines and balance are quite good for a gun in this price range.

Extractors come standard and do a good job elevating the shells (fired or unfired) for removal. The action is not overly tight and doesn’t require Herculean strength to open. However, it is not loose either. It gives the impression of a gun that is designed to be broken-in over time.

Yildiz prides itself on producing barrels that are of excellent quality and their guns are typically well-regulated. Not surprisingly, the Weatherby’s point of impact is in line with point of aim. That’s not true of all shotguns, but the test gun’s pattern covered the aiming point with both barrels at thirty yards. It shot a bit high—perhaps 60/40.

The triggers on this gun are excellent and are easily as good as some shotguns costing considerably more money. There’s no sponginess and the trigger break is clean. I test several shotguns throughout the year, and it’s rare to find a gun with five-pound triggers. It’s not so light that the trigger break surprises the shooter, but you also won’t lose your line as you swing through the target because the trigger is heavy or sloppy. When I broke crossers, I could track the target with the muzzle of the gun and break the clay without deviation.

Bird hunters will love how this gun handles in the field. Light and well-balanced, the Weatherby is a natural pointer and light enough that you can carry it all day in steep country or for long walks through the pheasant fields. Recoil is manageable, and the oversized trigger guard and articulated triggers allow shooting with gloved hands. The tang safety is easy to find and operate.

There were few things I didn’t like about this gun. Reliability was excellent, but the top line of the receiver doesn’t match the rear of the barrels. That’s not an issue, but the cosmetics aren’t as appealing as some other doubles. As stated, this gun is austere—a basic field gun—but I have no qualms with that (and perhaps we’ll see a dressed-up Athena version someday).

There’s a lot to like about this gun, and Weatherby has done a great job balancing cost with quality. Many upland hunters I know would like to own a double for the field, but they’re not interested in paying several thousand dollars for one. Nor are they keen on buying a cheap double that is course and of questionable quality. The Orion Side-by-Side is a solid performer that is well-built and capable. It’s also very fun to carry and shoot. Whether it’s your primary bird gun or a backup, you’ll appreciate having it in the gun safe.