With SHOT Show 2015 right around the corner, Weatherby has announced the return of their Orion Over/Under shotgun. According to executive vice president Adam Weatherby the line is being brought back due to high demand. The company was founded in 1945, making this their 70^th anniversary year, and has its headquarters in Paso Robles, California.

The Orion O/U is made with bird hunters and clay shooters in mind and is designed for exceptional balance and swing. Weatherby says they’ve tested the shotgun at length both for performance and durability and that it has the “Weatherby touch” for meeting expectations. The stock is made of Grade “A” walnut with a glossy finish while the grip is a Prince of Wales style with checkering for comfort and a positive grip. And to prevent snagging on clothing while mounting the gun to the shoulder the Pachmyr Decelerator pad has a “speed mount heel.”

From Weatherby:

“In addition, Orion shotguns have a traditional boxlock action with a dual conical pin locking mechanism for superior structural integrity. The forged steel receiver is shallower in depth and thinner in profile than traditional 12-gauge designs to provide exceptional balance and reduced weight. The chamber and bore are chrome lined for easier cleaning and greater corrosion resistance to withstand years of high-volume shooting. Automatic shell ejectors allow for faster reloading.

Other key features include a matte ventilated top rib to provide a better sighting plane and dissipate heat waves quicker. The threaded brass bead front sight atop the barrel helps facilitate quick target acquisition. An ambidextrous top tang safety also serves as barrel selector, allowing the shooter to quickly choose which barrel shoots first. The safety is designed for easy use, even with gloved hands.

Each Orion over/under shotgun features Weatherby’s Integral Multi-Choke System and comes with Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full choke tubes that allow shooters to tailor their shot patterns for specific hunting applications.”

According to the company each shotgun weighs approximately seven pounds and comes with either a 26” or 28” barrel and 3” chamber.

MSRP is $1099. Visit their website at www.weatherby.com or give them a call for further information at (805) 227-2600.