The Firearm Blog

Weatherby are now selling Vanguard rifles for $399. They have a guaranteed accuracy of 1.5 MOA.

Weatherby is now offering its Vanguard rifles starting at $399, which is the lowest price the rifles have been offered at in years.

While the price has been lowered, Weatherby says the features of the Vanguard remain the same. A newly accurized trigger is adjustable and calibrated to break crisply without any play. The Vanguard action features a one-piece forged and machined receiver, and the bolt has three ports to allow high-pressure gases to escape in the event of an accidental case rupture. The rifle is available in 16 calibers, including .257 and .300 Weatherby Magnums.

Now if only ammunition prices would also decrease!

More info at 399weatherby.com

Hat Tip: Shooting Industry

New for 2008 Weatherby‘s Newest Side-by-Side Shotgun: Orion D‘Italia SBS:

Specs:

• Weatherby‘s “flying W” engraved on the triggerguard.
• Gold trigger.
• Engraved silver frame.
• Barrels with automatic ejectors to discharge only spent shells when the receiver is opened.
• Three interchangeable chokes for tailoring choke patterns to shooting needs and various field situations.
• Three-inch chamber for both the 12- and 20-gauge models.
• Rubber recoil pad.

Retail: $2099

Press release:

Weatherby introduces the Orion® D‘Italia SBS, a new side-by-side shotgun designed to provide Italian quality and craftsmanship at an extraordinary value for wingshooting enthusiasts.

Manufactured in partnership with Fausti Stefano Arms of Italy, the Orion D‘Italia SBS offers two features preferred by many American shotgunners: a pistol grip (Prince of Wales half-round pistol grip design) and single trigger.

“The Orion D‘Italia SBS offers all the handling and quick-pointing benefits of an English-style stock but has the look and feel of a pistol grip,” said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby”s vice president of sales and marketing. “American shotgunners like the pistol grip because it gives them more to hang on to, as compared to a traditional English straight-grip stock. They are also more accustomed to a single trigger. In addition, the Orion D&‘Italia SBS sports classic Italian side-by-side styling and craftsmanship, and delivers superior performance based on modern production techniques. It truly is a great value, rivaling side-by-sides that cost much more.”

The Orion D”Italia SBS is available in 12- and 20-gauge models.

Other key features include a stock fashioned from Turkish walnut in a gloss finish, embellished with fineline laser point checkering at 20 lines per inch.

The time-tested Anson and Deeley action is cut from a solid block of alloy steel, hardened and chromed with a coin finish. A Purdey double locking system (box-lock mechanism) is designed to provide precise interlocking alignment of the barrels to the action, which is engraved with a handsome floral design and game scene.

Specifications for the Orion D‘Italia SBS also include:

* Weatherby‘s “flying W” engraved on the triggerguard.
* Gold trigger.
* Engraved silver frame.
* Barrels with automatic ejectors to discharge only spent shells when the receiver is opened.
* Three interchangeable chokes for tailoring choke patterns to shooting needs and various field situations.
* Three-inch chamber for both the 12- and 20-gauge models.
* Rubber recoil pad.

Suggested retail price is $2,099 for each model.

For more information contact a local Weatherby dealer or Weatherby, Inc., 1605 Commerce Way, Paso Robles, Calif. 93446; (805) 227-2600. Or, visit www.weatherby.com.

Weatherby will be offering improved version of the Athena and Orion Over/Under Shotguns during 2008.

Weatherby‘s time-tested and field-proven Athena® and Orion® over/under shotguns will feature design and performance enhancements at even more affordable prices as a result of a new manufacturing agreement with Fausti Stefano Arms of Italy.

Effective June 1, 2007, Fausti Stefano Arms replaces New SKB as Weatherby‘s manufacturing partner for the Athena and Orion shotgun lines. In 2005, Weatherby first teamed with Fausti to produce the highly-successful side-by-side Athena D’Italia shotguns.

”This is great news for bird hunters and target shooting enthusiasts,“ said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby‘s vice president of sales and marketing. ”Our new agreement with Fausti Stefano Arms will allow us to make our Athena and Orion over/unders with the flair for style and function the Italian gunmakers are renowned for, but at even more affordable prices. However, they will retain the distinctive and familiar Weatherby family look that our customers have become accustomed to over the years.“

A key enhancement is the shotgun‘s action, a unique and patented Rizzini four-lock system. Instead of the two locking points typical of Italian shotguns, the Rizzini action design has four points of engagement between the barrels and the receiver, creating a strong, rock-solid lockup for long, dependable service.

Another new feature: a sculpted frame head providing a custom touch normally reserved for high-grade over/under shotguns.

Also new will be barrels that are chrome lined for ease of cleaning and to better withstand the wear and tear of heavy use. Other barrel features remain the same: lengthened forcing cones to help reduce felt recoil, thereby curbing shooter fatigue and improving shot patterns; and ventilated side ribs to allow quicker cooling of the barrel during extended periods of shooting.

Enhancements to the stock include a thinned wrist and forend to improve handling qualities, and an increase to 22 lines per inch checkering for an additional custom touch.

Athena and Orion shotguns will continue to offer a stainless steel Integral Multi-Choke (IMC) system for tailoring choke patterns to shooting needs and various field situations. The thread pattern is Briley- compatible for extra versatility.

Under the new manufacturing agreement, the Athena line for 2007 will include the Grade V Classic Field in 12 and 20 gauge; a reintroduction of the Grade IV Classic Field in 12, 20 and 28 gauge; and the Grade III Classic Field in 12 and 20 gauge. The Orion line will include the Grade III Classic Field in 12 and 20 gauge; Grade II Classic Field in 12, 20 and 28 gauge; Grade I Classic Field (replacing the Upland model) in 12 and 20 gauge; and a sporting clays model in 12 gauge.

Suggested retail prices will range from $1,439 for the Orion Grade I to $3,499 for the Athena Grade IV. For more information contact a local Weatherby dealer or Weatherby, Inc., 1605 Commerce Way, Paso Robles, Calif. 93446; (805) 227-2600. Or, visit www.weatherby.com.

More here.

For most hunters, the pump shotgun served as their introduction to wingshooting. Easy-to-use, no-nonsense design, dependable in the field, the pump is generally regarded as the “4×4″ of field guns. Our new line of PA-08 pump shotguns carries that tradition forward in typical Weatherby function and style. Designed on a similar frame as our popular semi-automatics, the Turkish-made PA-08 features a single action bar design that is straightforward, overbuilt and made for round after round of high volume action. Choose from four different models, including wood, synthetic and camo options.

The PA-08 Comes in four versions.

PA-08 Upland

Combines rock-solid dependability and performance with attention to detail.

* Walnut stock with low lustre finish
* Heavy-duty dual bar slide action
* All metalwork is matte black to reduce glare
* Vented top rib dissipates heat and aids in target acquisition
* Available in 12 gauge, 3″ chamber
* Comes with three application-specific choke tubes

MSRP $349*

PA-08 Knoxx Strutter X Camo

Innovative stock design yields reduced recoil with the concealment of Apparition Excelâ„¢ camo pattern

* Knoxx stock reduces recoil and is instantly adjustable to fit any shooter
* Features Apparition Excelâ„¢ camo pattern for the ultimate in concealment
* Heavy-duty dual bar slide action
* Vented top rib with fiber optic front sight dissipates heat and aids in target acquisition
* Available in 12 gauge, 3″ chamber
* Comes with three application-specific choke tubes

MSRP $579*

The patented Knoxx SpecOps stock will change the way you think about shotguns…reducing the recoil of even the heaviest loads by up to 95%. Originally designed for law enforcement applications, the innovative stock design offers more than 4″ of buttstock adjustment to instantly fit any size shooter, along with a traditional pistol grip design for sure handling in the field. Special polymer and alloy construction delivers year after year of reliable use.
CNC-machined receiver

Aircraft-grade alloys are used to machine the PA-08 receiver. Extremely lightweight, yet incredibly strong for years of dependable use. Functional design features a drop-out trigger assembly for ease of cleaning, integrated safety button and easy-to-access pump slide release button.

PA-08 Knoxx Strutter X Synthetic

Innovative Knoxx stock adjusts to fit any size shooter while reducing recoil up to 95%.

* Heavy-duty dual bar slide action
* All metalwork is matte black to reduce glare
* Vented top rib dissipates heat and aids in target acquisition
* Available in 12 gauge, 3″ chamber
* Comes with three application-specific choke tubes

MSRP $499*

PA-08 Knoxx HD

All the advantages of the Knoxx stock, designed specifically for home protection and defense.

* Shorter 18″ barrel length is ideal in close
* Black synthetic Knoxx SpecOps stock adjusts instantly to fit any size shooter
* Patented system curbs recoil by as much as 95%
* Fixed (Cylinder) choke
* Available in 12 gauge, 3″ chamber
* Maximum magazine capacity - 5 rounds (2 3/4″)

MSRP $499*
The press release:

Dependability and affordability have merged with Weatherby‘s® penchant for a look that instills pride in ownership with introduction of a new line of pump action shotguns.

“Most bird hunters cut their teeth with pump shotguns,” said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby‘s vice president of sales and marketing, “and many continue to use them throughout their hunting careers. Our PA-08 line blends the best of the pump action design—durability, dependability and affordability, with the upgraded touches Weatherby is known for.”

The PA-08 Upland model has a stock and forend of Turkish walnut with a high-gloss finish, forend finger grooves and quality-cut checkering. With its functioning recoil pad, the Upland is simply more shotgun for the money.

The PA-08‘s alloy receiver reduces overall weight and improves the balance of the shotgun. The receiver and barrel feature high-lustre metal work and are available in 12 gauge with a three-inch chamber. The PA-08‘s chrome-lined barrels and lengthened forcing cones reduce felt recoil and can withstand years of high-volume shooting. The chrome lining also reduces the effort needed for cleaning. In addition to the barrels, the receiver features a chrome-plated bolt that prevents action from binding and eases operation. Similar to the SA-08 Semi-Automatic line, the PA-08‘s drop-out trigger system can be removed and reassembled quickly for easy cleaning.

With the exception of the Home Defense model (Cylinder Choke), three application-specific choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full, or Modified Full and Extra Full on the Strutter X models) are included with each PA-08 model. The screw-in Integral Multi-Choke System is compatible with the Briley® thread pattern and allows shooters to tailor their shot patterns for specific needs.

Available PA-08 models include the Upland, Knoxx Strutter X Camo, Knoxx Strutter X Synthetic and Knoxx HD (Home Defense).

The Knoxx Strutter X Camo, Strutter X Synthetic and HD models feature composite forends and a Knoxx adjustable, pistol-grip stock. The patented stock system can reduce recoil by as much as 95 percent.

Designed for turkey hunters, the Knoxx Strutter X models feature vented top ribs for heat dissipation and fiber optic front sights for quick target acquisition. The Strutter X Synthetic has matte black metalwork. Similar in appearance, the Strutter X Camo features hydrographic dip Skyline Apparition Excelâ„¢ camouflage.

The Knoxx HD model features a shorter, 18-inch barrel specifically designed for home protection and defense.

The MSRPs of the shotguns are $349 for the Upland, $499 for both the Strutter X Synthetic and Knox HD, and $579 for Knoxx Strutter X Camo. For more information contact a local Weatherby dealer or Weatherby, Inc., 1605 Commerce Way, Paso Robles, Calif. 93446; (805) 227-2600. Or, visit www.weatherby.com.

More here.

Weatherby have introduced a new line of semi-automatic shotguns for 2008.

It comes in two versions, the SA-08 Upland and the SA-08 Youth

SA-08 Upland

Our wood stock semi-automatic is built for long days and fast shooting. The SA-08’s unique gas system is easy to access and change for the widest range of load versatility. Valve caps for light or heavy loads screw on and off in seconds. Handles the lightest 7/8 oz. to the heaviest 3″ goose loads with ease.

* Walnut stock with oil finish
* All metalwork is matte black to reduce glare
* Vent top rib dissipates heat and aids in target acquisition
* Features unique dual valve system for the widest range of load versatility
* Available in 12 and 20 gauge models

MSRP $669*

SA-08 Youth

All the performance and dependability of a Weatherby in a scaled-down version that’s the perfect way to start a young shooter off right.

* Scaled down stock fits women and younger shooters (12 1/2″ length of pull)
* All metalwork is matte black to reduce glare
* Vented top rib dissipates heat and aids in target acquisition
* Features unique dual valve system for widest range of load versatility
* Available in 20 gauge

The SA-08’s unique gas system is easy to access and change for the widest range of load versatility. Valve caps for light or heavy loads screw on and off in seconds. Handles the lightest 7/8 oz. to the heaviest 3″ goose loads with ease.

The press release:

Weatherby has combined its reputation for performance and dependability with unmatched load versatility and affordability with the introduction of three new full-featured models of semi-automatic shotguns.

The new Weatherby SA-08 Semi-Auto line of shotguns features a proven dual valve system that allows shooters to quickly adapt the shotguns to accommodate the for widest load ranges. The interchangeable valves are easily accessed and changed.

The shotgun is available in three models, Upland, Youth and Synthetic. Both Upland and Youth feature oil-finished, walnut stocks. The Youth model has a scaled down stock for a proper fit with smaller shooters. The SA-08 Synthetic is similar in appearance and dimensions but features a black composite stock for added durability and affordability.

The Upland and Synthetic are available in either 12 or 20 gauge, and the Youth model is available in 20 gauge.

“With the addition of the dual-valve system, the SA-08 Semi-Auto offers the widest range of load versatility,” said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Within seconds, hunters can transition from the lightest 7/8 ounce loads to the heaviest turkey and waterfowl loads. The key benefit of the dual valve system is guaranteed functioning through maximizing gas dispersal while minimizing felt recoil. The valve system efficiently uses only the gas necessary to cycle the action and bleeds off the balance.”

The SA-08‘s alloy receiver reduces overall weight and improves the balance of the shotgun. The chrome plated bolt extends bolt and receiver life by reducing friction and eases operation. The receivers also feature a unique drop-out trigger system. The trigger system can be removed and reassembled quickly for easy cleaning.

The Weatherby SA-08s have chrome-lined barrels to withstand years of high-volume shooting and reduce the effort necessary to keep the barrel clean. The shotguns‘ barrels also feature lengthened forcing cones for improved patterns and less shooter fatigue. Additionally the shotguns have three (Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full) screw-in Integral Multi-Choke System that are compatible with the Briley® thread pattern and allows shooters to tailor their shot patterns for specific hunting applications.

Upland and Youth models have an MSRP of $669. Synthetic has an MSRP of $619. For more information contact a local Weatherby dealer or Weatherby, Inc., 1605 Commerce Way, Paso Robles, Calif. 93446; (805) 227-2600. Or, visit www.weatherby.com.

Founded in 1945, Weatherby, Inc.’s 2008 line features the popular Vanguard® and legendary Mark V® rifles, over/under and side-by-side shotguns in the classic Athena® and Orion® lines, semi-auto and pump shotguns, premium ammunition and security/shooting accessories. The company is based in Paso Robles and invites all hunters and shooters to visit and join its new online community at www.weatherbynation.com.

More here.