Weatherby South Gate Model Orion III Field 20 GA 26″ Over Under O/U Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $1576
LSB#: 210525JM04
Make: Weatherby, Japan
Model: Orion III Field
Serial Number: GR00356
Year of Manufacture: 1989-2002
Caliber: 20 Gauge 3″ Chamber
Action Type: Over / Under with Single Selective Inertial Trigger & Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “20 GA – 3” / SOUTH GATE, CALIF MADE IN JAPAN”, the right side is marked “Weatherby ORION”. The bottom of the bottom barrel is marked “W / V / 0306C / GR00356 / NP ”. The left side of the bottom chamber is marked “M / 899” and the right side is marked “CC”. The forend metal and the bottom of the frame are marked “GR00356”. The sides, top, and bottom of the frame have scroll engraving. The left of the frame is engraved with a pheasant and the right has a duck.
Barrel Length: 26” with Ventilated Rib
Choke: The currently installed chokes measure Cylinder over Improved Cylinder
Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a brass bead at the front of the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lb 10 oz
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered wood with a capped pistol grip, finger groove forend, fluted monte carlo comb, and a brown vent rubber Weatherby buttpad. The pistol grip cap has a white diamond inlay and a white spacer. There are a few light marks from handling and storage, most noticeable on the sides of the buttstock. There is some crazing to the finish. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber buttpad. The pad has some light wear but is supple. The drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2” and at the heel 2 3/8”. The cast is about neutral, slightly off. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue with Silver Receiver
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This gun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The barrels have some very light thinning at the muzzles. The right front corner of the rib has a ding. There are a few light marks from handling on the barrels. There are some spots of dark discoloration on the frame, most noticeable on the bottom as well as on the top tang. There are a couple of light scuffs on the trigger guard. There is standard operational wear. The markings are clear. The screwheads show light use with strong slots. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly including the ejectors. The action locks up tight with no play. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching box, manual, Full choke, and a Modified choke.
Our Assessment: The Weatherby Orion is a boxlock over under shotgun with ejectors, beautiful wood and superb craftsmanship. Upon first sight, the shotgun almost looks like something Browning or Winchester would produce. Made by SKB in Japan, its construction is solid, like all of the other fine Weatherby products in the rifle lineup. The barrel set is threaded for removable chokes and with the 26″ barrel length, this would make a great Skeet gun, it swings gracefully and is well-balanced. This one looks like it has hardly been used and comes with its original box and two additional chokes. Please see our pictures and good luck.