Weatherby Japanese Model Athena 20 Gauge 26” Over/Under Shotgun
SOLD FOR: $2526
LSB#: 220928JR002
Make: Made in Japan by SKB or Nikko Firearms, imported by Weatherby
Model: Athena
Serial Number: F002487
Year of Manufacture: 1972 – 1981
Gauge: 20 Gauge, 3” Chamber
Action Type: Over / Under with Single Selective Inertial Trigger & Ejectors
Markings: The left side of the top barrel is marked “20 GA – 3” / SOUTH GATE, CALIF MADE IN JAPAN”, the right side is marked “Weatherby ATHENA”. The left side of the bottom chamber is marked “C / 976” and the right side is marked “C / C”. The forend metal and the bottom of the frame are marked “F002487”. The sides, top, and bottom of the frame have scroll engraving. There is also scroll engraving on the side plates, forend iron components, and lever. The top of the lever has a gold Weatherby crown.
Barrel Length: 26”, Vent Rib
Choke: The barrels are threaded to utilize IMC (Integral Multi Choke) system or Briley choke tubes. The top barrel is installed with a choke measuring Improved Cylinder. The lower barrel is installed with a choke measuring Cylinder. No additional choke tubes are included.
Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with a brass bead at the front of the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.
Weight: 6 lbs, 12.6 oz.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered wood featuring a forend with finger grooves, a semi-pistol grip with a grip cap inset with white diamond, fluted straight comb, and a ventilated rubber Weatherby recoil pad. There are a few light nicks, dings and compressions, mostly on the buttstock towards the rear. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The pad has some light wear. The drop at the comb is approximately 1 3/8” and at the heel is approximately 2 1/2”. The cast is about neutral. The stocks are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Coin
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is some light scattered erosion towards the rear of both bores.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are a few light nicks along the barrels. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is an attractive Japanese made Over/Under 20 gauge shotgun with nice checkered wood, finely engraved coin receiver and a nice blue finish on the barrels. This one appears to have been used little and/or very well cared-for and has only a couple light marks. The gun is lightweight and well balanced, great for just about any hunting purposes you could ask of a 20 gauge. This is a gorgeous gun in Fine Plus condition which will take a prized place in any hunter’s collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
