Weatherby Orion Ducks Unlimited Ben Johnson 12 Ga 28″ O/U Shotgun, MFD 1986

SOLD FOR: $1876

LSB#: 220108HC006

Make: Weatherby, Japan

Model: Orion Ducks Unlimited

Serial Number: 86DU1001

Year of Manufacture: 1986

Caliber: 12 Gauge 3″ Chamber

Action Type: Over / Under Shotgun with Single Mechanical Selective Trigger

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “12 GA – 3” / SOUTH GATE, CALIF MADE IN JAPAN”, the right side is marked “Weatherby ORION”. The top of the rib is marked “Ducks Unlimited” in gold cursive script. The left side of the mono block is marked “B / 346”, the right is marked “”C / C”. The bottom of the monoblock is marked “D28C”, “86 DU 1001”, and “NP”. The forearm iron is marked with the serial number. The sides of the receiver are marked with gold inlay duck scenes and a small shield on the left with a duck marked “DUCKS UNLIMITED” and the flags of three countries. There is decorative scroll engraving in the top of the receiver and lever. The right side of the buttstock has a plack that is marked “Ben Johnson / Pro / Celebrity Roping / Houston Tx 1993” in cursive script with some foliate scroll engraving.

Barrel Length: 28” with Ventilated Rib

Choke: The currently installed chokes measure Improved Cylinder over Modified. An additional Full choke is included.

Sights / Optics: The gun is mounted with a pink beaded blade at the front of the rib. The rib has checkering for glare reduction.

Weight: 7 lb 14.7 oz

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered wood with a rosewood capped pistol grip, finger groove forend, fluted straight comb, and a brown weave-textured 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 but no major imperfections. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures approximately 14” & 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber buttpad and wood, respectively. The pad has some light wear but is supple. The drop at the comb is approximately 1 9/16” and at the heel 2 5/16”. The cast is slightly off. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are bright. There is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This gun retains about 98% of its metal finish.There is very faint surface oxidation on the lower tang. The receiver shows a faint plum hue. There is standard operational wear. The markings are clear. The screwheads are sharp. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Excellent 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 Ducks Unlimited case, a choke wrench, a manual, the previously mentioned additional choke, and keys for the case.

Our Assessment: This shotgun was manufactured and designed in 1986 to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of Ducks Unlimited. The metal surfaces retain 98% original blue with gold inlaid ”DUCKS UNLIMITED” on the rib and gold ducks in flight on the left and right frame flats. This shotgun belonged to Paul N. “Red” Adair, famed oil rig firefighter. He became notable internationally as an innovator in the highly specialized and hazardous profession of extinguishing and capping oil well blowouts, both land-based and offshore. He won the auction for this shotgun at the Ben Johnson/Red Adair Pro Celebrity Team Roping and Cutting Horse Competition. The checkered walnut rosewood-capped pistol grip buttstock and finger-groove forend are excellent with an attractive sheen and subtle fiddle-back figure. The gold trigger is single selective, the ejectors are strong and the safety is non-automatic. The barrel set is threaded for removable chokes and with the 28″ 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. Please see our pictures and good luck.