Anyone familiar with Weatherby Orion Upland?

[Snarlingiron]

I would like to get myself a nice-ish over/under. Price is an issue, as it always is. I have seen the Weatherby Orion Upland listed for around $1000.00. I am a bit confused, because I am not sure whether it is the SKB or the Fausti. Looks pretty nice, although I have not actually handled one yet. Anybody have any experience with these? Good buy? POS? somewhere in between?

I have hunting guns, and the reality is that I don't get to do that much hunting anymore anyway, so I am looking for something for sporting clays use primarily. Of course, like everyone else, I want a gun that performs like a Krieghoff, and costs like a Stoeger. Not really. I have time, and would like to spend around $1000.00 to 1500.00. Closer to $1000.00 is better.

 

[Striker]

It's a SKB with a lightning buttstock.

I had one for a couple of years and it did primary duty as a skeet gun. I eventually traded it on a SKB 85T, which is the same gun with a target stock.

Bottom line: it's a good gun.

 

[ArmedBear]

I have an old Ithaca SKB, and I know people with SKB-branded guns as well as Weatherby-branded SKB guns as well. All of them are EXCELLENT shotguns. They use a Greener crossbolt and they last. The Orion is plain-looking, but top-quality. The president of the hunting dog training club we belong to has one that he throws in his pickup truck bed, in a thin fabric gun sock. It's the most beat shotgun I've ever seen; the rib is all bent up, it's got rust and dings everywhere. But it still shoots perfectly.

That said, you can get basic blued-receiver guns from SKB for close to a grand any day of the week. If you want a POW grip, get that Weatherby (it's discontinued). But if you want a conventional pistol grip, look here: http://www.skbshotguns.com/over-and-under/field/index.php

The 505 is pretty similar to the Weatherby. I've seen the 585 Silver on sale for a grand (rack clearance). Note that blued receivers tend to rust when you sweat on them, unless you wipe and oil them soon after. I'd consider springing for the nickel version (585) which, in 12 Gauge, comes with overbore barrels and competition chokes as well.

 

[jamesb]

CDNN has ruger red labels and winchester selects in the 1000 ballpark. Browning sportings for under 2000.

 

[ArmedBear]

CDNN has Winchesters for 899 I think. I'd look at those. They also have 12 Gauge Rugers with straight grips, if you like that, for 999 I think.

 

[redneck2]

I've got an Orion Grade II SC model. It's got the two little gold clay birds on the bottom of the receiver. Even if you miss, you look really cool doing it.

Mine's an SKB. I like it a LOT. Nice and solid, and IMO a little easier handling than the Browning that I was going to get.

 

[Snarlingiron]

Ok, I stopped by Academy on my way home after work and put my hands on the Weatherby Orion Upland. Very nice, and seems really solid. the semi pistol grip seemed a little different, but I am so used to a full pistol grip. I'm sure I would get used to it in short order. Tough to beat for $999.00. Now to see if I can find $999.00...

 

[porsche]

you might want to look atwhat your area retailers bring in, in the way of a used o/u. a reputable dealer will sell a useable product and you will get more bang for the buck. i have bought several nice brownings this way. and , when i knock the stock against something hard by accident , i don't feel as bad as i would with a new gun.