Weatherby Athena Grade IV

[marksman13]

Anybody have any experience with the SKB built Weatherby Athena’s? I’ve found one locally. Seller is asking $1900. It’s a Grade IV with gorgeous wood. Gunbroker says his price is okay, but not great. How do these shotguns compare to a Ruger Red Label or Browning Citori? Those are the only O/U shotguns I’ve ever really messed with other than a Savage 555. Trying to decide if this shotgun is worth trading for.

 

[Ovendoctor]

Ive got a field grade Weatherby in 12 Ga and I am very happy with it
had to try 12 different guns to get the one that fits is only draw back
I couldn't see any way to adjust for drop , cast ect. on the stock

Mike

 

[Kookla]

My dad has a Weatherby Orion he bought used a while back. While the blued finish was worn, the lock up was tight, operation very smooth. Their SKB made in Japan guns are supposed to be high quality and hold up well to high round counts. My dad likes his a bunch- as do I

 

[kudu]

Only ever seen one on a clays range. Looked decent, probably comparable to a Ruger Red Label, but not up to the durability of a Browning Citori. Ruger's are about a 30-40 thousand round gun. Citori probably 150 thousand and then can be rebuilt.

Will last most shooters and hunters a couple lifetimes.

 

[Roverguy]

Far superior to a Red Label. There’s a reason that gun was discontinued. Twice.

SKB built good strong guns, if not the sveltest, most lightweight. On par with the Citori in terms of strength and durability - but no SKB parts have been made in at least a decade. Still $1900 seems reasonable to me.

 

[marksman13]

Far superior to a Red Label. There’s a reason that gun was discontinued. Twice.

SKB built good strong guns, if not the sveltest, most lightweight. On par with the Citori in terms of strength and durability - but no SKB parts have been made in at least a decade. Still $1900 seems reasonable to me.

I had basically talked myself out of this trade, but you and others have me leaning the other way now. It’s a gorgeous shotgun. Looks chunky though and that’s my one issue with the Citoris. They feel chunky. Also, wasn’t sure that the price was where it needed to be. It’s hard to find good info on a shotgun like that. Hasn’t been made in a while and wasn’t made in large numbers when it was in production, so the market is small. I’m gonna add a few pictures of it. Tell me if I’m crazy for trading a like new, Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint for the Weatherby. Also, it has 26” barrels which apparently decreases the value just a little. I tend to like shorter barrels on shotguns than most though.

 

[Roverguy]

26” barrels? Fixed choke SK/SK ? Fine for skeet, and probably a fair few sporting clays courses, great for grouse in the NE or planted birds. Not much good for wild phezzies, chukkar.

You didn’t describe intended use.

 

[marksman13]

26” barrels? Fixed choke SK/SK ? Fine for skeet, and probably a fair few sporting clays courses, great for grouse in the NE or planted birds. Not much good for wild phezzies, chukkar.

You didn’t describe intended use.

I have no idea about the chokes. I think I’ve pretty much talked myself out of it after sleeping on it a couple nights. I think what I really want is a Browning Cynergy and I’m going to hold off until I find one that I like. The Cynergy is just a much trimmer looking shotgun. I’ve got to imagine it feels more trim than this Weatherby too. Intended use is going to be informal skeet shooting, dove hunting and quail hunting. No need to consider pheasants in my part of the world.

 

[243winxb]

Browning

Is a better choice. Newer, in current production, with a great track record.

The Citori was first a Charles Daly/Miroku model, till Browning took over.

Had the Dalys in field & trap 12 ga guns. Then newer Citori. Many rounds fired, trap & skeet, never an issue. My old Citori GD6. Yes, I like to show it off. . Not shot much lately, but good to look at in old age.

PS- wish I dont have it ported.

 

[Roverguy]

I have no idea about the chokes. I think I’ve pretty much talked myself out of it after sleeping on it a couple nights. I think what I really want is a Browning Cynergy and I’m going to hold off until I find one that I like. The Cynergy is just a much trimmer looking shotgun. I’ve got to imagine it feels more trim than this Weatherby too. Intended use is going to be informal skeet shooting, dove hunting and quail hunting. No need to consider pheasants in my part of the world.

I have a Cynergy. Great entry level target gun and a good sporting gun as well. The Cynergy and Browning725 are much trimmer/ low profile than the Citori or, in this case an SKB o/u.


A lot of traditionalists don’t like the Cynergy, but they are great entry level guns eve of the triggers are a bit heavy. Hope you find one you like and enjoy !