The Weatherby Orion SXS is a side-by-side 28 gauge shotgun with an "A" Grade American Walnut stock and matte blued finish. It runs a mechanical double trigger, extractors (not ejectors), and a Swamp Top Rib, with an ambidextrous top-tang safety and five interchangeable chokes. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Weatherby 
• Family: Orion Shotgun Series 
• Model: Orion SXS 
• Type: Shotgun 
• Action: Side By Side 
• Caliber/Gauge: 28 Gauge 
• Barrel Length: 28" 
• Overall Length: 46" 
• Capacity: 2 (per manufacturer specifications) 
• Weight: 6.1 lbs. 
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 lbs. 
• Sights: Brass Front Bead (Fixed) 
• Safety Features: Ambidextrous Top-Tang Safety 
• Chamber Size: 3" 
• Choke Options: IM, IC, M, F, SK 
• Additional Info: 
  • Extractors 
  • Mechanical Double Trigger 
  • Swamp Top Rib 
     

Detailed Features 

The mechanical double trigger gives each barrel its own dedicated trigger—no selector, no mode switching, just pull the front for the first barrel and the rear for the second. That straightforward setup suits hunters who want fast, predictable shot selection in the field. 
 
The ambidextrous top-tang safety is accessible to either hand without repositioning your grip, which matters when a bird flushes quickly. Five choke tubes (Improved Modified, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, Skeet) cover most upland and clay-shooting situations. 
 
At 6.1 lbs., this is a light gun for a full-day carry through the uplands. The 28 gauge generates noticeably less recoil than a 20 gauge, which makes for a comfortable session whether you're working dogs in the field or breaking clays. The "A" Grade American Walnut stock has good grain character and holds up to field use while looking the part on a traditional side-by-side. 
 

Usage Scenarios 

• Upland Game Hunting: Light weight and 28 gauge recoil make it well-suited for all-day bird hunting with dogs. 
• Clay Shooting: The five-choke system handles skeet, sporting clays, and trap distances.

The Weatherby Orion SXS in 28 gauge draws attention primarily for its looks and how it handles in the field. The A Grade Walnut stock gets consistent praise—the grain and finish quality are considered strong for the price, and the gun feels well-balanced in hand.

The 28 gauge itself is a recurring topic. Shooters who have used it for upland hunting report a pleasant, low-recoil experience that holds up well through a full day afield. It performs reliably on various game birds, which is the core use case most buyers have in mind.

The main debate is value. Weatherby carries a premium association, and some buyers question whether the Orion SXS delivers enough over comparably priced options from other brands. The extractors rather than ejectors also come up occasionally—most experienced side-by-side shooters consider this a traditional and acceptable choice, but buyers expecting ejectors should know what they're getting.

Beginners sometimes note a steeper handling curve compared to semi-automatics, which is typical of side-by-side shotguns generally rather than a criticism specific to this model. Experienced shooters and collectors tend to be the most satisfied owners.