Weatherby Orion 12 Gauge Over/Under 26" Shotgun – Japanese SKB Manufacture

Weatherby Orion 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun – 26" Engraved Receiver

Early Japanese SKB Manufacture | Circa 1984–1990 | 3" Chambers | Plum Patina | Excellent Condition for Its Age

OVERVIEW

Offered here is a beautiful Weatherby Orion 12-gauge over/under shotgun, featuring 26-inch blued barrels, an engraved receiver, traditional checkered wood stocks, and an attractive plum-colored patina.

This Orion is an early Japanese-manufactured example produced by SKB, a respected Japanese shotgun manufacturer known for its quality craftsmanship and finely built sporting shotguns. SKB began its manufacturing relationship with Weatherby in 1984, producing several well-regarded shotgun models, including the Orion and Athena. These earlier Japanese-made Weatherby shotguns remain desirable among collectors and sporting enthusiasts for their solid construction, traditional styling, and historical significance.

Based on its E-prefix serial number (E001457) and Japanese manufacturing markings, this shotgun is believed to date to approximately 1984–1990, placing it among the earlier generations of SKB-produced Weatherby Orions. While an exact manufacturing year has not been confirmed through factory records, its markings and serial number are consistent with this production period.

The shotgun features an attractive engraved receiver, complemented by checkered wood furniture and a distinctive plum-colored patina in portions of its blued finish. This combination gives the firearm a rich, classic appearance that reflects its age and character.

The barrels are marked “12GA-3"” and “M & I.C.”, indicating 3-inch chambers with Modified and Improved Cylinder choke constrictions. Additional markings include “South Gate, Calif.” and “Made in Japan,” further identifying its earlier Weatherby production history.

With its 26-inch barrels, traditional over/under configuration, and excellent overall condition for its age, this Orion is a particularly appealing example of Weatherby's earlier Japanese-manufactured sporting shotguns.

SPECIFICATIONS & HIGHLIGHTS

• Manufacturer: Weatherby
• Model: Orion
• Manufacturer of Shotgun: SKB, Japan
• Estimated Production: Circa 1984–1990
• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Action: Break-Action, Over/Under
• Barrel Length: 26"
• Chamber: 3"
• Choke Markings: M & I.C. (Modified & Improved Cylinder)
• Barrel Configuration: Double Barrel, Over/Under
• Finish: Blued with Plum Patina
• Receiver: Engraved
• Stock: Checkered Wood
• Forearm: Checkered Wood
• Capacity: 2 Rounds
• Country of Manufacture: Japan
• Weatherby Address Marking: South Gate, Calif.
• Serial Number: E001457
• Condition: Excellent for Its Age

CONDITION

Excellent overall condition for its age. This early Japanese-made Weatherby Orion has been well preserved, displaying an attractive plum-colored patina in portions of its blued finish. The engraved receiver and checkered wood furniture complement the shotgun's classic sporting appearance.

Considering its estimated 1980s manufacture, this shotgun presents exceptionally well and retains the character and craftsmanship associated with the earlier SKB-produced Weatherby models.

Please review all photographs carefully for an accurate depiction of the finish, wood grain, and overall condition.

COMPLIANCE & SHIPPING

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It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure the firearm is legal to own in their state or locality. Firearms will only be shipped to a valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. Please have your receiving dealer email a copy of their FFL, along with your name and the firearm purchased, to info@tylergunworks.com. Shipment will be made only after the FFL has been received and verified.