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JD-Man

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
To all,

I have a used Weatherby Orion Sporting that I have been shooting for a few months and really enjoying it. I noticed the top lever is almost at 6 o'clock. I wondered if the receiver trunnions are replaceable, like Beretta, or are they repairable? I only shoot 3-400 rounds a month, so not a high volume shooter. Just wanted to make sure if this is something that can be remedied later if necessary. I have looked online and don't see a source for replacement parts. Numrich shows some used parts, but they have a very limited selection of parts.

Any insights appreciated.

Thanks,

JD
 
Is this a Japanese (SKB) Weatherby with a cross-bolt lock?

If so, it is normal for the lever to be close to 6 o'clock even when the gun is new. I personally put 35,000 rounds through a weatherby SKB and the lever position hardly changed at all during that period.

The Japanese SKB's are some of the most under-rated shotguns ever made (in my humble opinion).
 
clayaddiction said:
Is this a Japanese (SKB) Weatherby with a cross-bolt lock?

If so, it is normal for the lever to be close to 6 o'clock even when the gun is new. I personally put 35,000 rounds through a weatherby SKB and the lever position hardly changed at all during that period.

The Japanese SKB's are some of the most under-rated shotguns ever made (in my humble opinion).
Wholeheartedly agree, it`s amazing. My Ithaca SKB 500 that I pirchased in 1974 still functions like the day I bought it. I have, though, seen some comments from those who feel that they are at least the equal in quality and function to the Browning Citori. Mine has been an excellent field gun.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Called them over lunch and ordered a set of receiver "screws" and ejector springs, for just in case. Cost was reasonable and they answered the phone fairly quickly.

Also, asked about the date of manufacture, just for my info, and they were able to tell me it was February 2019. So interesting what I am seeing for a gun just over a year old. Will definitely be keeping an eye on things.

Thanks to all.

JD
 
I sent Weatherby an e-mail with a question when I had my gun and they responded promptly with good information, happy to hear you had a positive experience too. I do agree about what you are seeing on a gun that new, I think I would order some firing pins too.
Hope I am wrong, still believe the gun is a good value, but that could change if they wear out quickly.
 
JD-Man said:
To all,

I have a used Weatherby Orion Sporting that I have been shooting for a few months and really enjoying it. I noticed the top lever is almost at 6 o'clock. I wondered if the receiver trunnions are replaceable, like Beretta, or are they repairable? I only shoot 3-400 rounds a month, so not a high volume shooter. Just wanted to make sure if this is something that can be remedied later if necessary. I have looked online and don't see a source for replacement parts. Numrich shows some used parts, but they have a very limited selection of parts.

Any insights appreciated.

Thanks,

JD
First, it's unlikely (in my opinion) that the trunnions are anywhere close to being worn out on that gun. Maybe in another 20 years they might be.

Second, the trunnions have little to do with the position of the top lever when the gun is closed. I'm pretty sure that gun has the cone shaped projections that protrude out of the breech face that lock into the monobloc of the barrels. When these cones become sufficiently worn, the top lever will move farther to the left at closing.

So, if the cones or the holes they fit into become too worn, you should be able to order new, slightly oversize, cones to install to make the gun lock up tight again.

You can always test the tightness of the lockup with the old "dollar bill" trick. Close the action with the corner of a dollar bill between the standing breech face and the top barrel. If you can pull the dollar bill out without tearing it, then there too much "slop" in the lockup of the action.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
Tried the dollar bill and can't pull it out so lockup is good there. Not knowing where the lever started in the first place, I will just leave well enough alone until it becomes a problem, if ever, for me.

Thanks,

JD
 
JD-Man said:
Tried the dollar bill and can't pull it out so lockup is good there. Not knowing where the lever started in the first place, I will just leave well enough alone until it becomes a problem, if ever, for me.

Thanks,

JD
Wise decision. If it ain't broke, no need to fix it.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
Have to say this for Weatherby support. Just received the parts I ordered, and even if I don't need them, they were very responsive. Even considering current conditions, they were very helpful, checked stock and got them right out to me. Even if it is a Turkish shotgun, Weatherby backs them just as well as any of their other products.

So often we hear of bad customer service, that I just wanted to post a positive response.

JD
 
JD-Man said:
Have to say this for Weatherby support. Just received the parts I ordered, and even if I don't need them, they were very responsive. Even considering current conditions, they were very helpful, checked stock and got them right out to me. Even if it is a Turkish shotgun, Weatherby backs them just as well as any of their other products.

So often we hear of bad customer service, that I just wanted to post a positive response.

JD
Good to hear, and I should mention I recently ordered parts for my Citori 725, they came quickly but were the wrong parts, for a 12 ga, not a 20. Since I have both guns I will keep the parts as spares and reorder the ones I was hoping to get. No one is perfect, but sounds like Weatherby is trying.
 
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