Weatherby SA-08 12 G?

ASTRYX

ASTRYX

Regular
Rating - 100%
7   0   0
Location
Maple Ridge
This might be a silly question, but I am very new to trap and shotguns.

Is the Weatherby SA-08 12 G worth buying?

I was told by some to stay away from anything made in Turkey.

Is this worth listening to?

I am looking for a intro to trap shotgun in either the O/U or semi-auto configuration.
 
Much like Eastern Bloc cars, Turkish shotguns have a slightly different way of going about the task at hand. Larger tolerances, less accurate machining, that kind of thing. Also, they're typically used for sporting purposes more often than not, and their design reflects that with a lower comb and rib to produce a flatter-shooting gun. It's also a little oddly balanced, which is important for clays. In that price range, the best bet is a used Remington 1100 or 11-87 that will be much nicer to handle, and be made substantially better. Conversely, in the over/under market, you can typically get better deals on SKB and Miroku's. Both are Japanese made brands, with SKB having gotten quite a bit of attention on an international level, and Miroku being most famous for manufacturing Browning's Citori lineup. Occasionally you see deals on old Remington 3200s as well, but they're few and far between... but great guns.

All that being said, if you're looking at shooting trap predominantly, with a bit of non-competitive skeet and sporting clays thrown in, a pump-gun is far and away the best bet. You can get something like this:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=604548

Or buy a new BPS Trap for slightly more than a Weatherby. Both a Wingmaster like that, with the higher comb, and BPS Trap will serve you very well for decades. It'll be a bit slower on follow-up shots if you plan on shooting a lot of doubles, but some folks have great success with them just the same.
 
I was looking at the SA-08 too. I like the SA over a pump. Little easier on the shoulder after a day shooting.
It will be more for shooting clays in a field. Also looking at the H&R Excel.
 
I have own

The sa-08 is a great trap gun!! Ive had one for 2 years in field config, my son also shoots it.Great gun, great pricing, I am sure there are some Turkish guns not worth buying but the weatherby pumps and semis arent one of them, they are pain stakingly manufactured to weatherby standards and all CNC'D, fit and finish is unequalled in a gun of this price!! go for it
 
I am usually down on most stuff made in Turkey. Usually looks like crap on first inspection. A couple days ago I handled a turkish made Weatherby pump. with synthetic stock. Price $330.00 ish. I was not expecting much, but it felt good comming to the shoulder. Pump was slick right off the shelf which was a surprise. The only take down I did was remove the barrel, and remove choke tubes. Looked like invector. Evertything seemed to be finished better than it should be comming from Turkey. I am going back for another look.
 
Re: sa-08

I purchased an sa-08 last year with no prior experience with more expensive semi's. To me the gun handles great, very light weight, DOES NOT KICK LIKE A MULE, in fact it is a pleasure to shoot. Easy to clean, and has not had one hiccup cycling shells after 400 rounds. The chrome lined barrel stays very clean even after a round of clays. For the money it is a great gun IMO. I introduced it to a friend yesterday who own many expensive shotguns, he couldn't believe the way the gun shot for the price. He now wants one for the field rather than toting a $1500 through the brush after pheasants. Just my two cents, not an expert by any means.
 
I've seen alot of SA-08 guns in 20 & 12 ---- no issues -- they are lihght weight guns and may be bothersome to recoil sensititive folks -- but then there are are those that want to shoot the heviest possible loads 4 can buy and dont understand why the gun recoils -- go figure -- ha!
 
I handled one, and I was impressed to say the least. The price is good as well, and it should shoot cheap target loads with the different gas tubes/springs, but having to change em or lose em worried me. I was also unsure of parts availability, and warranty service with these guns.

I was on the hunt for a cheap semi, and looked at this and a few others, but settled on the Mossberg 930 after reading all the positive reviews here and elsewhere.

I paid $500 for it with the rifles deer barrel, and haven't had any trouble at all! I would buy this gun again, and recommend it to everyone. Has adjustments for stock angle, and comes with 2 chokes and a fiber optic front bead on the 26 inch ported waterfowl barrel.

Check it out.
 
I busted my elbow in September right before the family pheasant hunting trip. I usually hunt with my Beretta 686S Special, but found it a little heavy to swing with the wounded wing. I bought a SA-08 in 20 ga for the trip and was extremely impressed. It is light and I out shot everyone and had no issues in shooting clays with cheap ammo. I think it will continue to be my upland gun.
 
I was going to post a similar question about the sa-08. I made up my mind to buy one then I thought about buying a Remington 11-87 but read so many complaints about them breaking down. The problem with the sa-08 is that its only been out for three years. I haven't found anyone complaining or talking about problems but maybe that's because its not popular enough? Stoeger is in the same price point as the sa-08. Maybe its a better option?
 
My SA-08 was first and so far my only semi-auto shotgun. I bought it mainly for ducks but it is great for informal clay shooting. I have put about 2000 rounds through it with two failed/partial ejections. I haven't shot too many other semis or any pricey shotguns to compare but I do like it better than my buddy's over under and his Beretta. A great deal for the money in my opinion, super light, reliable, and it's a nice looking gun too. Comes with three chokes and two gas regulaters, one for light target loads and one for heavy hunting loads. Takes about thirty seconds to switch them out. I went for the synthetic, it's almost $200 less than the walnut one!
 
I am looking at getting a semi auto shotgun, and this may be a retarded question but if the SA-08 is marked for 3" rounds will it still take 2 3/4" rounds too? I ask because my mossberg 500 says both sizes on the barrel, but the weatherbys only say 3"
 
nympher said:
I am looking at getting a semi auto shotgun, and this may be a retarded question but if the SA-08 is marked for 3" rounds will it still take 2 3/4" rounds too? I ask because my mossberg 500 says both sizes on the barrel, but the weatherbys only say 3"
Click to expand...

I use 2 3/4" all the time in mine. Here is what it says in the manual:
Barrels marked for 3” shot shells can be safely used for both 2¾” and 3” shotshells.
Click to expand...

You will need to switch the gas regulater on the SA-08 to go from light to heavy loads. And it's not a retarded question. Using the wrong ammunition because you didn't know any better and hurting yourself or someone else is retarded.
 
Thanks Roddy, i figured that was the case like my mossberg 500 but I couldnt find it anywhere on the Weatherby site.
For the $150 difference with the walnut stock, is the weatherby sa-08 way better than the cheaper priced mossberg 930?
 
Weatherby handles much better than a 930 or 935 IMO. I have my weatherby and love the sheet out of it. the two gas thing is the only down fall. however that being said it is very reliable if set properly. Also the heavy cylinder will cycle most hunting loads. Cycles 1 1/4 oz going 1350 very reliably , and i dont consider that a very heavy load in a 12 gauge. If you truely want it to shoot anything than just throw the light cylinder in and shoot whatever.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom