Weatherby has been in the shotgun game for a longtime, but it changed its approach last winter when it rolled out the new Element, an inertia-operated semi-auto designed with upland hunters across the nation in mind. For 2016 the folks in Paso Robles have plans to put their new shotgun in the hands of even more scattergun aficionados, with the impending introduction of the Element Synthetic and Element Waterfowler.
The new releases will feature the addition of a Griptonite synthetic stock and fore-end options. The Waterfowler will be adorned in Realtree's Max-5 pattern, making it right at home in duck blinds across the nation. 12- and 20-gauge models will be available, with 3" chambers and 26- and 28-inch barrel length options. Both models will feature Weatherby's Integral Mult-Choke System and will ship with Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full and Long Range Steel choke tubes.
The greater appeal remains the inertia-operated action, which was, of course, originally pioneered by Benelli. It directs carbon and gas out of the barrel, helping to keep the gun cleaner and allow it to function more smoothly. The chamber and bore are chrome lined for easier cleaning and greater corrosion resistance.
The Synthetic model will ship with an MSRP of $749, while the Waterfowler will debut at $849.
For more information, go to Weatherby.com.