Weatherby SA-08 Upland

by
posted on March 27, 2014

Weatherby may be synonymous with magnum rifle cartridges, but the company has been turning out some mighty fine shotguns lately. The line started in 2008 with the PA-08 pump-action and the SA-08 semi-auto. It just so happened my wife needed a new shotgun around that time, and the SA-08 Upland caught her eye. I bought her one for Christmas, because I couldn't argue with her choice. Here's why.

Kristen's up for hunting anything: pheasants, ducks, geese, rabbits, squirrels, turkeys. A 12-gauge with a 3" chamber works wonderfully for all those. While it may be a bit much for the smaller stuff, it's better than being under-gunned for the big birds. The gun uses a dual-valve system that handles everything from 7/8-ounce loads to 2-ounce magnums. Switching valves really isn't a big deal when that kind of versatility comes with it.

My wife doesn't like recoil any more than the next person. The operating system in a semi-auto gas gun like the SA-08 cuts recoil as compared to a pump or double-barrel gun. So, she can hammer birds and furred critters with a 12-gauge without getting hammered herself.

Being petite, Kristen doesn't get along with heavy guns. Weighing about 6 3/4 pounds, the lithe SA-08 swings nicely in her hands. She's whipped my butt on the skeet field more than once, and a crossing cottontail is as good as barbecued when she points the barrel of the SA-08 in its direction.

Like many women, Kristen appreciates aesthetically pleasing objects. I think that's what attracted her to the SA-08 Upland in the first place. It's a pretty shotgun. The walnut stock has rich tones, while the matte-black finish on the metal is understated. The two go well together on a field gun. Touches of chrome on the bolt and bolt release, and a gold-colored logo add some pop. The gun has svelte lines, and it just looks lively.

Weatherby has expanded the SA-08 line to include synthetic-stocked and youth models in a variety of finishes. The company just released a 28-gauge version, too. But the Upland is the workhorse of the bunch that looks like a show pony. And don't let its name fool you; the Upland is for hunting more than just birds on the wing. Kristen put it to good use on a boss gobbler last spring (see the April 2014 issue of American Hunter). She now considers me the best husband ever.

Latest

LEDE Henry Handguard On White
LEDE Henry Handguard On White

XS Sights Introduces Handguard for Henry Lever-Action Rifles

Designed for modern lever-action enthusiast who want to upgrade their Henry rifle, this highly customizable handguard is equipped with six M-LOK slots on each side and seven on the bottom to accommodate a wide array of accessories.

Montana FWP Announces 2025 Migratory Bird Stamp

A trio of tundra swans winging their way through a gray sky in the shadows of Rocky Mountain peaks is captured brilliantly in the 2025 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp.

Tested: EAA Witness2311 10mm Auto Hunter Pistol

This 2011 double-stack pistol is available with a six-inch barrel and an optics-ready slide for less than you might expect.

New for 2025: Escort Shotguns WS Youth 20-Gauge Shotgun

Youth shotguns are often the first introduction to hunting for many individuals, and Escort Shotguns is looking to help continue that tradition with its WS Youth shotgun.

Busting the Roost Myth: Why You Shouldn't Tree Talk to Toms

Should you call to a roosted tom? Mike Roux fills his readers in on why this popular strategy may be the reason they don't fill all their tags this spring.

Pennsylvania Antlered Deer Harvest Best in Four Decades

Pennsylvania hunters harvested about 11-percent more deer in the 2024-25 hunting seasons than they did the year before, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates released late last month.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.