Purchase Weatherby Shotrgun

[BB105]

I am very interested in purchasing a Weatherby Semi Automatic shotgun either the SA-08 or the Element in Deluxe.
I am from New Jersey and there are no retail stores that stock any of these products. I have read all the positive reviews on both shotguns but would like to have a hands on feel before I purchase. Is this an issue in all areas of the US?

[Blackbear3]

Welcome to the Nation!!! Checking the fit and feel of every shotgun and rifle is important if you've never handled that model. Here in Minnesota I have no problem handling Weatherby or any other brand. It could just be a New Jersey problem or the dealers in your area pushing other brands. I've heard good things about both shotguns you are interested in, but do not own either. Hopefully someone else that belongs to the Nation will chime in that lives in your area.

[jmnyckt]

I don't have the SA but I do have the PA-08 with field and slug barrel. New Jersey isn't the only place that's hard to find Weatherby, it's all about popular demand and what is pushed the hardest. I special order all my Weatherby firearms through a dealer, they have tried all they can to sway me away, but with the toy grade plastic and actions that cycle like there is sand in them, I just can't bring myself to get anything else.

[Spendit]

Just finished my 2nd season of Trap with new SA-08, only issues I found after some 800 rounds: rear stock bolt loosened up - blue locktight solved the issue and the chokes loosen up after each few rounds - put wrench in shell pouch. Not one issue with ejecting or firing and I did not clean this gun very often........found mine at a Cabela's here in Michigan

[norniron]

I recently bought an Element Deluxe in 20G for quail, chukar, and pheasant.  The wood is beautiful, and it points and shoots incredibly well.  I first took it out for some sporting clays, and was breaking them nicely.  I then took it on my first hunt last weekend, and bagged 24 quail.  It's an excellent gun, especially at it's price point.  MSRP is $1100, but I picked one up on Gunbroker new-in-box for $750, $785 with the transfer fee.  As you may now, the SA-08 is gas operated, whereas the Element is inertia operated.  Dependability may be better in inclement weather with an inertia operated gun vs gas.  Cleaning and maintenance is also easier with an inertia operated gun.  These were deciding factors for me.  I also think the wood is a little nicer on the Element, if aesthetics is a concern for you.  Love my Element!  Hope this helps.