Description
You’re in the blind before dawn, the Missouri woods coming alive. A distant gobble cuts through the mist. You shift, and your shotgun’s synthetic stock doesn’t snag a single twig. The compact 22″ barrel swings smoothly between the narrow window of your pop-up blind. This is the moment the Weatherby SA-459 Turkey, 12 Ga, 22″, 3″ Chamber, Xtra Green Camo, Synthetic Stock was built for. It’s a purpose-driven, semi-automatic shotgun engineered for the specific demands of turkey hunting, where concealment, maneuverability, and reliable follow-up shots are everything.
Here’s the thing—turkey hunting isn’t just about long shots. It’s about close-quarters movement in thick cover and instant target acquisition when a tom appears at 30 yards. The SA-459 Turkey is built for that scenario. Its 22″ barrel keeps it agile in a ground blind or when you’re tucked against a tree, and the inertia-driven semi-auto action is known for its reliability with everything from light target loads to heavy 3″ magnum turkey thumpers. At a price of $564.74, it delivers Weatherby’s proven performance in a specialized package.
Key Features
The Xtra Green Camo isn’t just a paint job. It’s a full-dip coverage that includes the barrel, receiver, and synthetic stock, eliminating any glare or hard edge that could flare a turkey’s legendary eyesight. The synthetic stock is tough, weather-resistant, and lightweight, a practical choice for hunters who crawl through dew-soaked fields. The shortened 22″ barrel provides a significant handling advantage in tight quarters compared to a standard 28″ field barrel, giving you the swing speed you need without sacrificing a clean, consistent pattern when paired with the right turkey choke.
Reliability is non-negotiable when a trophy bird is in range. Weatherby’s inertia system is a clean-operating, low-recoil design that cycles a wide range of loads. This means you can practice with affordable 2¾” target loads and know your gun will perform identically with your preferred 3″ magnum turkey load on hunt day. The gun is drop-in ready for your chosen aftermarket choke tube—like a Jeb’s Head Hunter or a Primos Tightwad—letting you fine-tune your pattern for maximum pellet density in the vital zone. The 3″ chamber gives you the versatility to use the heaviest payloads on the market for those long-bearded old toms.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5″ |
| Stock | Synthetic, Xtra Green Camo |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Inertia-Driven |
| Finish | Full Coverage Xtra Green Camo |
Pros & Cons
Pros: The specialized camo and short barrel make it a true turkey-hunting tool right out of the box. The inertia system is famously reliable and easy to maintain. The lightweight synthetic construction stands up to harsh field use. Its handling is quick and intuitive for snap shots in dense cover.
Cons: The 22″ barrel is less ideal for general waterfowl or upland hunting over longer distances. The specialized camo pattern, while perfect for spring woods, may not blend in other environments. As with all semi-autos, it requires more detailed cleaning than a pump action after heavy use.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the dedicated turkey hunter who wants a no-fuss, reliable shotgun that’s already camouflaged and configured for the hunt. It’s for the hunter who values a fast-handling gun for blinds and thick timber over a long-barreled swing for pass-shooting ducks. It’s also a solid choice for a landowner or hunter looking for a capable, short-barreled shotgun for dense-cover predator control or home defense—where its compact size and potent 12-gauge chambering are major assets. This firearm is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it come with choke tubes?
A: Yes, it includes a set of choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full). You will want to use the Full or an aftermarket extra-full turkey choke for hunting.
Q: Can it cycle light 2¾” target loads reliably?
A: The inertia system is designed to cycle a wide range of loads, but always test your specific practice ammunition. Most users find it cycles 1-ounce target loads without issue, making it affordable to practice with.
Q: Is the camo applied to the metal surfaces durable?
A: The Xtra Green Camo is a hydro-dip finish that is quite durable and resistant to chipping under normal hunting use. It provides excellent concealment and protects the metal from the elements.
Ready to add this purpose-built turkey gun to your arsenal? Check availability and start the simple process to have it shipped to your local FFL.
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