Description
The Weatherby SA-459 Turkey, 12 Ga, 22″, 3″ Chamber, Spring Mimicry Camo Synthetic Stock is a purpose-built semi-automatic shotgun designed for the turkey woods. It combines a compact 22-inch barrel for maneuverability with a specialized camouflage finish and a reliable gas-operated action to handle heavy 3-inch turkey loads. I’ve put a variety of loads through this platform, and it’s a solid, no-fuss tool for a single, critical job.
Key Features
- Spring Mimicry Camo Finish: Full-coverage synthetic stock and forend in a detailed, effective spring turkey pattern to break up your outline.
- Compact 22″ Barrel: Offers excellent balance and quick handling in tight blinds or brush without sacrificing necessary velocity.
- 3″ Chamber: Handles the full spectrum of modern turkey loads, from heavy lead to dense TSS shot.
- Reliable Gas System: The SA-459’s gas operation soaks up recoil from stout loads, which is a genuine benefit on a long sit.
- Adjustable Fiber Optic Sights: A bright, single green dot front sight for fast acquisition in low-light conditions.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Overall Length | 43.5″ (Approx.) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (Approx.) |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Gas-Operated |
| Stock | Synthetic, Spring Mimicry Camo |
| Sights | Adjustable Fiber Optic Front |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a do-everything field gun. At just over 7 pounds and with that short barrel, it’s lively and points naturally. The camo isn’t just a dip; it’s a textured, matte finish that holds up to briars and bark. The included shims let you adjust the cast and drop, which is a nice touch for a gun at this $609.02 price point. It’s drop-in ready for your preferred aftermarket choke tube, with threads compatible with the popular Winchester/Browning Invector-Plus system, so you can run a tight turkey constriction from brands like Carlson’s or Jeb’s.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the dedicated turkey hunter who wants a dedicated tool. If your shotgun’s sole purpose from March to May is to sit in a lap, call in a tom, and make one shot count, this Weatherby is built for you. It’s also a great option for hunters in dense timber or using pop-up blinds where a longer barrel is a liability. The light weight is a bonus for anyone covering ground on public land.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The camouflage is highly effective and durable. The gas system manages recoil well with heavy loads. The compact size is perfect for the intended use. It comes with shims for stock fitment. The price is competitive for a specialized, name-brand semi-auto.
Cons: The 22-inch barrel can feel a bit short for some shooters used to 26 or 28-inch guns. As a specialized tool, it’s less ideal for clays or waterfowl. The fiber optic sight is simple—some may prefer a rifle-style sight or optic mount.
That said, the balance is excellent for its role. Weighing a hair over 7 pounds, it carries easily all day but still has enough mass to stay steady when a gobbler is in range. The 3-inch chamber gives you all the options you need, though most modern turkey loads are plenty effective in that length. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the SA-459 Turkey come with any choke tubes?
A: Yes, it includes one flush-mounted choke tube. It’s typically a modified or improved cylinder choke for general use, but you’ll absolutely want to pair this gun with an aftermarket extra-full turkey choke for serious hunting.
Q: Can this shotgun handle lighter target loads for practice?
A: It can, but gas-operated guns can sometimes be finicky with very light 1-ounce or dram-equivalent loads. For reliable function across the board, I’d recommend practicing with loads closer to the power level of your hunting ammunition—something in the 1 1/8 oz., 3-dram range usually cycles flawlessly.
Q: Is the camo pattern effective for fall seasons as well?
A: The “Spring Mimicry” pattern is optimized for the green-up of spring. In the browns and tans of late fall, it can still work, especially in mixed vegetation, but it’s not as ideal as a dedicated fall pattern like Realtree Timber or Mossy Oak Bottomland. For a spring-only gun, it’s perfect.
If you’re looking for a reliable, specialized semi-auto that won’t break the bank and gets the job done in the turkey woods, the Weatherby SA-459 Turkey deserves a close look. Check availability and pricing on our site.
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