Description
You’re in the blind before dawn, the woods just starting to wake up. That’s when you need a shotgun that’s as focused and reliable as you are—a tool that disappears in your hands and in the landscape. That’s the whole point of the Weatherby SA-459 Turkey, 20ga, 22″, 3″ Chamber, Spring Mimicry Camo Synthetic Stock. It’s a purpose-built, semi-automatic turkey gun designed for tight quarters and sharp-eyed gobblers, and after putting a few boxes of heavy turkey loads through it, I can tell you it nails the brief.
Here’s the capsule answer: The Weatherby SA-459 Turkey is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in 20-gauge with a short 22-inch barrel and a 3-inch chamber. It’s specifically configured for turkey hunting, featuring a synthetic stock covered in effective Spring Mimicry camouflage and a fiber-optic rifle-style sight system for precise shot placement.
What Makes It a Turkey Specialist?
Look, a lot of shotguns can hunt turkey, but this one is built for it from the ground up. The 22-inch barrel is the star of the show. In the thick Missouri timber or when you’re tucked into a ground blind, that shorter length is a massive advantage. It swings easily and points fast without snagging on every branch. The gas system is tuned to handle the stout 3-inch turkey loads you’ll be running, and I found it cycled everything from 1-5/8 oz. TSS to standard lead #5s without a hiccup. The recoil pad is substantial, which you’ll appreciate after a few shots—because let’s be honest, turkey loads aren’t known for being gentle.
The camo isn’t just a pretty pattern; it’s full coverage. The Spring Mimicry finish wraps the entire synthetic stock and forend, and it even extends down the barrel shroud. This thing truly does vanish against a backdrop of early-season greenery. At a total weight of around 6.5 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day without becoming a burden, but has enough heft to stay steady when you’re lining up that crucial shot.
Specs & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Overall Length | 42.5″ |
| Action | Semi-Automatic, Gas-Operated |
| Stock | Synthetic, Spring Mimicry Camo |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Rifle-Style |
| Choke | Turkey Extended Choke Tube (Included) |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: The short, handy barrel is perfect for confined hunting situations. The full-coverage camo is extremely effective and durable. The included fiber-optic sights are a huge upgrade over a simple bead for precise head/neck shots. It’s a simple, reliable gas system that’s drop-in ready—no gunsmithing required to get it field-ready. The price point of $589.65 is competitive for a dedicated, camo-clad turkey gun from a reputable maker like Weatherby.
Cons: The 22-inch barrel and specialized sights make it less ideal for general upland or waterfowl use compared to a longer, bead-sighted model. As with any semi-auto, you’ll want to keep the gas system reasonably clean for optimal function, especially after a dusty or muddy season.
Who Is This For?
This is for the hunter who wants a no-fuss, dedicated turkey gun. If your primary quarry is the spring gobbler and you hunt in tight cover, this configuration makes a ton of sense. It’s also a great option for younger or smaller-framed hunters who benefit from the lighter recoil of a 20-gauge paired with modern, high-density TSS loads. It’s a focused tool, and in that role, it excels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What choke tube does it come with?
A: It includes a Weatherby extended turkey choke tube, which is a good starting point. For even tighter patterns, it uses standard Invector-style choke tubes, so you have plenty of aftermarket options from brands like Carlson’s or Jeb’s.
Q: Is the camo just on the stock?
A: No, it’s full coverage. The Spring Mimicry pattern is applied to the entire synthetic stock, forend, and the barrel shroud, leaving only the metal receiver and barrel blued. This provides excellent visual breakup in the field.
Q: Can it handle lighter target loads for practice?
A: Yes, the gas-operated action is designed to cycle a range of loads. For reliable function with light 7/8 oz. or 1 oz. target loads, you may need to ensure the gas system is clean, but it handles standard field loads without issue for off-season patterning and practice.
If the idea of a lightweight, maneuverable, and camouflaged 20-gauge built specifically for outsmarting old longbeards speaks to you, the Weatherby SA-459 Turkey is a solid choice to consider. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, ready for your next spring season in the woods.
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