Weatherby EST1228PGM Element 12 Gauge 28" 4+1 3" Tungsten Gray Cerakote Rec/Barrel Black Stock Right Hand (Full Size) Includes 4 Chokes

Weatherby Element 12 Gauge Shotgun: Precision, Performance, and Unwavering Reliability

The Weatherby Element semi-automatic shotgun, specifically the EST1228PGM model, represents a pinnacle of engineering for hunters and sport shooters who demand consistent performance and exceptional durability. This 12 gauge shotgun, with its 3-inch chamber and a versatile 4+1 capacity, is designed to excel in diverse shooting scenarios, from challenging waterfowl hunts in adverse weather to competitive rounds of sporting clays. It masterfully blends Weatherby's renowned fit and finish with an advanced "inertia-operated" action, delivering a clean, smooth, and utterly reliable shooting experience, round after round, even during high-volume sessions.

Why Choose an Inertia-Operated Shotgun Like the Weatherby Element?

For many discerning shooters, the operating system of a shotgun is paramount. The Weatherby Element's inertia-driven action stands out for several compelling reasons, offering significant advantages over traditional gas-operated systems:

• Unrivaled Cleanliness: Unlike gas systems that vent carbon and unburnt powder back into the receiver, the inertia system uses the shotgun's recoil to cycle the action. This keeps the internal components remarkably cleaner, reducing the frequency of extensive cleaning and minimizing wear and tear. For hunters braving the elements, or clay shooters firing hundreds of rounds in a session, this translates to more time shooting and less time cleaning.
• Exceptional Reliability: The simplicity of the inertia system—fewer moving parts and no gas ports to clog—makes it inherently more reliable. It is less susceptible to fouling, extreme temperatures, or varying ammunition loads, ensuring consistent cycling whether you're using light target loads or heavy magnum waterfowl shells. This steadfast reliability is crucial when the shot of a lifetime depends on your firearm performing flawlessly.
• Reduced Maintenance: Given its cleaner operation, the Weatherby Element requires significantly less maintenance compared to its gas-operated counterparts. This saves time and effort, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals who want to spend their precious hours in the field or at the range.
• Superior Handling: With fewer components and a simpler design, inertia-driven shotguns often boast a lighter overall weight, contributing to exceptional maneuverability. The Weatherby Element, weighing in at a mere 6.75 lbs, exemplifies this, offering quick swings and reduced fatigue during extended periods of carrying or shooting.

Designed for the Discerning Shooter: Features That Elevate Performance

The EST1228PGM model isn't just reliable; it's meticulously crafted with features that enhance accuracy, comfort, and longevity.

• Advanced Cerakote Finish: The barrel and receiver feature a striking Tungsten Gray Cerakote finish. Cerakote is a highly durable, corrosion-resistant coating that provides superior protection against the elements, including saltwater, mud, and extreme temperatures. This ensures your shotgun maintains its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity for years, even after exposure to the harshest hunting conditions.
• Chrome-Lined Barrel and Vent Rib: The 28-inch barrel is chrome-lined, offering excellent corrosion resistance and extending barrel life, especially when shooting steel shot. The vented top rib aids in dissipating heat from repeated firing, reducing mirage effects that can distort your sight picture. It also provides a clear, elevated sighting plane, crowned by a highly visible fiber optic front bead sight for rapid target acquisition in varying light conditions.
• Versatile Choke System: Adaptability is key for any serious shotgunner. The Weatherby Element comes equipped with four interchangeable chokes: Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified, and a specialized Long Range Steel choke. This comprehensive set allows you to optimize your shot pattern for a wide array of game and targets, whether you're patterning for long-range turkey shots, spreading for close-quarters upland birds, or fine-tuning for clay pigeon presentations.
• Intuitive Dual-Purpose Bolt Release: This intelligent design feature allows the shooter to efficiently move the bolt forward into battery with a simple press. Furthermore, it facilitates the safe and convenient removal of live shells from the magazine without needing to cycle them through the chamber, a critical safety and convenience feature in the field or at the range.
• Customizable Fit and Ergonomics: Achieving the perfect fit between shooter and shotgun is paramount for comfort, consistency, and reduced felt recoil. The Weatherby Element includes a comprehensive set of spacers and shims, enabling you to precisely adjust the length of pull, drop at comb, and drop at heel. With a standard 14.63-inch length of pull, 1 5/8" @ Comb, and 2 1/4" @ Heel, this shotgun can be tailored to fit a wide range of shooters, promoting natural pointability and reducing fatigue during long days afield.
• Durable Synthetic Stock: The black synthetic stock is designed for all-weather performance, offering excellent grip and resilience without the maintenance concerns of traditional wood. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of hunting and competitive shooting environments.

Who is the Weatherby Element EST1228PGM For?

This 12 gauge shotgun is an ideal choice for:

• Waterfowl Hunters: Its Cerakote finish, chrome-lined barrel, and ability to handle heavy steel loads make it a formidable companion for duck and goose hunting, standing up to wet, muddy, and cold conditions.
• Upland Bird Hunters: The lightweight design (6.75 lbs) and excellent balance allow for quick, instinctive swings on fast-flushing pheasants, grouse, or quail.
• Turkey Hunters: With its 3-inch chamber and Full choke, it delivers dense patterns for effective turkey hunting.
• Sporting Clays, Trap, and Skeet Shooters: The inertia system's cleanliness, reliability, and the shotgun's comfortable, adjustable fit make it perfect for high-volume target shooting sessions, minimizing fatigue and maximizing enjoyment.
• Reliability Seekers: Shooters who prioritize an action that consistently performs in any condition will appreciate the Element's proven inertia system.
• Maintenance-Conscious Individuals: Its low-maintenance design appeals to those who prefer spending more time shooting and less time cleaning.

Unlocking Your Potential with the Weatherby Element EST1228PGM

Imagine confidently stepping into a duck blind as the first rays of dawn break, knowing your Weatherby Element will cycle every magnum load flawlessly. Picture yourself on a challenging sporting clays course, effortlessly swinging on crossers and sustained leads, feeling the minimal recoil and experiencing the consistent point of aim provided by a perfectly fitted shotgun. The EST1228PGM is not just a tool; it's an extension of your skill, built to inspire confidence and deliver exceptional results. Its thoughtful design, from the robust Tungsten Gray Cerakote to the intuitive dual-purpose bolt release, showcases Weatherby's commitment to quality and shooter satisfaction.

Whether you're an experienced hunter looking for a reliable workhorse, a competitive shooter aiming for higher scores, or someone seeking a versatile and low-maintenance shotgun that can handle anything you throw at it, the Weatherby Element EST1228PGM rises to the occasion. It embodies durability, adaptability, and the signature performance Weatherby is known for, ensuring that every pull of the trigger is met with precise, powerful action.

For shooters seeking unparalleled reliability and a superior shooting experience, the Weatherby Element 12 Gauge semi-auto shotgun is a top-tier recommendation. It's built for those who demand performance without compromise.

This exceptional Weatherby Element EST1228PGM shotgun is available for purchase at DEGuns.

Weatherby Element EST1228PGM Specifications