Weatherby EUP1226PGM Element Upland 12 Gauge 26" 4+1 3" High Polished Black Rec/Barrel Oiled Walnut Stock Right Hand (Full Size) Includes 4 Chokes

Discovering the Weatherby Element Upland 12 Gauge Shotgun: Your Ultimate Field Companion

For hunters and sport shooters seeking a blend of classic aesthetics, modern reliability, and superior performance, the Weatherby Element Upland 12 Gauge Shotgun stands out as a compelling choice. This semi-automatic firearm, with its striking oiled walnut stock and high polished black finish, is engineered not just to perform, but to excel in the demanding environments of the field. If you’re asking, "What’s the best semi-automatic shotgun for upland bird hunting that offers both beauty and durability?" or "Which shotgun provides consistent cycling with a variety of loads while being easy to maintain?", the Weatherby Element Upland is designed to answer these very questions.

This shotgun is specifically crafted for enthusiasts who value the traditional feel of wood combined with cutting-edge inertia-driven technology. It’s perfect for the dedicated upland hunter pursuing pheasant, grouse, quail, or dove, as well as being highly versatile for target shooting disciplines like sporting clays. Its thoughtful design solves common issues such as unreliable cycling, tedious cleaning processes, and discomfort during long days afield.

Unpacking the Core: The Inertia-Operated System Explained

At the heart of the Weatherby Element Upland's exceptional performance is its inertia-operated action. Unlike gas-operated systems that vent propellant gases to cycle the action, an inertia system utilizes the rearward force (recoil) of the firing shot itself. When the shotgun discharges, the firearm moves backward slightly, but the bolt group, due to its inertia, lags behind. This slight delay allows the bolt to unlock and cycle, ejecting the spent shell and loading a fresh one from the magazine.

Key Benefits of Inertia-Driven Performance:

• Exceptional Reliability: With fewer moving parts and no reliance on gas ports that can become fouled, inertia systems are renowned for their unwavering reliability, especially in adverse conditions. They are less susceptible to issues caused by dirt, carbon buildup, or extreme temperatures.
• Cleaner Operation: Because no combustion gases are redirected back into the action, the Weatherby Element Upland runs significantly cleaner than many gas-operated shotguns. This translates directly into less maintenance required between shooting sessions and a more pleasant cleaning experience.
• Consistent Cycling: The Element's inertia system is engineered to cycle a wide range of loads, from light target loads ideal for extended practice sessions to heavy magnum loads suitable for larger game or waterfowl. This versatility ensures you have the right power for any situation without compromising function.
• Durability and Longevity: The simplicity of the inertia design contributes to the overall robust construction of the shotgun. Fewer parts mean fewer points of failure and a system built to withstand years of rigorous use in challenging environments.

For hunters who rely on their equipment to perform flawlessly shot after shot, particularly when success hinges on rapid follow-up shots on flushing birds, the Weatherby Element Upland's inertia system provides unparalleled confidence.

Design Excellence: Oiled Walnut, High Polished Finish, and Ergonomics

The Weatherby Element Upland isn't just a workhorse; it’s a beautifully crafted firearm. It marries classic aesthetics with practical design elements:

• Oiled Walnut Stock: The rich, oiled walnut stock provides a traditional, elegant look that stands out in the field and on the range. Beyond its beauty, walnut is known for its durability and natural feel, offering a secure grip even in damp conditions. The oiled finish allows the wood to breathe and age gracefully, developing a unique patina over time, while also making minor scuffs less noticeable than high-gloss finishes.
• High Polished Black Chrome Lined Barrel and Receiver: The stunning high polished black finish on both the receiver and the barrel gives the Element Upland a sophisticated appearance. This isn't just about looks; the finish provides an extra layer of protection against the elements, resisting corrosion and wear from frequent handling and exposure to harsh outdoor conditions. The chrome lining within the barrel is a critical feature for longevity and performance, enhancing durability and ease of cleaning.
• Aluminum Receiver: While maintaining a robust feel, the Element Upland utilizes an aluminum receiver. This choice of material contributes to the shotgun's manageable weight of just 6.65 lbs, making it incredibly agile and easy to carry throughout long days of walking through fields and forests, significantly reducing shooter fatigue.

Precision and Versatility: Barrel, Sights, and Chokes

A shotgun's barrel and its accompanying accessories are crucial for accuracy and adaptability across various shooting scenarios. The Weatherby Element Upland excels in this regard:

• 26-inch Chrome-Lined Barrel: The 26-inch barrel strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability in dense cover and maintaining sufficient velocity and pattern density for effective range. The chrome-lined interior is a premium feature, providing superior resistance to corrosion from propellants and moisture, and significantly extending the barrel's lifespan. It also facilitates easier cleaning of lead and plastic fouling, ensuring consistent performance.
• Vented Top Rib: The vented top rib on the barrel serves multiple purposes. It dissipates heat during rapid firing, minimizing mirage effect that can distort your sight picture. More importantly, it provides a clear, flat sighting plane that aids in quick and accurate target acquisition.
• Fiber Optic Front Bead Sight: For optimal visibility in varying light conditions—from the dim light of dawn to bright midday sun—the Element Upland features a vibrant fiber optic front bead sight. This sight promotes fast and instinctive aiming, helping you get on target quicker and more consistently, a vital advantage when flushing birds are on the move.
• Comprehensive Choke System: The shotgun comes complete with four choke tubes: Full (F), Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), and LR Steel. This versatility ensures you're prepared for any situation:
  • Full (F): Delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for long-range shots on wary birds or specific trap/skeet presentations.
  • Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground choke, excellent for a wide variety of upland game and general sporting clays.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Provides a more open pattern, perfect for close-flushing birds or closer-range skeet shooting where a broader spread is beneficial.
  • LR Steel: This specific choke is designed for use with steel shot, which is becoming increasingly common or mandated in certain hunting areas (especially for waterfowl). Its design ensures optimal pattern density with non-toxic shot while protecting the barrel. The inclusion of these chokes makes the Element Upland a highly adaptable firearm for various hunting conditions and shooting disciplines.

Tailored Comfort and Control: Fit and Functionality

A shotgun that fits properly translates directly into improved shooting performance and enhanced comfort. Weatherby understands this, incorporating features that allow for personalized adjustment:

• Spacers and Shims for Adjustable Fit: The Element Upland includes a set of spacers and shims, allowing shooters to customize the Length of Pull (LOP), Drop at Comb, and Drop at Heel. This adjustability ensures the shotgun can be perfectly tailored to an individual's body dimensions and shooting style, leading to more natural pointing, reduced felt recoil, and improved accuracy. A properly fitted shotgun is crucial for consistency and confidence.
  • Length of Pull (14.63"): The distance from the middle of the trigger to the end of the buttstock. Customizable LOP ensures comfortable mounting and shouldering.
  • Drop (1 5/8" @ Comb & 2 1/4" @ Heel): These measurements define how far the stock drops from the bore line, influencing eye alignment with the sight plane. Adjustability helps achieve optimal sight picture and comfortable cheek weld.
• Dual-Purpose Bolt Release: This intelligent feature enhances both safety and operational efficiency. It not only allows the bolt to move forward into battery after loading but also enables the safe and easy removal of live shells from the magazine without the need to cycle them through the chamber. This is a significant safety advantage and convenience feature when needing to quickly unload the shotgun.
• Drop-Out Trigger Assembly: For ease of maintenance and cleaning, the Element Upland features a user-friendly drop-out trigger assembly. This design allows for quick removal of the trigger group, making it simple to clean internal components and ensure the smooth, crisp trigger pull is maintained.
• Thumb Safety: The intuitive thumb safety is conveniently located for quick and secure engagement and disengagement, adding another layer of operational confidence.

The Weatherby Legacy and Why the Element Upland is a Top Choice

Weatherby has built a storied reputation over decades for producing firearms that blend precision engineering with an unwavering commitment to quality and performance. The Element series, and particularly the Upland model, embodies this legacy, offering a high-performance, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing shotgun that stands out in its class.

Why choose the Weatherby Element Upland for your next hunting adventure or shooting pursuit?

1. Unmatched Reliability: Its inertia-driven system ensures consistent performance even in challenging field conditions, minimizing the frustration of malfunctions.
2. Effortless Maintenance: The cleaner operation of the inertia system and features like the drop-out trigger assembly make cleaning quick and easy, so you spend less time on upkeep and more time shooting.
3. Superior Ergonomics & Fit: With its adjustable stock, the Element Upland can be customized to fit you perfectly, leading to more comfortable shooting and improved accuracy.
4. Versatility for Every Scenario: From upland birds to sporting clays, the comprehensive choke system and durable barrel make it adaptable to a wide array of shooting applications.
5. Classic Aesthetics, Modern Performance: The oiled walnut stock and polished black finish offer a timeless appeal, while the advanced internal mechanisms deliver contemporary performance you can trust.
6. Lightweight for Extended Use: At just 6.65 pounds, it’s one of the lighter 12-gauge semi-autos in its category, making it a joy to carry all day long without fatigue.

Whether you are a seasoned upland hunter looking for a dependable workhorse, a recreational shooter seeking a high-quality semi-auto, or a new enthusiast ready to invest in a firearm that will last for generations, the Weatherby Element Upland 12 Gauge Shotgun is an exceptional investment. Its thoughtful design, robust construction, and commitment to performance make it a natural recommendation for anyone seeking a blend of tradition, innovation, and reliability in a semi-automatic shotgun. Discover this exceptional firearm and experience the difference Weatherby quality makes. It's available now for discerning shooters at DEGuns, your trusted source for premium firearms.

Weatherby Element Upland 12 Gauge Shotgun Key Specifications