Weatherby Turk built shotguns?

[awp101]

I saw a 20ga "Threat Response" the other day. Slightly interesting (I'd be more interested if it had a regular stock instead of the pistol grip style) but I don't know a thing about them.

Does anyone here have one or has anyone here played with one?

[iceman]

I once had a NEF semi 12 ga that I believe is made in the same factory in Turkey. I used it for one season and had zero issues. It would cycle anything I fed it. I later found a good deal on a Browning Auto 5 magnum that I couldn't refuse and sold The NEF for what I paid for it. I know the fellow that bought it and see him once in awhile and he has had no issues. Hope that helps you.

[MrMurphy]

The Benelli patent expired, and I believe that's one of the Benelli clones.

The design itself is excellent, and the Turks have been building guns for 500 years, so they know something about the topic.

Most of the Turkish shotguns I've seen (Yildiz O/U's etc) were well built. The Yildiz was no Perazzi, but it was well put together for a $300 shotgun.

[Streetstar]

My personal taste is for a full length mag tube on a defensive shotgun ---- are there any mag extenders available for that dude?

[gamekeeper]

My personal taste is for a full length mag tube on a defensive shotgun ---- are there any mag extenders available for that dude?

If that is the same as the Turkish Hat San escort, they make 7 shot mags in 12 & 20GA.

[Nazgul]

I have a CZ hammer coach gun made in Turkey. The quality is excellent. No issues.

Don

[awp101]

Thanks guys! Still pondering and generally trying to talk myself into or out of it.

The Benelli patent expired, and I believe that's one of the Benelli clones.

A-ha! I thought the look was vaguely familiar. I think I was slightly bumfuzzled by the Weatherby name on a Turk built shotgun and didn't make the connection.

Two things I don't care for: the pistol grip stock and the tall front sight. I've tried pg full stocks like that and they just don't feel good to me on a shotgun. They work fine for me on a rifle, but not an 870. Maybe the difference was pump vs semi?

I understand the "why" of the tall front sight but it looks like a stuck on afterthought to my eye. Again, just my personal preference I suppose.

My personal taste is for a full length mag tube on a defensive shotgun ---- are there any mag extenders available for that dude?

If that is the same as the Turkish Hat San escort, they make 7 shot mags in 12 & 20GA.

Hmmm, interesting.


I did see a review that indicated a custom made extender was available but I was on the phone and can't re-find the link.

[Bill in Oregon]

Actually, Andrew, the Turk-built Weatherby shotties are gas guns, using an early version of the Beretta action. Makes them easier on the shoulder. I sold a bunch of them when I worked at Sportsman's Warehouse and we never had complaints. Can't say that about Tri-Star and some other lines ...

[awp101]

Thanks Bill, that helps. I think...

If the pg stock can be swapped for a regular stock I might get back and look again. That gives me an option if I still don't like the pg stock.

I still can't put my finger on why I didn't like the one that was on an 870 I used to have. It was on it when I bought it but I changed it out for a regular stock not long after. I don't recall if it was a comfort issue or action operation issue.

[awp101]

Found a review that addresses the mag extension. Sort of.

http://gundogarms.com/2012/04/02/weatherby-sa-459-tk/

If you are also interested in increasing the magazine size of your SA-459 be sure to review your local laws before continuing, as some states impose restrictions on magazine capacity. It should also be noted that since this is not a “bolt-on” upgrade and requires modification of you SA-459, it will likely affect the factory warranty. Proceed at your own discretion.

Mag extensions are a popular upgrade for home defense shotguns, and there are several options on the market for just about every shotgun model….except the SA-459. In fact, at the time of this review, there are very few aftermarket upgrades for the Weatherby as it is a rather new entrant to the home defense market. However, undeterred from increasing the capacity of my shotgun, a little research unveiled that the magazine threads match those of the Benelli Nova and Super Nova. After some review, I chose a TacStar +2 extension that will effectively increase the shell capacity from the stock 5+1 to a more suitable 7+1 using 2.75″ shells (-1 for 3″). I believe you can safely assume that any extension designed for the Benelli Nova/Super Nova will also “work” on the Weatherby SA-459, or PA-459 for that matter, so you have several options to choose from if you can not find the TacStar model.

As referenced in the warranty disclaimer above, a quick fit check revealed that the extension would not be a simple “screw-on” upgrade as it is intended for the Benelli Nova. When threaded onto the stock magazine tube, the base of the extension is not quite long enough to make contact with the stock forearm, preventing the cap from holding the assembled firearm together as required. The second problem is in the design of the stock magazine tube itself, which is crimped inward at the end to function as the spring/shell retainer. Fortunately these two fit problems share the same solution, but it will require some DIY gunsmithing to remove about 1/8″ off the stock magazine tube.

In the heat of the moment, I forgot to snap a picture to display the end of stock magazine tube. However, if you own an SA-459 you will quickly identify the crimped edge holding the spring when you remove the end cap. Without removing/grinding out this edge the new spring and additional shells will not be able to pass into the extension. Regardless, the need to remove about 1/8″ off the tube to attain a tight fit with the stock forearm will also take care of the crimped edge retaining the spring.

You have a few options when selecting a tool to grind the tube. A dremel with grinding or sanding bit, hand files, etc. Whichever you have available and select to use, just make sure you take your time. I recommend you remove the magazine tube from the receiver, tape off the threads to avoid any accidental damage, and also mark the tube at the desired length before beginning the work. I used an angle grinder for the first bit, then did some finish work with a dremel and fine hand file. After a few minutes the stock magazine tube was shortened to the correct length and had a nice flush internal joint with the magazine extension.

Once the stock magazine tube has been modified to the correct length and internal dimension, begin reassembly of the firearm as you normally would. Be sure to thoroughly clean and lube the magazine tube to remove all magazine shavings. Also lube the mag extension before installation. I also recommend installing a new shell follower at this time since the one supplied by Weatherby is fairly cheap, but it is not necessary. Obviously, install the extended spring in place of the stock spring and then thread the magazine extension on to the tube in place of the stock end cap. Installation complete!

In the event you want to restore the firearm to original specifications, you are still able to swap out the spring and extension for the stock components. Since the extension does not have a sling swivel, swapping back to the stock spring and end cap may be a preferred option for hunting purposes.

[Ysabel Kid]

My personal taste is for a full length mag tube on a defensive shotgun ---- are there any mag extenders available for that dude?

If that is the same as the Turkish Hat San escort, they make 7 shot mags in 12 & 20GA.

I bought Y2K a Turkish-built Hatsan Escort several years back. It is a great little 20 gauge auto. I have one called a "Verona/Sarsilmaz", which is a Turkish-built 12 gauge auto. These guns are both well-made and were great prices.