Just picked up this Weatherby last weekend at Bass Pro on sale. Couldn't pass up the gun for the price. I read on here in some of the other posts where people were getting great pattern results with the Sumtoy Choke and the Fed HW #7, but that particular post was for the 2015 model SA-459. The 2015 is full camo and mine is not so i know it's an older model (2014 or older). I shot the gun this weekend with some Federal turkey loads (3" #5) through the full choke that came with the TK model but it's definitely not 'turkey ready' out past 25 or so yards. I've got some boxes of HW #7 on the way, but wanting to know if anyone who has the older models of the SA-459 are getting the same results with the Sumtoy or if there is another choke I could be looking at. Bought this for my son and I to share this season, then next year I'll give it to him and get me another one so we both have one to hunt with. Appreciate the info. I've searched on this forum for a while now and all I could find on the SA-459 dealt with the 2015 model and not the model I have. Thanks guys/gals!
I have that identical gun, Bought it from a member on here at the end of turkey season last spring. It does good with the factory choke, but I put a $10 Tight Wad choke in it and it shot much tighter. The Carlsons .575 Extended tube seems to be the best deal off ebay for $28. The sumtoy .562 does great too, but is about $70. However, I am shooting TSS and it will make about any choke look good.
I have the same gun & with a Sumtoy 562 it throws 180+/- @ 40yds & with a Rob Roberts 570 it throws 165+/-. The Sumtoy has a tighter core. Shooting Fed HW7's. Hevi 7's or Nitro hevi 7's are close. I shoot the Sumtoy mostly!
I think in general you can't go wrong with the a Sumtoy 562, Carlsons 575.
I'd probably go with the Sumtoy in the 2014 model since that's where I've seen the best pattern. To me, if you're gonna shoot factory loads, $70 for the right choke is a small price to pay for a smokin 20 ga turkey slayer.
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Thanks everyone! Before spending any money on another choke tube I'm going to shoot the Fed HW #7's through the factory choke just to see what I get. I've heard from some whom I've PM'd that the Carlson is a better hunting choke while the Sumtoy is a better 'wow' factor on paper. Either way...I love shooting this gun and hope it serves me well this spring on a giant WV, VA, MD or OH tom! I'll post updates when I have them. Thanks again for taking the time to respond.
Yep.. stick with Carlson for hunting - it should put you about 150 or so with the Federal #7. Perfect for hunting IMO
jkeiter, are you going to shoot the factory sights or put a red dot on it?
This year (since I just bought the gun) I'm gonna shoot the factory sights, but definitely want to do something later with the sight. Shooting it this past weekend was a blast and I didn't have any issues with the current sights. My son was also able to quickly find his target and squeeze off some rounds. He's 11. I love this little gun!
I actually really liked those big nasty M16 sights on that gun.
:agreed: I really like them too!
I put an Aimpoint 9000SC on mine and really like it. However, the tall factory front sight is visible in the bottom of the sight picture below the red dot. Am going to try it this year as is, but will probably have it milled off to remove it from the sight picture completely.
Quote from: deadbuck on February 23, 2016, 10:52:18 AM
I put an Aimpoint 9000SC on mine and really like it. However, the tall factory front sight is visible in the bottom of the sight picture below the red dot. Am going to try it this year as is, but will probably have it milled off to remove it from the sight picture completely.
I had read somewhere that you could take that huge front sight off. Is that not the case?
Yes, it's removable. I liked the fact that it protected the front tube.
Mine is the '14. I love how easy it points and how light it is. Sweet set up.
http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,51714.msg513561.html#msg513561
This one has a pic of the shot at 15 yards (which I wanted to try before hunting with it). 15 yard shots are pretty common in some of the places I hunt.
http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,52656.msg522557.html#msg522557
Thanks g8rvet! Those are great pattern examples. I just picked up 4 boxes of the Fed HW #7 at Gander Mountain for $22.99. Store is 5 min from work and the other places I found online still have to charge shipping so this was a decent price in my mind. Appreciate everyone's comments and advice.
Quote from: FL-Boss on February 23, 2016, 11:36:01 AM
Yes, it's removable. I liked the fact that it protected the front tube.
NO, It is not removable! Wish it was. It is soldered on.
I thought there was a single screw that held on the front sight.. or maybe it was just a part of the sight? I have the new model SA-459 now which is different... so I'm trying to go by memory.. which isn't the same as years past!
Mine has a single screw on the muzzle end of the barrel, but I have not tried to remove it. Once i get a different sight I may want to, but that's a project for another day.
Quote from: deadbuck on February 23, 2016, 02:31:56 PM
Quote from: FL-Boss on February 23, 2016, 11:36:01 AM
Yes, it's removable. I liked the fact that it protected the front tube.
NO, It is not removable! Wish it was. It is soldered on.
Mine is removable. I removed it & put a Burris FFlll on it. Another thing to consider is the Beretta gel pad on the stock. Raises the cheek perfect for the sight. It's clear & sticks on! The 6mm pad is perfect for this gun.
Cutt Down, how did you do it? Is it entirely removed? I called Weatherby and they said it was soldered on and if I heated the sight to remove it I would void my warranty. Just removing the screw only removes the sight guard.
Also, is that picatinny rail aftermarket? Mine is only half that long.
Here is a photo of the front blade removed. I simply unscrewed the 1 screw then worked it off the post.
Here's a pic of the post. You can see the blade wasn't soldered. The post is soldered on the barrel but it's not in the way & doesn't bother me.
Another pic of the whole rig. The rail is factory. I was worried about it being too tall but the FFlll sits nice on it especially with the Beretta gel pad. I'm telling you that pad is awesome! It can be removed & washed. Supposed to retain it's adhesive. I love this set up!
I really like that setup as well. May have to look into doing that on my rig after turkey season this year.
Cutt. Mine does not have a set screw like yours, and it has a different(shorter) picatinny rail. I guess Weatherby made some variations to them mid year?
Now that you mention it...my rail is shorter as well. Factory back sight has the same set screw as the front sight then the rail. Not sure what year mine is now...
Quote from: deadbuck on February 24, 2016, 10:30:11 AM
Cutt. Mine does not have a set screw like yours, and it has a different(shorter) picatinny rail. I guess Weatherby made some variations to them mid year?
That stinks. Do you think a red dot would clear the front sight?
Quote from: Jkeiter on February 24, 2016, 10:37:32 AM
Now that you mention it...my rail is shorter as well. Factory back sight has the same set screw as the front sight then the rail. Not sure what year mine is now...
Looking at the pic you posted it looks the same as mine but I could be wrong. If your front sight has a set screw on the back side then I'd say it's the same as mine & can be removed. When I removed mine I had to work it back & forth as it was pretty snug on the post but I knew it would come off hence the set screw.
I sent Weatherby my serial number so hopefully they can tell me what year the gun is. Not a big deal, but I'd just like to know.
Sorry hope I'm not hijacking the thread but I am on the verge of ordering one of these guns just can't make up mind on the 12 or 20. I do have a big question about this guns reliability and quality. No one in my area has one to check out so I would like your opinions and experiences. Obviously you all like them, but how's the overall quality? Does it cycle all ammo well, not overly concerned about light loads but def the heavier 2 3/4 and 3 inch stuff. I have owned just about every make and model semi auto at one point or another and have had my share of problems with cheaper guns and this being a Turkish gun makes me a little hesitant especially since I have to order one sight un seen. It's between this gun in 12 or 20 or a benelli M1 or 2 12 ga. Thanks for your opinions.
Other than price, they are really two different animals when compared to Benelli M1, gas vs inertia driven. So, if you want to go with the more reliable you need to go with the Weatherby. Don't get me wrong, the Benelli is a nice gun, but very picky when it comes to ammo and don't even get me started on the benelli "click".
I hunted hard with the 2015 Weatherby SA459 last year and it never had a problem. I ran TSS in mine, but it went bang every time I pulled the trigger and cycled all turkey shells without a problem. As for as a pure turkey gun, I just don't think you can find a better value in an automatic.
Get the 2015 model, it has a lot of improvements on the 2014 model. Get an Carlsons extended .575 (if you get the 20 ga model) and don't look back.
Quote from: gophert on February 24, 2016, 03:10:59 PM
Other than price, they are really two different animals when compared to Benelli M1, gas vs inertia driven. So, if you want to go with the more reliable you need to go with the Weatherby. Don't get me wrong, the Benelli is a nice gun, but very picky when it comes to ammo and don't even get me started on the benelli "click".
I hunted hard with the 2015 Weatherby SA459 last year and it never had a problem. I ran TSS in mine, but it went bang every time I pulled the trigger and cycled all turkey shells without a problem. As for as a pure turkey gun, I just don't think you can find a better value in an automatic.
Get the 2015 model, it has a lot of improvements on the 2014 model. Get an Carlsons extended .575 (if you get the 20 ga model) and don't look back.
This is what I want to hear! Pretty much made up my mind on the 20 but sometimes you want to be sold a little bit, you know what I mean?
+1... exactly what Gophert said. Get the 20 GA, 2015+ model, .575 Carlson ... exactly what I use. I never had a program with any of my Weatherby guns.
Back in December I took mine squirrel hunting with some old Remington 3 inch #7 1/2 lead shells I had saved for about 10 years. Was cool shooting squirrels with the red dot. Shot about 15 times and it never missed a lick. Have not shot any light load 2 3/4 shells in it and dont plan to, have other 20 ga guns for that stuff.
I've only used my Weatherby for turkey so I can't give an overall reliability stamp but mine has cycled everything I've thrown through it & that includes a box of light loads to zero POI/POA. I didn't even change out the light load/heavy load piston that comes with it. Still cycled all loads. I've used it during some pretty cold weather & it still worked. Now when it comes to other hunting I use my M1 12ga Benelli or M2 20ga Benelli exclusively. I've shot Benelli since 1987 & they have been the most reliable for me. I've had several other brands over the years but they get sold or traded & I keep my Benelli's. Just me! A 20ga will kill just as far as a 12ga. 1200FPS is 1200FPS. The 12 will have a bigger payload but it's all about putting the pellets on target. Get a 20ga set up right & you'll be more than happy. My SA-459 20ga is the 2014 model & I use a SumToy 562-5 or a Rob Roberts 570. It's the only gun I use to turkey hunt!
The SA-459 is nothing more than a SA-08, they are extremely reliable and tough. I have had Benellis for 20 years, I love them, but this SA-459 is a slick rig.
Might want to check your manual before you try shooting Fed. HW. in factory choke. I don't think the factory choke is designed for HW
Should be fine.. for the 20ga. I have shot countless Fed HW with flight control out of the factory choke.. along with other ported chokes. I believe the wads are softer on the 20ga loads, so it doesn't really pose any issue.
How is the POA/POI with this gun shooting the Carlson extended or Sumtoy 562-5 and the FED HW #7s without any adjustable sights or scopes?
Quote from: KansasGobbler on February 25, 2016, 12:42:29 PM
How is the POA/POI with this gun shooting the Carlson extended or Sumtoy 562-5 and the FED HW #7s without any adjustable sights or scopes?
I have 2015 model, but it shot perfect right out of the box. The Carlsons and the Sumtoy shot exactly the same poa/poi.
Quote from: Recurve on February 24, 2016, 07:43:33 PM
Might want to check your manual before you try shooting Fed. HW. in factory choke. I don't think the factory choke is designed for HW
I shot nothing but TSS and the factory choke is fine.
UPDATE on my 2013 SA-459 TK
Got a Bushnell TRS-25 and also removed the front sight by using a hacksaw and file, then touched up the front where the sight was with some flat black paint. Looks AWESOME and now the red dot has a clear path to my target. VERY happy with what I did. Will probably shoot it this way for now, but after season (maybe this summer or even winter) I'll have the barrel dipped and you won't notice it at all with the camo pattern on there.
Don't be scared...do it yourself and save some $$! Take your time and make a clean cut. I have no intentions of ever going without the red dot sight after shooting it. This rig is ready for some turkey meat this spring! Can't wait!!!
Pattern results.
130-150 is about what I like to see for real world hunting. Any tighter is too much IMO. Looks great.
jkeiter, if you can find a .570 Tightwad it might do even better, mine did.
Thx deadlock. I'm pretty happy with that pattern out to 40yds. Hopefully the birds come in closer. Shot it last night at 25yds with my 11 yr old son and he nailed the dot with a great pattern. If a gobbler comes looking for love in front of him, we'll be high fiving shortly after the gun cracks. Good luck to you all this season! Be here VERY soon!