Welcome to Target Focused Life! I hope you enjoy this review! Is this the best inertia driven 12ga for the money? Let me know below! #targetfocusedlife (Hebrews 12:1-3)
@shields8947 I bout my element for 1100 cad and I don't think it was overpriced but maybe, it works excellent very accurate with the long range choke and no jams or mishaps
I agree. I certainly plan on reviewing more of the budget friendly guns but when I walk into Reeds I tend to gravitate towards the higher $ guns...lol It is on the list, but I am not sure when I will get to it. I am running about as fast as I can at this point. I am planning to add some pro-staff in the future to help with reviews and hunts. Thank you for the feedback. 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I own both shotguns , I have the CZ 1012 for me and the element for her. The only negative I have about the Element is the small button where the 1012 has oversized button and charge handle. We have had zero issues with the element and only a failure to feed on the 1012 one time but it was brand new and fresh out the box. Could have been my fault. They are pretty much the same gun really but we have been happy with both
Great gun awesome price point, 800 bones here in Canada, I own three pump action but now what a semi auto can't afford a Browning, Benelli, Beretta so thanks Weatherby for making a quality shotgun 🤘 for the poor man
@@douglasscott_pronounced_Mike no matter how u want to look at it I promise and you should know Weatherby would never have there name stamped on a firearm that isn't up to great standards
@@larryplogman7997 did I say there was anything wrong with it ? No I stated the truth it's a Turkish shotgun don't get all pissy with facts like damn people get emotional shit
Great review. I bought my Weatherby Element Deluxe brand new/used at my local gun shop for $500.00. It was bought by a woman who wanted to get into clay targets then decided she wanted a hand gun for protection so she traded the Weatherby back in for a pistol. It was never fired and in absolutely brand new condition. It has the gorgeous walnut stock and fits me perfect since I am only 5'8" tall. I did have a few failure to feeds but it was the first time out with it and I was using light loads. Since then it has broken in and performs beautifully.
It’s an ATA Neo if you’re looking for the same gun without branding… but… ATA service direct is non-existent, weatherby is really good. I have an ATA Cy (weatherby SA-08) and it’s been a great shotgun. It has 5000+ trouble free rounds through it. It’s my backup/upland gun as my A400 is a bit heavy. It hasn’t had a failure, but the heavy piston is showing signs of wear so I ordered one through weatherby.
I still use a 3 inch model 12 for turkey every year. With the longbeard or tss it will shoot a great pattern to 50 yards. Have killed lots and lots of gobblers with it.
Being a shotgun guy for over 40 years I really like your videos brother. I can tell you really put a lot of work into them. I just subscribed and would like a benelli supernova review, a gun which I own and love. As well as the benelli montefeltro, not the silver edition
Can we get a side by side comparison of the element and the A300? They occupy a similar price point and represent what seems to be the best option in both gas and inertia operating systems.
Hey Steve, great review as always. I found it helpful in finally deciding to purchase this one. I've got about 400 round through it, both target and hunting loads and it has functioned flawlessly thus far. I did replace the bolt handle with something a little larger but am really pleased with it. I picked it up from Reeds for $569 so thanks for the heads up about Reeds.
Do you actually think we care about the psi it takes to pull the trigger when we have a big buck or ever a little yearling or doe running by us full speed in the deep woods ahead of a pack of dogs all we care about is how well a shotgun holds different loads of buckshot
@@brodydykes2613 I just think for the price it would be a good competitor to the element. I am kinda stuck between the a300 ulitma, element, and viper max.
Doesn't this gun come with the interchangeable drop adjustment wedges that go between the stock and receiver? That would help get the line of sight quicker when you shoulder it.
So I bought my weatherby element waterfowl in march of 2021 and I have put thousands of shells through it and I love the gun. It is nice to shoot slugs through it if you need to. I am on a trap team and I shoot 2 -3 clubs a week and it crushes anything I throw at it and it is a beast. I have went 2 months of shooting with out shooting and it keeps working and doesn't stop. I think I have put 12,000 rounds through it and and you won't know it
I own this shotgun. Have owned it for a year and a half and it stove pipes soo often with whatever 3inch I put through it. If it runs all three shells in a row I'm super impressed.
Awesome review man, would love to see one on the ATA Venza. It’s around the same price point maybe cheaper in comparison. I have one and it’s a killer. 👍🏻
ATA is the manufacturer of this gun, and most of Weatherby’s line. Many of the Weatherby shotguns have an ATA branded counterpart. The Venza appears to be an exception though. It looks interesting w/ it’s reciprocating barrel. I’d love to see it reviewed too.
This gun is on my short list of 4 guns to consider for purchase. Thanks for the review. Question…yours has a green sight. Did you put that on or did it come that way? All the ones I’ve seen have white. Another question: you reviewed a Stoeger m3500. The Stoeger has the recoil spring in the forend. The weatherby (and most other inertia guns) have the recoil spring in the stock. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE (in terms of shooting and reliability etc) The Stoeger is supposed to be a benelli clone but benelli has the spring in the stock. Franchi has the spring in the forend. So is the Stoeger a franchi clone? And the weatherby is a benelli clone? WHY???? (Anyone. Please) I’ve driven myself nuts researching this and can’t find anything. Subbed by the way
Steeeeeve comin’ through w/ another helpful review! At this rate, dude’s gonna run out of semi autos before the year’s out 😉. For those interested in buying this gun, here’s my two cents. I bought the Element Upland (wood stock) in 20 GA a couple years ago. I wanted an affordable 20 for Dove/Quail and to loan to new shooters. Found it for $425 new, and couldn’t say no. After about 700 rounds, it’s been solid with no failures or issues to report. It’s very comfy for me, but Steve brings up a great point about the butt pad, it’s impossible to change without major permanent and costly modification (and then it makes more sense to buy a more expensive gun). If this gun fits, it’s a great value, and for the price, it’s a solid choice. Wetherby’s warranty is great too.
Yo, glad you like the review. I will probably slow down with reviews in a little while but there are plenty of pumps and break action guns to go through in addition to the semi-autos. Thanks for sharing your experience with the Element. 👊 Stay Target 🎯Focused (Hebrews 12:1-3)
Great video I’m looking to get it in a 20 gauge and also if you push the bolt release as you pull the trigger group out it slides in and out really easy. Love your videos
How would you rate that Weatherby (Inertia) Shotgun to the Franchi Affinity (Inertia) Shotgun? Would the quality and workmanship be the same! Any Suggestions Steve!
@@TargetFocusedLife Thanks for the reply. I just saw your video for best shotguns of 2021 and pretty much made my decision. You make awesome content and thanks for the reply.
#TargetFocusedLife Question for you. I just recently bought a #BenelliSupernova 28" Barrell, #12GaugePump, #RealtreeMax-5. Now I am watching you do the review on the #WeatherbyElement #Semi-Automatic Out the 2 guns as I know you have done the reviews for both.........which do you like better and why. Thanks in advance for your time.
Bi-Mart has this for $499 right now. It's why I searched for it on YT and found this video. Problem is I'm not sure I can justify getting one. I don't target shoot (yet) and I don't hunt. Plus I already have a Winchester Defender pump
How does this gun perform when shooting light target loads? I’m looking for a semi auto for shooting clay, if you have any suggestions on what would fit the bill I would appreciate that!!
When you dry fire the element and put the gun on safety does the bolt only open around halfway? When you take safety off in fire position bolt will operate. I have the 20 gauge just wondering if this is normal.
@@TargetFocusedLife this will be my first year waterfowl hunting I have a guide booked in October, I’m not one to sit there and clean my firearms and baby them, I’m debating on the Winchester sx4 and the Weatherby element or 18i what would be your advice for my first waterfowl shotgun and being the most reliable?
What specific ammo did you use? For quick Google search I believe your Federal ammo FPS is 1125 but recommended is 1300. What kind of issues occur for lower velocity? Was the lower velocity the reason for the stovepipe?
IC choke and 12 yards away? Come on guy, lets see you on the 25-27 yard line (trap range) and see how it breaks them. How about you visit a sporting clays course that simulates more real hunting shots with over head, crossers, goose pit shots, etc.? Other than mentioned, solid review on functionality and length of pull (dear to me with being tall with long arms) since I always need a longer LOP. I'm skittish about a made in Turkey shotgun, especially with the low end mfg ATA Arms. I hear/read many complaints about getting parts when something breaks.
Thank you. I can trust what you say about a shotgun. I like the lightweight and smoothness of the gun. I just bought one for my wife 20 gauge. I’ve got the 930 Mossberg. I might be a little jealous.
Does anyone know if the bolt handle on the weatherby element is the same as the bolt handle on the 18i?? I'm looking to get a new bolt handle and can only find options for the 18i.
I have this in 20 gauge, my trigger breaks under 6lbs. No frills gun but reliable thus far. I would buy the SX4, V3, 930 or A300 over this gun if you can swing it. It gets the job done but it's not the one. For the price it's ok but it's an ATA Neo with MAYBE a little more qc.
You show case a lot of different shotguns. If you were to buy only one for a waterfowl and upland game gun…which would it be? I’m getting to buy a new shotgun. I’m leaning towards the A400. You seem to like the Browning Maxus 2.
Steve what do you think is the more durable and water resistant finish the cerakote or the camo wrap/dip like you have? Gonna use it for waterfowl. Thanks !
Steve - would you look at doing a review of shotguns under $1000 for plunking and home protection. Noting it may not get used frequently or less than 500 rounds in a year.
As a personal endorsement of this gun, I use the element as my primary hunting shotgun (turkey, waterfowl) as well as having used it for more than 5,000 rounds on my trap and skeet competition team the past 3 years with zero ejection issues or failures to feed. After adding a shim I was able to get it where I was looking right along the rib instead of on top of it and despite rarely cleaning this gun it has functioned flawlessly, the only problem being a busted fiber optic pipe which weatherby replaced for free. I also shoot Magnum turkey and waterfowl loss without any pain from recoil and 500 shots in 2 days from competition without complaints.
@@Hmu_Pojdass I like Carlson’s non ported cremator long range and mid range but mine is a 12, I use it with BB for geese and #2 for ducks and it patterns well with no noticeable holes
@@WhitelightningOG I’m pretty new to buying chokes for shot guns when I go buy one which do I buy because some say fit for bennelie/berreta mobile which do I buy
@@Hmu_Pojdass I am not sure which specifically fits the 20 gauge but I’d look at your gun manual and it should say which choke style fits your gun, the 20 gauge is different than the 12 gauge if I remember correctly
