Weatherby Element 12ga Shotgun Review

[@TargetFocusedLife]

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)

[@whitetailhabitatandhunting]

Cool Gun Steve!

[@chrisgreenaway6696]

Steve you should also test the shell release lever for unloading the tube . Because some guns are unbearable

[@chrisgreenaway6696]

The ones who made it popular designed by the Italian angels

[@chilly4181]

Great Video I personally would like to see a review of the weatherby orion

[@fn-b-sa]

Can you do maxus 1 vs maxus 2 ?

[@goochma]

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.

[@shanemarshall-n9x]

I love this shotgun, been quail hunting with it all year and never had any issues. Soft shooting and super easy to clean.

[@hissingoose]

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.

[@erickparmeter147]

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

[@technician799]

Does it shoot light/target loads well? I’m looking to buy a semi auto for clay but can’t make up my mind on which gun to go with

[@jamesadams1357]

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

[@a1sauce0806]

I’m here to say that it does indeed kill ducks and has never had a failure. It’s meant to HUNT and take the beating

[@shields8947]

Saw one for $580 used with a set of upland and waterfowl chokes. Is that over priced? New to weatherby, own mossy, winchester and browning.

[@loganpait3729]

@@shields8947no they are $750 new that’s a pretty good price

[@Bubba15t]

Good to know. Gonna pick one up this weekend I believe.

[@gradygerein9230]

​@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

[@ERBFilms]

I bought mine and took it out 3 times and on the 3rd time had a flock of duck come in and went to shoot and just got a click

[@wesleyporter9737]

I’d love to see a review on the CZ 1012! A comparison of the element and the 1012 would be cool!

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

Wesley has a good point here Steve! I know you’ll get to the CZ 1012 eventually, but when you do, a comparison and recommendation on which

[@georgejones8945]

Ii have been intrigued by the 1012 also. Would love to see Steve review/compare it against a comparably priced gun like this.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

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)

[@River_Rat280]

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

[@Chimney_Sweep_Barmby]

@@georgejones8945 All the CZ 1012 is a rebranded huglu that's it ain't special it's an affordable semi shotgun

[@davidnowaczewski]

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.

[@freedomfighter7630]

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

[@Chimney_Sweep_Barmby]

You mean thanks ATA in turkey for rebranding their shotgun for weatherby

[@larryplogman7997]

@@Chimney_Sweep_Barmby 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

[@Chimney_Sweep_Barmby]

@@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

[@gradygerein9230]

800? I bought mine for 1100 cad plus tax

[@jamesbriggs3653]

This is a great review. I just purchased my 6th Weatherby Element as a wedding gift for my best friend. Let me be clear... THIS IS A BUDGET BENELLI! i bought a benelli Vinci and a montefeltro bedore trying my first Weatherby Element. The Element is a Turkish made clone do the Benelli Montefeltro. The design of the bolt assembly, trigger group, inertia operating system are identical. (They look the same, but the parts are not interchangeable) These make great starter semi-auto shotguns at a reasonable price point. In my opinion, i suspect the Element to last 10k rds before showing signs of wear. Whereas the Montefeltro (which is Italian made with slightly better materials) will probably last twoce as long and go well over 20k rds before showing any wear. The biggest downside to buyiamd Element os the lack of popularity of the gun, which means a lack of upgrades and options. Both 12ga & 20ga stocks are approx 14½in LOP. They dont make a compact/youth model. I actually buy these new and run them through a table saw eliminating the curved stock and factory recoil pad. Once its made flat, I install a limbsaver aircell recoil pad. Also with this modification, i can shorten the LOP as short as 12½in which was perfect for my 11 yr old daughter. My older teenage daughter needed a 13.5in LOP. This size also works great for my wife and sister-in-law. Also, note that the trigger pull is closer to pull once broken in with a couple thousand rds. IMO, thia is the best value for the price point. Make sure you check out all the models available before choosing the one best for you. There is a base model grey synthetic stock with matte finish barrel, a tungsten cerakote version with blakc synthetic stock, the Upland model with wood furniture, checkering and no rubber overmold, amd then several camo pattern hydro-dipped versions.

[@henrymeyer377]

Thanks Steve for doing a review on the element. Really appreciate the input. Awesome job!!

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Thank you Henry!

[@haroldvankleeckwilson9304]

Love this gun! Bought it for the price, the shim kit( I'm a lefty) and the long distance steel choke. After 12 rnds at the range, I took it hunting and it's the best handling gun I've ever used. Pounded ducks and geese like crazy with little recoil. It did let the last shell slip into the carrier when loading the odd time, but even with a round in the chamber, a round in the carrier and one in the magazine, it cycled perfectly. Really happy I bought this gun!

[@carsonkurth1781]

You should review a impala plus 12 gauge

[@wilddthangss]

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.

[@WaitWhatsMyName]

And you dont send it back for repairs? You sound smart

[@TheDothedewbop]

Enjoyed the great video! I would be interested in seeing some of the not so famous big name brands like the Retay Masai Mara or CZ 1012

[@colecaldwell7106]

Cz 1012 100%

[@jacobcline7076]

I'd love to see a head to head between this and the CZ 1012.

[@donturner3155]

I just bought one this week. Appreciate the honest review. I just wanted a simple reliable shotgun.I hope I found it.

[@bortplays]

the element is like a benelli m2 for the common man. love this gun and agree with most of your critiques!

[@jonathanweathers]

Hey, when can we expect a review on the new Weatherby Sorix?? All I’m waiting on is your OK before I pick one up to replace my Element.

[@rogerstjean654]

just picked up an Element. the price point swung me from the Winchester and Benelli - looking forward to shooting. Great review and video, thank you

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Thorough analysis of this shotgun’s performance. It’s helpful that you fairly critique each element of a gun’s performance on its own merits.

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

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.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

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)

[@Mythic783]

Recently bought one of these and I got to say for the price point it’s a great shotgun and for being my first semi it’s very beginner friendly.

[@StudstilI]

Would love to see a video on their higher end line the 18i

[@adamnajera1297]

Got one in a 26 inch barrel and tungsten finish. Its a dream. Shoots low recoil buckshot like its meant too.

[@WhitelightningOG]

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]

What kind of full choke do you use for the weatherby FYI I have a 20 gauge weatherby

[@WhitelightningOG]

@@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

[@Hmu_Pojdass]

@@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

[@WhitelightningOG]

@@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

[@Hmu_Pojdass]

@@WhitelightningOG ok sure will thank you

[@wackyguns]

Love mine , no problems so far but I will agree with you not enough spacers for length of pull great video👍

[@hiwayhighway9925]

Just mod the stock then

[@vladimirlopez7840]

I have a weather y element and it is great for the money I have no complaints.

[@znignflo72]

Bought my element from sportsman’s for $500, absolutely love it and haven’t had one malfunction.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Love to see it

[@ralphbanks8766]

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.

[@JT4Huntn]

Love the review. Will you do the element waterfowl vs 18i waterfowl? Thank you!! Love your channel.

[@robertnoble1298]

If you could review the weatherby 18i that'd be sweet! Awesome videos man

[@joeydinwiddie2047]

I got one a few weeks ago. Runs $589 at Sportsman’s in Mn. Wonderful gun have killed several ducks. No complaints so far but you are onto something with the trigger!

[@Hmu_Pojdass]

What full choke do you use and what gauge is your shotuu guy n

[@Tk.utelab]

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.

[@easyliving1501]

Can you please review the cz 1012 if you can find one ?

[@seansvid]

Your assessment of this gun seems spot on, based on my experience buying a semi-auto Weatherby shotgun for my son to use duck hunting. Their guns are OK, but not great. The shotgun we bought has an issue with disassembly. The barrel becomes stuck and requires enormous force to remove it. I brought the shotgun back to the dealer and they confirmed there's a problem with it. Shipping it back to Weatherby will be a pain. I'm disappointed Weatherby's quality control didn't catch the issue before the gun left the factory.

[@Blackgunsmatter60]

Sounds like you just got unlucky!! Especially if a human was performing the quality checks.

[@eabdic1]

Right on time for this review, also I just realize you’re also from the “Gloud Brothers” Channel if I’m not mistaken

[@TargetFocusedLife]

You would be correct! Cheers!

[@shaneturcotte6128]

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

[@chriss8206]

Hope your hunt went well. Really can't wait for the ethos. How about doing some over and under guns. Love my over and unders.

[@trentroberdeau6399]

Tristar viper and raptor… great entry shot guns

[@hankharrel6191]

Please do a review on the impala plus shotgun

[@smalliesnacher]

I'd really like to see the Mossberg 930-940 and 935

[@Jskubal20]

Love the videos!!!!Super Vinci, CZ 1012 and Tristar viper tests please

[@chriswilson8590]

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.

[@davidcudlip6587]

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.

[@coreycouture7135]

Just bought one yesterday found this video today I think it's going to be just what I was looking for

[@justinb7320]

Great review, I've been looking at this shotgun vs Mossberg 940 pro waterfowl, opinions on the 2?

[@technician799]

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!!

[@siddiquenadir44]

Smooth or Rifed bore ?

[@gatorben502]

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.

[@gordonblackmore9520]

review the Weatherby 18i please. Great job!

[@rickbachCGS]

Between the Weatherby and the TRISTAR VIPER MAX 28” what would you pic?

[@simonwinskowski7356]

Do remington versa max

[@jonahraiford4661]

On the fence about the element or the franchi affinity.

[@truss2005]

If possible do the cz 1012, would love to see your opinion

[@robertrineer1152]

How bout a sa-08, 12 gauge an 20 gauge

[@matt_balomenos]

Let's see some pump guns! Remington 870s and mossbergs would be a good starting place I think. Great review.

[@scottbullington1289]

I'd like to see a review of the SKB RS300

[@trentmalchuk4412]

And the Benelli Nova and supernova

[@michaelolmstead4870]

Do you think you can go the Remington v3 waterfowl pro?

[@markgrant5194]

Great review! Thanks for the non biased review!

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Any time!

[@GR1ZZLYYYYY]

I would be very interested for you to do a review on the CZ 1012. That gun seems to be really good quality for the price point.

[@shuvitcree]

i have had mine for 3 years never cleaned even after using it for a boat paddle, never jammed

[@josiahgarcia9943]

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?

[@drakes1368]

I agree do a impala plus review they are rising in popularity quickly

[@Canes-kh5bq]

This for the community new semi auto shotgun buyer this gun vs the cz 1012? For hunting upland and dove/ quail etc

[@mikehobbs7421]

Best shotgun reviews on KZbin! Cheers from Canada eh 🍻🇨🇦🤘

[@coltonfranklin5193]

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. 👍🏻

[@thelastlatchkeykid8466]

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.

[@mattworkman3742]

How about a review on the Weatherby 18i deluxe !!!!

[@ecobasetech4558]

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

[@mmjohn2]

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 !

[@Jake-ts3nl]

Have you ever shot the weatherby 18i waterfowl gun.

[@cameronhead4086]

What would be better this or the stronger m3000

[@vangthao888]

I would like to see a review on the Tristar viper max.

[@brodydykes2613]

Mine will not cycle anything lighter than 1 1/4 oz shells but any hunting load and it’s spot on

[@vangthao888]

@@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.

[@FT4Freedom]

Tristar Viper G2 Pro Bronze Select. 🎉 Epic gun.

[@dieselten01]

Thanks for the great reviews. I would like to see the Benelli Super Vinci. Thanks!

[@desaljs]

Steve, on the removal of the trigger group, would it help to push the bolt relief button AS you pull it out? I enjoy your reviews. Keep up the good work.

[@MSScout86]

I read that the standard Invector choke will fit the Element.

[@RockIslandguy]

Can you ghost load this shotgun like Benelli?

[@Dayhaus]

I’d definitely love to see a review on the Weatherby 18i

[@TargetFocusedLife]

I haven't had as good of success with the 18i. I have had cycling issues with two different guns.

[@Dayhaus]

@@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?

[@pierreclifton1865]

CZ 1012 is nicer. Respect for the weatherby element but Ordering CZ 1012 for clay shooting. Thanks for the reviews.

[@ltanzie3363]

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.

[@pboutdoors5889]

Do one one the Cz 1012

[@jacobtuggle2819]

Stoeger 3000/3500 or element? I need a budget semi and these two are in my price point.

[@TargetFocusedLife]

I think that I’d have to go with the element - I had a good time with it and was blown away by the quality of build at the price point

[@jacobtuggle2819]

@@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.

[@josephpracht3653]

Test a browning silver, I have one, and it is an awesome gas gun, it is basically brownings lower maxus, and it sells for right around 1000

[@richwilcox9564]

What gun would have the rib configuration that you speak of? Thanks

[@user-rb4om9sq8w]

Thanks for this review! Can you do also the Weatherby 18 i? I am wondering if the Price difference worth it.

[@michaeldelrossi4487]

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!

[@TommyboyGTP]

What are the lightest loads you ran in it?

[@Damon1359]

How about Weatherby 18i? Would you pls review that as well?

[@benjaminkillam67]

Is there any way to put an aftermarket recoil pad on this gun?

[@jeffreylocke8808]

Take the recoil pad off and use a cross cut saw to cut the butt stock plumb. Then install an aftermarket thicker plumb level base.

[@gregeiler6755]

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.

[@TommyboyGTP]

I'd like to see you do a review on a Retay Gordion. It's design is supposed to be a game changer in the inertia world.

[@mobeefus9707]

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

[@urinesoakedtroglodyte5764]

Everyone wants to be a benelli. They all have the same parent company. Beretta. So in quality standards it goes. Stoeger, franchi, beretta and benelli

[@sasaradulovic8487]

I bought last year very nice gun !!!!!!

[@juniorhood5264]

Can we get a review on the sibergun Maximus

[@LC-hq6hc]

Have you done a review on the weatherbt 18i 12 gauge waterfowl?

[@johntaylor8582]

Does Mcarbo make a trigger kit?

[@dylanW50]

I’ve been binge watching your shotgun reviews and I’d love it if you made notice of if the bolt automatically locks back like the SX4 or otherwise where the bolt lock is.

[@Leverguns50]

Excellent review I enjoyed it, I don’t like a hard trigger pull either

[@TargetFocusedLife]

Thanks 👍

[@nsmerilli1]

Go old school with a Winchester Model 12, I’m going to keep posting this till you do it lol

[@jerrodladner3019]

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.