Weatherby PA-459 12ga. fun at the range w/bird, buck, and slugs...

Published on March 26, 2025
Duration: 10:08

This video reviews the Weatherby PA-459 'Reaper' 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, highlighting its budget-friendly nature and decorative skull design. The presenter tests various ammunition types, including bird shot, buckshot, and slugs, to demonstrate patterning at approximately 20 yards. A key takeaway is the failure of a Bushnell red dot sight under shotgun recoil, emphasizing the reliability of iron sights for this platform.

Quick Summary

The Weatherby PA-459 'Reaper' is a budget-friendly 12-gauge pump-action shotgun from Turkey, featuring an 18.5-inch barrel and decorative skull graphics. It reliably handles bird shot, buckshot, and slugs, though a budget red dot sight failed under recoil, highlighting the durability of iron sights for this platform.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Weatherby PA-459 Reaper
  2. 00:13Shotgun Features and Design
  3. 00:35Acquisition and Value
  4. 00:46Model Identification: Weatherby PA-459
  5. 01:06Range Day and Ammunition Selection
  6. 01:47Ammunition: Bird Shot, Buckshot, Slugs
  7. 02:41Loading and Initial Shots
  8. 03:56Target Setup and Range Etiquette
  9. 04:21Red Dot Sight Installation and Co-witnessing
  10. 04:56Red Dot Sight Failure
  11. 05:16Transitioning to Iron Sights
  12. 05:36Shotgun Performance So Far
  13. 05:51Patterning Plan: Bird, Buck, Slug
  14. 06:26Safety Check and Loading Demonstration
  15. 07:05Comparison to Other Firearms (Draco)
  16. 07:35Loading Issues and Malfunctions
  17. 08:03Gravy Train Shoots the Shotgun
  18. 08:28Feedback on the Reaper Shotgun
  19. 08:54Video Wrap-up and Key Takeaways
  20. 09:01Recap: Weatherby Reaper PA-459
  21. 09:10Red Dot Durability Issues
  22. 09:33Shotgun Barrel and Muzzle Device
  23. 09:53Recommendation: Own a Shotgun
  24. 10:41Patterning Test - Post-Video Filming
  25. 10:50Order of Ammunition: Slug, Buck, Bird
  26. 11:12Firing the Patterning Shots
  27. 11:29Approaching the Target
  28. 11:49Analyzing the Patterns: Slug, Buck, Bird
  29. 12:21Pattern Analysis: Buckshot Spread
  30. 12:31Slug Accuracy and Adjustment Needs
  31. 12:42Editing and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Weatherby PA-459 shotgun?

The Weatherby PA-459, nicknamed 'The Reaper,' is a budget-friendly 12-gauge pump-action shotgun manufactured in Turkey. It features an 18.5-inch barrel and often comes with decorative designs, such as skull graphics, making it an affordable option for various uses.

How does the Weatherby PA-459 perform with different ammunition types?

The shotgun was tested with bird shot, double-aught buckshot, and slugs. At 20 yards, bird shot spread widely, buckshot patterned within about 14 inches, and slugs hit consistently but required sight adjustment, indicating good performance for its price point.

Are budget red dot sights reliable on shotguns?

In this video, a Bushnell red dot sight failed after minimal use on a 12-gauge shotgun due to recoil. This suggests that budget optics may not be durable enough for heavier recoiling firearms, and iron sights are a more reliable alternative.

What is the capacity of the Weatherby PA-459 shotgun?

The Weatherby PA-459 shotgun has a capacity of 5 rounds in the magazine plus one round in the chamber, for a total of 6 rounds (5+1).

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