Weatherby's New Line of Classic Side-By-Side Shotguns: the Athena D'Italia

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Weatherby's New Line of Classic Side-By-Side Shotguns: the Athena D'Italia

Weatherby has teamed with one of Italy's finest gun makers to offer the new Athena D'Italia, a shotgun for wingshooting enthusiasts seeking classic English side-by-side styling and craftsmanship, as well as superior performance based on the latest in production technology.

"Responding to continued demand for a Weatherby-quality side-by-side shotgun, we sought out the best artisans, gun makers and materials and eventually found the ideal manufacturing partner in Fausti Stefano Arms of Italy," says Brad Ruddell, Weatherby's vice president of sales and marketing. "We wanted unmatched wood-to-metal fit and every appointment worthy of a classic field double gun. We wanted top quality and performance. Ultimately, we wanted a side-by-side that rivals guns costing thousands more. We believe we achieved that level of value with the Athena D'Italia."

The Weatherby Athena D'Italia is available in 12-,20-, and 28-gauge models. The 12-gauge has a 28-inch barrel (44 ½-inch overall gun length) while the 20-gauge and 28-gauge have a 26-inch barrel (42 ½-inch overall gun length).

Key features of the Athena D'Italia include an English-style stock fashioned from oil-finished walnut wood hand-selected for beauty, density, balance and weight consistency. The stock, which has a classic splinter forend, is embellished with laser-cut "New Scottish" checkering at 20 lines per inch.

The time-tested Anson and Deely action is cut from a solid block of alloy steel, hardened and chromed with a coin finish. A Purdey double locking system is designed to provide precise interlocking alignment of the barrels to the action.

Monobloc barrels have automatic ejectors to discharge only spent shells when the receiver is opened. Unfired shells are raised slightly for easy extraction. The barrels are chrome lined to help withstand the wear and tear of heavy use. The chrome lining helps keep the barrels clean and make them easier to clean. Other barrel features include lengthened (30mm) forcing cones and backboring (to improve patterns while reducing felt recoil) and a brass front bead sight.

In keeping with the traditional English design, the Athenia D'Italia has double triggers. The triggerguard has a special rolled-formed border to eliminate sharp edges. Weatherby's "flying W" is engraved in gold on the triggerguard.

Intricate engraving (English scroll with ribbons) adorns the sideplates as well as the bottom of the action. The engraving pattern was created by the world-famous Cesare Giovannelli Studio. Engraving and knurling on the top lever add elegance and non-slip functionality. A slender integrated slide safety is designed to the unobtrusive yet easy to operate in the field.

Other features include a stainless steel Integral Multi-Choke (IMC) system for tailoring choke patterns to shooting needs and various field situations. It is certified for steel shot through modified choke constrictions.

Weatherby's Athena D'Italia side-by-side shotgun weighs approximately 6 ¾ -7 ¼ pounds and has a 14-inch length of pull (front trigger) and a 13 5/8-inch length of pull (rear trigger). Other specifications: chamber, 2 ¾ or 3 inches for the 12- and 20-gauge models, 2 ¾ inches for the 28-gauge; drop at heel, 2 ¼ inches; drop at comb, 1 ½ inches.

Suggested retail prices: $2,840 for the 12- and 20- gauge models, $2,976 for the 28-gauge model. A foam-lined takedown case is included. The case has individual areas for choke tubes and wrenches, forend, barrels and buttstock. It comes with velour sleeves for extra protection and combination locks for additional security.

For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer or Weatherby, Inc., 3100 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422; (805) 466-1767. Or, go to www.weatherby.com

Founded in 1945 and celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2005, Weatherby, Inc., manufactures and markets rifles, shotguns, ammunition, Performance Outerwear and security/shooting accessories.

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