Weatherby Centurion
Weatherby, Inc. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1972
Also known as: Weatherby Centurion Automatic, Centurion 12
Overview
The Weatherby Centurion is a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun produced for Weatherby, Inc. from 1972 to 1981. Manufactured in Japan by Nikko and KTG, it used a gas-operated action conceptually similar to the Remington 1100, paired with a lightweight aluminum receiver and a high-gloss checkered walnut stock with a ventilated-rib barrel. Offered only in 12 gauge, the Centurion was a sporting and field shotgun aimed at hunters and clay shooters. The improved Centurion II introduced a revised stamped-steel slide assembly before the line was succeeded by the Model 82.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3430 g (121.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Ventilated Rib, Checkered Walnut Stock, Rosewood Grip Cap, Fixed Choke, Gas Operated Action
Variants
- Weatherby Centurion II - Improved Action
Production
Production years: 1972-1981
Centurion produced 1972-1975, Centurion II 1976-1981; succeeded by the Weatherby Model 82 in 1982
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Discontinued: 1981
Notes
Made in Japan by Nikko and KTG under contract for Weatherby. The original Centurion's slide assembly was prone to breakage owing to the lack of a recoil buffer; the Centurion II revised the slide and lengthened the action tube to address this. Sales were modest and most parts are now obsolete.
Background
Roy Weatherby, famed for his high-velocity magnum rifle cartridges, expanded the Weatherby line into Japanese-made sporting shotguns in the early 1970s. The gas-operated Centurion was Weatherby's autoloader offering alongside the pump-action Patrician of the same era.