Description
There's a pretty short list of semi-automatic shotguns that can hold their own at a classic gunroom table, and the Weatherby 18i Limited 20 gauge is on it. The receiver is hand-polished to a brushed nickel finish and engraved by Bottega Incisioni di Cesare Giovanelli, a respected Italian atelier whose work features real 24-karat gold inlays depicting game bird scenes. The 28-inch barrel wears a high-gloss finish and is topped by a full-length ventilated rib with a luminous LPA fiber optic front sight. Underneath all the beauty is a single-piece billet aluminum receiver and a field-proven inertia recoil system that keeps the gun running reliably with everything from light 2-3/4-inch dove loads up through 3-inch magnums.
The 18i Limited's Exhibition Walnut: Worth Talking About
The stock is exhibition-grade walnut, and each one is genuinely unique to the individual gun it's fitted to. The wood shows the kind of figure you'd expect to see on a bespoke European shotgun at a much higher price point. It's not just cosmetic either; the walnut stock comes with a shim adjustment kit so you can dial in your drop and cast for a proper fit. Textured checkering on the pistol grip and forend gives you a secure hold even when things get wet, and the 14.75-inch length of pull will suit most adult hunters right out of the box.
Inertia Action and CRIO Plus Chokes: Ready to Hunt
The inertia system on the 18i Limited is clean, simple, and well-suited to a gun this nice. Because it doesn't bleed gas off into the action like a traditional gas-operated semi-auto, there's much less fouling over time and cleanup is genuinely simple. The chrome-lined bore shrugs off high round counts and adds longevity. Five CRIO Plus choke tubes are included in cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full constrictions, so you're covered from decoying ducks at close range all the way out to late-season pheasant. A choke wrench and small carry case come with the set. Capacity is 4+1, with a magazine limiting plug included that brings it down to 2+1 for hunting situations that call for it. At 6 pounds in 20 gauge, this gun swings naturally and won't wear you out on a long day afield.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Weatherby
- Model: 18i Limited
- MPN: IDL2028MAG
- UPC: 747115452651
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Action: Semi-Automatic (Inertia Recoil)
- Barrel Length: 28"
- Chamber: 3" (accepts 2-3/4" and 3" shells)
- Overall Length: 49.25"
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Length of Pull: 14.75"
- Capacity: 4+1 (2+1 with included magazine limiting plug)
- Receiver: One-piece billet aluminum, hand-polished brushed nickel with custom engraving and 24K gold inlays
- Stock: Exhibition-grade walnut, shim adjustable, matte finish
- Barrel Finish: High gloss, chrome-lined bore
- Sights: Full-length ventilated rib, LPA luminous fiber optic front sight
- Choke System: CRIO Plus (5 tubes included: C, IC, M, IM, F)
What’s Included
- Weatherby 18i Limited 20 gauge semi-automatic shotgun
- 5 CRIO Plus choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full)
- Choke tube wrench
- Choke tube storage case
- Magazine limiting plug (reduces capacity to 2+1)
- Shim kit for stock adjustment
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Weatherby 18i Limited different from the standard 18i Deluxe?
The Limited steps things up significantly in terms of aesthetics and materials. The receiver is hand-engraved by Italian artist Bottega Incisioni di Cesare Giovanelli and features genuine 24-karat gold inlays, while the stock uses exhibition-grade walnut that is unique to each individual gun. The core platform, inertia action, and CRIO Plus choke system are shared across the 18i family, but the Limited is produced in smaller quantities and is clearly positioned as a collector-quality field gun.
Can the Weatherby 18i Limited 20 gauge handle light target loads reliably?
Inertia-operated guns do best when they have enough shell energy to compress and release the inertia spring, so very light 7/8-oz. loads can sometimes be finicky in any inertia-driven semi-auto. The 3-inch chamber on the 18i Limited is designed to help the action cycle more efficiently with lighter loads compared to a 3.5-inch chambered gun. Standard 1-oz. and heavier 20-gauge field loads cycle without issue, making it well-suited for dove, quail, pheasant, and clay target work.
Is the stock adjustable for fit on the 18i Limited?
Yes. The exhibition walnut stock comes with a shim adjustment kit that lets you alter the drop and cast to better match your individual mount and physique. Length of pull is 14.75 inches out of the box, which fits most adult hunters. Getting the fit dialed in on a shotgun this nice is worth taking the time to do, since proper fit directly affects how naturally the gun points and how comfortable it is to shoot over a full day.
What choke tubes are included with the 18i Limited, and are aftermarket chokes compatible?
Five CRIO Plus choke tubes come in the box: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. They ship with a dedicated choke wrench and a small storage case to keep the set together. The CRIO Plus system is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket Benelli-pattern choke tubes, giving you plenty of options beyond the included five if you want to get specific about your pattern for a particular application.
How easy is it to clean and maintain an inertia-driven shotgun like the 18i Limited?
One of the genuine advantages of an inertia action over a gas-operated design is how much simpler the cleaning process is. Since no combustion gases are routed back into the receiver, there's far less carbon buildup inside the action. Field stripping requires no tools and the parts count is minimal compared to a gas gun. Keeping the bolt and bolt head lightly lubed and the bore clean is really all it takes to keep this type of action running well.
Is the Weatherby 18i Limited 20 gauge a good upland bird hunting shotgun?
At 6 pounds with a 28-inch barrel, the 20-gauge Limited is genuinely well-balanced for an all-day upland hunt. The lighter payload and reduced recoil of the 20 gauge make it a natural fit for grouse, quail, dove, and pheasant hunting where you're covering ground on foot. The 28-inch barrel promotes a smooth swing and good follow-through, and the five included choke tubes cover the spectrum from open cover to tight timber. It's a shotgun that hunts as well as it looks.



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