Weatherby 18i Waterfowler 12 Ga 28″ Barrel First Lite Cipher Camo

Description

The Weatherby 18i Waterfowler is a purpose-built semi-automatic shotgun made for hunters who put in the early mornings and long seasons. Built to Weatherby's specs by Italian manufacturer Marocchi, it runs an inertia recoil system that keeps the action simple and the gun clean. Unlike gas-operated semi-autos that bleed propellant gases back into the receiver and build up carbon over time, the inertia system uses the energy of the recoiling gun itself to cycle the bolt. The result is a shotgun that runs reliably across a wide range of load weights, stays cleaner between maintenance sessions, and feels naturally balanced in hand. The receiver is a single-piece unit machined from billet aluminum, which keeps the overall weight in check while providing real structural strength. This particular model is chambered for 3" shells and wears a 28" barrel with a full-length ventilated rib, giving it a smooth swing and a sight plane that's easy to pick up on crossing birds.

How the 18i Waterfowler Handles in the Field

The polymer stock on the 18i Waterfowler is shim-adjustable for both drop and cast, so you can dial in the fit rather than just living with whatever the factory gives you. The cheek rest has a soft-touch surface that's comfortable to mount shot after shot, and the grip and forend feature an aggressive texture that keeps things secure even with wet or gloved hands. The LPA fiber-optic front sight is a practical addition for waterfowl work, giving you a bright, easy-to-find aiming reference during those low-light gray-sky mornings when a standard bead just disappears. The crossbolt safety sits behind the trigger guard and includes a visible red indicator ring, so you always know at a glance whether the gun is ready to fire. Overall length comes in at 49.25" with the gun weighing right around 7 lbs., which keeps it manageable for long hunts without sacrificing too much in the swing department.

First Lite Cipher Camo: More Than Just a Paint Job

This version of the 18i Waterfowler comes dressed in First Lite Cipher camo, and it's applied directly to all metalwork and stock components, not just the furniture. Cipher is a scientifically designed pattern that uses nature-based algorithms to break up the human outline, confusing depth perception and peripheral vision. The pattern works across a wide range of environments and lighting conditions, making it a smart choice for hunters who move between different terrain types over the course of a season. It's a versatile, muted pattern that holds up well in field edges, brush blinds, and open marsh settings. The FDE Cerakote finish underneath the camo adds an extra layer of corrosion resistance, which matters when you're dunking this gun in a duck blind through rain, sleet, and salt air.

Choke System and What's Ready to Go Out of the Box

The 18i Waterfowler uses the Crio Plus choke system, which is compatible with Benelli Crio Plus tubes, and ships with five chokes covering the full range: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full. They come in a storage case with a dedicated choke wrench, so you're not searching for a wrench the morning of opening day. The chrome-lined bore helps with longevity and makes cleanup easier after a hard day in the field. Magazine capacity is 4+1, and a limiting plug is included for hunting situations that call for a reduced capacity.