The monobloc barrels have matching cutouts that mate with the trunnions, making for a slender, low-profile action, and ensuring a long service life. Rather than the more common Deeley & Edge-style fore-end latch, this type enables the user to press in on the tip of the rod and pull down, making removal of the fore-end easy.The action is typical of Italian over-unders, with the barrels rotating on trunnions mounted on the side of the action. Especially useful is the Anson-style fore-end release rod. It is also checkered in a large, traditional pattern. The fore-end of the test gun is of similar walnut and matched in color and grain to that of the buttstock. The Prince of Wales grip is comfortable and well-suited to a variety of hand sizes and is checkered for a firm hold.
The stock itself is select, but straight-grained walnut set off with a high-gloss finish. In use, they eject the fired hulls with gusto, or lift unfired shells from the chamber mouth to enable easy removal, even with a gloved hand.From the butt forward, the recoil pad is of soft material that will help soak up the kick present in any fixed-breech shotgun. Three screw-in choke tubes come with the gun: improved cylinder, modified and full-the latter for use with “lead only”.Another outstanding feature is the automatic ejectors. We prefer this arrangement for a hunting gun, as often shots are few and far between, and if for any reason the first barrel fails to fire, the second can be brought into action. The barrels are identified by a small single dot for the lower barrel and two dots for the upper barrel.The trigger is mechanical, which means that regardless of whether or not the first barrel fires, the second will recoil is not required for the gun to set the sear for the second shot. When a barrel is to be selected, the safety must be fully retracted to the on-safe position.
Because selection of one barrel or the other carrying a different choke constriction is a major feature of double guns, the barrel selector is carried in the safety slide. This style of safety requires that the shooter apply the safety by sliding it back into the on-safe position each time the gun is fired. Note the two holes toward the lower end of the upper barrel, which mate with two truncated bolts that project from the face of the receiver to effect lockup when the gun is closed.A well-thought-out, entry-level over-under, the Orion is loaded with features. The Orion employs a boxlock action with barrels mounted to a monobloc that rotates on trunnions.