Why is there not much talk about Weatherby Rifles?

[darreljwick]

Aside from the safety of the MK V action, the stock design was light years ahead of it's time. The design brilliantly mitigates recoil in the field probably better any other design made.

 

[ndking1126]

When I think of Weatherby, it's kind of a tale of two stories..they have a whole lot of their own stuff, and then they have the Vanguard series.

The Weatherby-specific cartridges and Mark V rifles are high end and/or very high powered. Years ago this was a great recipe. More power equaled more capability in the field and society as a whole still had a thing for really nice, good looking rifles. Now the market has moved to less power but better bullets with higher BC to extend range. Secondly, more and more we value functionality and a lower price. Now it's more a tool and less a piece of art. Basically, Westherby specific is expensive, very powerful and (as others have mentioned) has some complicated design aspects - basically the opposite of what most of the buying public wants now.

The Vanguard, on the other hand, has adopted what most rifles have gone too.. common calibers, utilatarian looks and materials, cheap price and accuracy. In my mind it's the exact opposite approach to how Weatherby typically approaches their business and that is why its seen pretty good success.

Of course, that's just my opinion and is worth exactly what you paid for it! Lol

 

[Gator 06]

I love my vanguard in 2506 . It shoot 1 moa at 600 yrd. Its my go to deer rifle.

 

[YZ-80]

I'll apologize for this in advance but as much as I like the Mark V, the Mark V Lazermark is just a bit over the top. This is disturbing but I had a dream once that I went hunting with Dion Sanders and he was carrying a Lazermark.

 

[Arkansasdad]

There are plenty of us here who are Weatherby shooters. If you're interested, you just have to ask.

Yes, you are correct. I think that most here like to tinker and have rifles built. Weatherby rifles have always been top quality. When I shot matches in the past Weatherby rifles were the only ones that would place without any work, right out of the box they would shoot with the customs. I do believe that they are the best buy in the industry. With Krieger barrels and Bell and Carlson stocks they are ready to go when you get one. Factory ammo is pricey but if you stuff your own the cartridges cost no more than any other. Some folks want to have a rifle built but there's really nothing to work on. They have the best factory trigger and the nine bolt lock-up is the highest rated of any bolts. I would recommend a Weatherby to anyone. As far as support I have never needed it from Weatherby. Happy shooting.

 

[Coyote101]

That's all I shoot is Weatherby's and I have since my first 270wby mag from back in the early 80's. All I buy is mark v's wood stock. Every one I have is mounted with a Swarovski scope but I hand load everything from my 223 to my 300wby. No silver spoon and hunts I go on is DIY. I do agree Roy Weatherby was way ahead of his Time. I hope everyone has a successful fall hunt.

 

[oldpilot]

So true...I want a new 1-7.5 twist for my 257 so bad I cannot hardly stand it...but mine shoots 115s so dang good I hate to jack with it. It has about 750 rounds down its tube so probably has another 600-700 rounds..and the way I have been shooting that is another 15 years LOL! My good German and Dutch heritage will not let me splurge if it is not worn out...

I have 3 MKVs with 2000 rounds each through the barrels, and no signs that they are about worn out. My first MKV is a 7mm WBY LaserMark bought in 1980. Box one is on the 9th reload, 3 boxes have 7 each. I bought a black synthetic stock and keep the lasers pristene. In my rifles the MKVs and Vanguard's shoot equally well. I have 3 Vanguard's and 3 MKVs in 300 WBY, 7mm WBY, and 257 WBY just to compare them, the idea was to compare and then sell the Vanguard's but they all shoot so well
l I have kept them. Two of the Vanguard's are LaserGuards also. My original MKV LaserMark is my go to hunting rifle. I get 26" barrels which seem to shoot better. I love the rich guys who shoot factory ammo and leave it for me!! Got a box of 300s a couple of weeks back.

 

[Bearman375]

I personally love em. Note my User Id. I also have a vanguard HB .308 and a WBY Custom Shop .416WBY that both shoot sub MOA and I have a Sako Finnbear in .300Wby and my beloved .340 is a custom (lilja, sako trigger/extractor, HiTech brake, win 3 *** safety, Pac Research stock) that both shoot 1/2 moa with most anything you feed them and if someone that really can shoot was behind them, they both would probably be one holers. .340 was fired 9 times in Africa and 9 animals died with 7 DRT.

I'd love to see a few pics of that custom 340 wby

 

[Bearman375]

I'd love to see the 340 custom

 

[Bearman375]

Side note. I won't get into the stories but has anyone noticed lack of good QC since they moved to sheridan

Supposed to be better. It's a great looking building

 

[WyoHunter1]

I started with a Winchester in 300 wby, 33 years ago. Had the barrel and action nickel plated and put a bell and Carlson stock on it. Then I got a mark V in 300 ultra light. The rifle has always been a pleasure to carry. Always loved the 300 but found it was not perfect with the ultralight barrel and the trigger is just OK. I have other rifles with Jewell, Calvin Elite and other triggers and the Weatherby is not even close.
Personally, if I am getting up to the $2000 mark my next rifles are going to be a Christianson or a Fierce.
I have killed a lot of animals with the Weatherby and it has not ever failed me. JMO

 

[DNADave]

I have an American Weatherby Mark V stainless in .340 Wby, a Japanese Weatherby Mark V Alaskan in .300 Wby, a Vanguard Deluxe in .270 Win, a Vanguard Deluxe in 7mm RM that I put in a B&C stock, and a Vanguard 2 in .240 Wby that has the Bonz pattern plastic stock. They all shoot sub MOA and I can routinely get clover leaf patterns at 100yds out of the .340, .300, and .240. The .240 Wby Mag is probably the best of the bunch in terms of accuracy and it's a pleasure to shoot. I think it's a caliber that should really get more credit than it does, especially for deer sized game.

 

[corsteve]

i have a 1965 wby last year made in germany a cpdonnely barrel 180 nosler particans w/83 grns imr 7828 3230 fps cover group w/a nickel gun only had 350 rds when i boubht it but changed barreles one of the most accurate rifles i own was going to sell it but said no dont make them like that anymore with the barrel wood stock

 

[cape cove]

I own a 257, 270, 7mm and a 30/378 Weatherby. All great rifles and accurate. I've always felt that the 7mm Weatherby was probably the best of the 7mm mags made. JMO