A friend of mine has an older, German-made Weatherby and is wondering how old it is, and what it might be worth. The first four digits of the serial number are P345xxx. The rifle is in good shape, though there is some minor pitting around the action. Anyone have an idea about what age it might be, and what would be a fair price for one in mint condition? Are these fairly common? Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Graham

Check the barrel for pitting and have a good look at the THROAT for erosion. If HOT loads were used for a period of time, the throat will look like a dried up lake bed.

If it shoots fair to poor it's new. If it shoots like absolute crap the throat is fried. If the bolt stop breaks off with a firm bolt stroke and the stock keeps cracking at the pistol grip it's one of the shiny Japanese models form the 80's.

Cut off the barrel and count the rings.

or download this on years and S/N pdf?

http://www.weatherbycollectors.com/



ETA
1969

Let it outside in the weather for a week or two. That'll age it pretty fast.

quote:

Originally posted by gnoahhh:
Let it outside in the weather for a week or two. That'll age it pretty fast.

I was thinking more along the lines of burying it in a wet peat bog for 1-2 years, should make it as reliable as a Weatherby can be.

I,ve always heard putting five or six of em in an old wine barrel with the top cut off was the proper way to go. Under a roof, preferably with some decent air flow, gotta let em breathe to develop properly.