From remarks that appear in this forum from time to time, I get the impression that many people here hate Weatherby rifles and Weatherby calibers. Is this true? What is your opinion on this topic? Personally, I think the Weatherby stock design is grotesquely ugly, but the rifles and calibers seem OK to me.

The Weatherby line of cartridges is excellent in all respects, and Weatherby's factory ammo delivers the goods as advertised.

I like the Mark V action very much, but the ball bearing detent which is used to retain the position of the firing pin assembly in the bolt body is a design defect that should be corrected; otherwise, the Mark V is first-rate.

I agree with you about the stock design. It's one of the Weatherby signatures of design, but it really needs to be replaced with a modern, American Classic style stock from a name stockmaker. It's amazing to shoot a .300 Weatherby (for example) in a stock Mark V rifle, then shoot a .300 Weatherby with a straight, classic-style stock. Right away, you notice more muzzle jump with the Monte Carlo-type Weatherby stock, whereas the classic stock comes straight back, and muzzle jump isn't nearly so severe. As always, form should follow function.......

AD

I don't care much for the Wby rifles, but their 300mag is my all time favorite hunting caliber. There are newer and faster rounds available, but the time tested and proven 300Wby is still "King of the Hill" for me. Now that they have revived their old 375Wby I think we have seen the best alternative to a 375 H&H become available. If one desires more velocity than the H&H delivers, yet still allows the older cartridge's use in a pinch, the 375Wby can't be bested. I'm having one built as we speak!
As Allen mentioned, chamber that Wby caliber in a classic designed stock and the recoil isn't nearly as bad.

I don't "hate" them (well, OK, maybe the stock). Back in the day, Roy Weatherby was a leading experimenter, and made his reputation on extreme speed. (At least extreme at the time). It's just that nowadays, there have been so many advances made in rifles & cartridges. There are more efficient, as well as faster rounds. So either way Weatherby chamberings aren't so unique any longer. Weatherby ammo & brass is priced higher than most of today's other ammo. So, to get more performance, at a lower cost, Weatherby is getting left behind. The radiused shoulder has never been real popular on their brass either.

It's just a matter of something that was leading edge no longer is. Like the guys above have said, Weatherby needs to change with the times. Still a fine company, they just may get left behind in the race.

The other responses here are pretty much the way a lot of folks feel about Weatherby products.

I admit the old stock styles were pretty weird, but some of the new fiberglass stocks they are using are pretty good.

I do not own any Weatherby rifles, but I do own two Remington 700 Classics chambered in te 7mm and 300 Weatherby calibers. These are both fine cartridges and I enjoy hunting with them. They both shoot 3/4 inch groups with Nosler Partitions in spite of the freeboring.

My dad owns three Weatherby rifles and just loves them. He has had no problems of any kind with them and the triggers are readily adjustable.

In regard to Weatherby getting left behind in the market place, I am not so sure. If you pay attention, they have LOTS of new products to offer. One of my dad's rifles is one of the new Ultralight models in 25-06.
It shoots just fine and only weighs 5 1/2 pounds before you mount the scope. Carrying that thing is pretty nice! Another friend bought one of their new varmint rifles, I forget the model name, but MAN does it shoot!

So, I think Weatherby is still a viable name in the shooting sports. Yeah, their stuff is a little pricy, but a lot of good things are these days.

R F

Is it already time to bash Weatherby again? I thought we just did this last week. Didn't we all agree to do this only once a month for now on? I know it�s May and all, but can�t you kids wait just a little while longer?

I don't think a lot of the MKV action only because I don't care for the short bolt lft actions. The only problem with the ball bearing firing pin lock is the tendency for the bearing to roll under the bench when the bolt is disassembled!
I don't like the appearance of the stock but actually find it to be quite comfortable to shoot. I think that manyof todays severe American classic stocks are too straight and have insufficient drop at the heel.
I think the cartridges from the .270 to the .375 are good cartridges if you want a magnum. I think the 378 and 460 are excessive and the 257, 240, and 224 are either stupid or redundant or both. Regards, Bill.

The stocks on the ones I have seen were a bit flash/tacky looking. As to the calibers, I don't really buy into this need for speed so we'll leave it there...*G*

I also dislike the Weatherby rifles, but I think the Weatherby .300 and .375 calibers are the best!

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Phil- Life Member NRA & SCI

Can me if you want Gents, but I like the weatherby stocks on hard kickers, I had my .416 Rigby fitted with a custom fibre glass reinforced with Kevlar in the WEATHERBY STYLE and I love it, so much so that I am getting my .585 fitted out with one as well.

Do I have some kind severe ailment

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As a big fan of CRF, that is the only downside to Weatherbys in my mind. For other than a DGR, especially when mated to one of their synthetic stocks, I do not think you can beat a Weatherby among current factory rifles in terms of function and accuracy. Their accuracy guarantee with factory ammo is real and they will outshoot any Remington out of the box for the most part. Ammo is expensive but they make many rifles now in non Weatherby calibers. Button-rifled Krieger bbls combined with a time proven action and a 1 1/2" guarantee is hard to beat. I only own one Weatherby at present, but my experience is that, contrary to the popular myth, Weatherby shooter are the hard core rifle is a tool type and not the misconcieved showey pimp rifle carrying crowd.

I dislike the whole lot.

Bill, now you have gone too far! For some reason, I only have use for the 240 Wby and the 375Wby. Everything else seems to have been surpassed. That 240 with the right bullets, man, anything from looooong range varmints to small elk, watch out. JMO, Dutch.

i have a 338-378 weatherby mag with the 28" muzzel braked barrel i absolutly love it and with the 225gr barns x bullet at 3200fps it dose one heck of a lot of damage and it a real long range thumper

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black powder rules

I shoot two Weatherbys, neither has the fancy stock. A .257 Wby in Accumark with a 6 X 24 Burris Signature scope that shoots one hole groups with five bullet sizes. My hunting load is a 120 gr. Nosler Partition at 3500 fps. My 12 year old grandson had killed 8 deer with this rifle, I am grooming it for Antelope and use it for deer. I also shoot a .340 Wby in the sporter stock, the plain jane, but servicable. This rifle will drill one hole groups with either a 225 gr. Barnes XLC or 225 gr. and 250 gr. North Fork bullets. The lighter bullets traveling at 3150 fps. I have killed several Bull Elk, Mule Deer and one huge Alaska Yukon Moose with this rifle, it will always have a place in my safe, with three grandson's already claiming it. Besides these I also have a pile of Model 70's of various chamberings from .300 Win up to .358 STA and .416 Rem, plus a Sako, also in .340 Wby. I could care less what the rifle looks like as long as I can get a consistent one hole group on my good shooting days. Not that all my rifles are plain, I have a Custom Stainless Model 70 with red Walnut that will turn any gun nuts crank. I guess you could say a like Weatherbys, or anything else, if it will shoot. Good shooting.

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[This message has been edited by phurley (edited 05-02-2002).]

I absolutley love the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe and Euromark.They are VERY nice rifles,at least in my eyes.

I like all the Weatherby cartridges short of the 30/378,which doesn't offer enough advantage over the 300 Weatherby.

As for the "worthless" cartridges-my grandfather killed quite a few deer with his 224 Magnum,as did my father with a 257 Magnum.I guess none of the deer ever read any posts made by 500grains.

I'm in the process of sussing out a 378 Weatherby Magnum.With a Nosler 260 grain Ballistic Tip around 3200 FPS,it should make a hell of a long range big game rifle.Any of you Weatherby haters got one you want to throw away?I'd make you a hell of a deal on one of these worthless rifles chambered for the exsessive 378.

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I'm out to wrong rights,depress the opressed,and generaly make an ass of myself!

I have owned two weatherby's and do not feel they are worth the extra cost.The factory 700's I have owned were just as accurate(and moreso in several cases) for much less money.As for calibers I much prefer the ultramag line to the weatherby magnums.

[This message has been edited by stubblejumper (edited 05-02-2002).]

Yes, it appears to be Weatherby-bashing time again... a recurrent theme on this board. The original post had to be a set-up.....

They are quality rifles, the stocks (synthetic and wood) are well-designed for scope use and comfortable to shoot, and the two action sizes ft the needs of either the magnum or standard cartridges. They are well-made. The newer lighter weight designs are great for a hunting rifle that is carried far more than it is shot.

I'm a big fan of the cartridges,but prefer other actions. The stock design suits me,more than it apparently does others.

Roy was ahead of his time and I'm thankful for his visions and enthusiasm...............

Weatherby rifles are of great quality. The only thing I don't like about them is not being CRF. Other than that, I was looking at a Weatherby .338-06 A-Square, and was impressed. What a good looking little rifle that one is!

The long barrels required to get the advertised speed is a little much in the brush, but if I was hunting flat land or across canyons the calibers certainly have the energy to perform. As for the stocks, I personally do not care for them, not plain enough I guess.
I saw an ultralight in 25-06 the other day, and it was a pleasure to hold. Still a little long, but would be a joy to carry on a long hunt.

Good luck and good shooting

LE270,

I don't own any Weatherby rifles, but for a long range sniper caliber I'll choose a .338/378 weatherby over a .338 lapua.IMHO

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BER007
Keep the faith in any circumstances
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BBER007@HOTMAIL.COM

I own a 300 wby accumark and love it. Its ugly synthetic stock fits me very well, and I like the look of it (just a matter of -bad- personal taste). The caliber is one of the most performing non-wildcat .30. The rounds are expensive, and what? I rarely shoot 20 a day. Recoil? The accumark is rather heavy, well balanced, and perceived recoil close to zero (for me at least). My perfect all-around rifle.

My first "serious" big-game rifle was a German made, left-handed Mark V in 7mm Weatherby. With it I shot my first elk, bear and deer; all with the 154 gr. Hornaday PSP @ around 3100fps. Groups run less than 1" consistently.

It also sent many a woodchuck on to the "hayfield in the sky" during off-season practise sessions. It's enough gun for elk, but the recoil isn't a problem even after a long day at the range. A very versatile cartridge.

I shot the factory barrel out and have had it rebarreled with a short throat. I'm in the process of breaking it in now.

Other rifles may come and go, but that 7mm Weatherby will always have a home in my gun safe.

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Life member of the NRA and GOA. Do you part to protect our Second Amendment rights and our hunting heritage!

I love the Weatherby cartridges. I don't hate the rifles, but do not particularly like them. My favorite rifle is my Sako 75 chambered in .300 Weatherby.

I think their cartridge line is excellent, as they cover all the bases of hunting up here. The rifles are sure controversial as some of my buddies despise my German MV in 300. I find it to be an excellent pointing unit with excellent accuracy. The most accurate shooting Magnum I have run into is a 300 Fibermark, an excellent all round rifle. I still regret selling my 7mm WBY M700 Classic to a good freind, My next caliber I am looking for is a 270 WBY.

BR

Battle River..you'll love the 270wby.It shoots so flat at long range with 150 gr noslers that it's almost spooky.It takes a bit of getting used to in order to not overshoot.I just bought a wby ultralightweight in this caliber and am impressed with the quality and balance of the rifle but haven't shot it yet.This is my first weatherby rifle and i've never been a big fan but i think i'm going to really like this one.I had a model 70 in this caliber for about 10 years and my son and i used it extensively but i just sold it as the groups were starting to open up a bit.

My attitudes towards Weatherby rifles has significantly changed over the years. I think they are one of the better guns you can buy and shoot right out of the box. On calibres the Weatherby rounds suffered from bullet design not catching up with the huge velocities Weatherby created. With the advent of better bullets these rounds work well.

A note on the .378 and 460 they need to be loaded with heavier bullets and I would like to see a .500 from Weatherby. I icing would be a MK 6 action based on a real magnum Mauser action for the big rounds. The .240 is a personal favourite of mine and will be placing an order soon for another one.

Weatherby rifles do please some folks!
If you don't mind the extra 30% recoil for the sum of 15% more powder and only 10% more effective energy for your return.

I don't care for their California stocks, some call them Hollywoods. They are however eye catching with good wood on them.
The 300 Weatherby was the all time favorite in Weatherby calibers. I do believe that the 300 Ultra mag will shine in its place down the road.

I have been buying the rifles and shotguns for the San Diego SCI Chapter fund raiser for about 4 years now. I buy 30 "good guns" that are divided between live aution (one high grade gun max), the silent auction and targeted drawings (put your drawing ticket in the basket for the item). In addition we have a progressive that is three prizes adn I usually put a couple of guns in there as well as prizes for specialty games.

I buy at least two Weatherby rifles, and they always get a good return. People seem to want to have them if they don't have to buy them. The Ultra Light rifles are well received, as is the .300 Weatherby.

jim dodd

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"if you are to busy to
hunt, you are too busy."

Well

I like the weatherby line of cartridges. I had a 257,7mm. I like the 300 and 340 even more.

My new rifle is a Ed Brown in 300 wby. Next in line will be a 340 or 375. I agree with John S to the full. There are faster and newer rounds, but there can be only one...300wby.

/ JOHAN

I am an unabashed Weatherby fan, up to an icluding the 340. I like the way they look, they are the mostt accurate rifles "out of the box" I've ever owned (sorry Remington) and if you read my thread on "hydrostasis" their high speed calibers ( or any other for that matter) kill faster than most. I *DO* recognize their limitations however, and much prefer a CRF for the dangerous stuff. As to making a custom rifle in a WBY caliber, I've never considered it. Often times gunsmiths tend to make the cambers too tight and with littel freebore and when an unsuspecting client tries to fire factory ammo in their custom rifles, pressure signs often develop. I took a 300 to Africa and I highly recommend the caliber for the "one rifle" man. jorge

I have little use for the rifles action design or it's stock design. My opinion is all that glitters isn't gold and they certainly glitter..

I think the 7MM, 300, 340, and lately the 460 Wby as classic calibers.

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

I love Weatherby rifles; and stocks. I think they are the most comfortable stocks on the market. My Weatherby is the most accurate rifle that I own, and I did not have to jack with the trigger. My only problem with my Weatherby is I only have one! A 257. That and My Pre 64 Mod 70's are my pride and joy of my gun collection. I wish I had more Mark V's though.

Every one is entitled to there own opinion and that is what makes the world go round!

Corey

The rifles look like something that comes out of a ceral-box.

Weatherby Calibers, I have never hunted with them.

Weatherby Rifles, I purcased the Fiberguard in 1985. 7mm Rem mag 20" barrel. You can't find a fiberglass stock that feels better. I have carried this rifle in warm,cold,rain, snow and have not ever carried a rifle with a better feel. Plus it has never missed. Even when my father caried it , it did not miss. I looked for another fiberglass stocked rifle to add to my collection. There is not a single one that doesn't sound hollow or cheap like a toy.

I would not be shooting my Encore with laminated stock, but my son seems to have a liking for the Weatherby and I had to move on.

Same trigger, Same feel, Same results

The only things be lacking on the Weatherby is be a set of deem curb-feelers and soma deem fuzzy dice.

[This message has been edited by Zero Drift (edited 05-06-2002).]

Weatherby's are overpowered for anything within a mile. Too much bulletspeed.
But don't take my word for it. I am just a guy who like to eat my game.
You'll find good reading on the topic in Kevin "Doctari" Robertsons book "The perfect shot".
On the other hand they're fun to shoot if you like the kick.

predictable

Everybody who hates Weatherby is in all probability a non user/owner. I have been told they are inaccurate, burn a lot of powder, and expensive. I own nine Weatherby rifles from 22LR to 460, I will stand by all of them as being accurate and easy to shoot for the given the caliber. As for caliber effectiveness they will do what there advertised to do.--Kill! Try a Ruger #1 in 458 winnie and a 460 in a Wby rifle and then tell me which one hits you shoulder harder! I came to the conclusion years ago that when your at the top there are legions trying to knock you out of the top spot.

ITS LONLEY AT THE TOP

If you paid a lot of $$$$$ for say a elk hunt and after 2 weeks of hunting you see the elk of you dreams at 500 yards. What would you want to shoot him with? A 30-06 or a 300 Weatherby?

I don't see to many hands for the 06!

[This message has been edited by Colonel (edited 05-08-2002).]