Favorite Weatherby Generation

Rembo said:
The Japanese built Weatherby Mark V's were also made by Howa, so , I guess they aren't "Weatherbys" either..:)

So, then we should call the US made Mark V's from the 90's Saco/Weatherbys as they were made by Saco Defense in Maine.


all in all,...just names....




So, I guess we should call the new Model 70's "FN Winchesters", like the old FN Brownings....:)
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Exactly the overwhelming majority of firearms that wear the Weatherby name were built by contractors.If it wears the Weatherby name,and it was made for Weatherby ,it's a weatherby.
 
I think the OP was specifically talking about Mark V actions, whether it is the 9 lug or 6 lug version. Was the Remington 798 really a Remington? On the other hand a Winchester M70 is a Winchester, regardless of who builds it, isn't it? Same with the various Brownings, for example the BLR, that were made in Belgium, made in Belgium assembled in Portugal or made in Japan. In other words I think we are talking about designs versus location of manufacture.
 
1899 said:
I think the OP was specifically talking about Mark V actions, whether it is the 9 lug or 6 lug version. Was the Remington 798 really a Remington? On the other hand a Winchester M70 is a Winchester, regardless of who builds it, isn't it? Same with the various Brownings, for example the BLR, that were made in Belgium, made in Belgium assembled in Portugal or made in Japan. In other words I think we are talking about designs versus location of manufacture.
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What this guy said ;)
 
Rembo said:
The Japanese built Weatherby Mark V's were also made by Howa, so , I guess they aren't "Weatherbys" either..:)

So, then we should call the US made Mark V's from the 90's Saco/Weatherbys as they were made by Saco Defense in Maine.


all in all,...just names....




So, I guess we should call the new Model 70's "FN Winchesters", like the old FN Brownings....:)
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There is only "one" Weatherby action designed by Roy Weatherby, it's the Mark V. All other actions are not Weatherby, such as the FN Mauser and Howa actions. Weatherby's 22 bolt actions and side by side shotguns are not designed or made by Weatherby..................German and Italian receivers, barrels and stocks.
 
Dogleg said:
My Howa built Vanguards outshoot my American built Mark Vs. I wish it wasn't true, but it is.
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I don't doubt it at all. Neither of my two Mk Vs were exceptionally accurate (they were accurate enough and accounted for numerous head of game) - SS .257 Wby and Deluxe in .300 Wby.
 
One was plenty good enough after Jimmy Dugan bedded it, another required one of Ted Gaillards barrels and bedding, and the third eventually shot quite well with one and only one bullet after hundreds of rounds of load work-up and bedding. Contrast that to Vanguards that shoot great and cost me from $300 to $1050.
 
International Harvester said:
I'm interested to hear what the majority of Weatherby shooters' think is the best Weatherby generation.
The pre mark v Mauser action
German mark v
Japanese mark v
US mark v
....
I'm sure that I have missed one so educate me
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The 2nd part of the OP's postings opens the opportunity to discuss Vanguards and compare them to Mark V's.
Stubblejumper recognized this and suggested that the one he "missed", and the one that is "best" is a Vanguard.
Not surprisingly, those who like/collect only the Mark V's dismiss Vanguards and only want to discuss their fav product line.
But, given that the OP's request allows both product lines to be discussed in this thread ..
.. several people who appreciate the merits of the Vanguards have made their contributions.
And, since contributions regarding Mark V's and Vanguards are on-topic, IMO both should be respected.
 
marcoman said:
I'm a huge fan of Weatherby rifles and own many. While I've owned a Weatherby Vanguard (one, and admitidly it shot awesome) I've never really considered them a true Weatherby.

It may sound eliteist but for me Weatherby is defined by the MkV. As a Weatherby fan and a fan of quality guns of all makes, the recent shift in market focus to "price point guns" has been rather dissapointing. If you've noticed Weatherby's brochure's and Website has been Vanguard dominated the last few years. I realize they are a terrific means to introduce the Weatherby name to a new generation of shooters but as a Weatherby purist it has been disappointing to see the MkV take a back seat.
Now the good news; This year I was fortunate enough to attend SHOT show and visited Weatherby's booth a few times. I was fortunate enough to corner Brad Ruddell and ask him point blank why the MkV has been relegated to the shadows and why hasn't there been any new models introduced? He assured me that there will be a definite shift in focus back to the Mark V line now that production has been brought "in house" and to expect new models and renewed vigor in the MkV line-up. He also claimed these will be the finest Mark V's compared to any generation previous.

As far as which generation of MkV is best? Most would probably lean toward the German Weatherby's but I prefer the Japanese rifles because they are everybit as well made and you're not paying a premium for German manufacture. The Earlier Saaco U.S. made Mark V's are also excellent shooters. In fact I have yet to own a poorly finished or bad shooting MkV, contrary to popular internet opinion.
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X2 on the neglect of the Mark V's.....The new euromarks came out in 2010....that was exciting! I got one in a 240wby......

Did weatherby say if these new models of Mark Vs will have wood stocks?

On a side note the best selection/looking weatherbys in a store are at cabelas in edmonton....from crown customs,euros,ultras and safari models they got them all there and they are nice.floor plate engraveing,checkered bolt knobs and some of the best wood ive ever seen! Check it out sometime....very nice!
 
Regarding the Weatherby Stock inletting, I would say the German Wetherbys are well fit, but the most I have experiance working in are the Japan stocks, very well machined . The internal cross bolts are very well done, other manufacturers could take a lesson from them!
I restocked a Stainless Mark V 30-378, as my friend hates synthetic stock, so found a NIB take off, probably from a 300WM, but was pristeen, opened the barrel chanell fitted barrel tight, bedded the chamber, with up presure at the forend tip. Told my friend to shoot it first, and if we needed to will open up the barrel channel if accuracy was awfull, he shot 3 shoots into a 1/2" group with no adjustment!! A real nice lookiing long range hunting rifle now!
 
zywina said:
Regarding the Weatherby Stock inletting, I would say the German Wetherbys are well fit, but the most I have experiance working in are the Japan stocks, very well machined . The internal cross bolts are very well done, other manufacturers could take a lesson from them!
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For a short time, many years ago, I worked in the South Gate shop in the stocks department. Correct fit was of utmost importance, we even fit the pressure pad by ear to make sure there was no improper fit. Those crossbolts were removed and rebedded if there was a doubt it was compromised.
 
Definitely the early ones built on the FN action. Many had chrome-lined barrels as well, I've seen a couple shot-out 257s that had it stamped right on the barrel.

They even made a few on Pre-64 model 70's - I would think those would be highly collectible.
 
[Dogleg: My Howa built Vanguards outshoot my American built Mk Vs. I wish it wasn't trtue, but it is]

stubblejumper said:
My experiences as well, that is why I much prefer the Vanguard.
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I have 5 Howa built Weatherby Vanguard rifles at present.
Three are S1's, Two are S2's.

My experience with them has been stellar!!
They are indeed very accurate, and the action is superb.

Eagleye
 
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