Gun Review of the Weatherby Mark V

The Weatherby Mark V was introduced in the 1950’s. Though the newness of the Weatherby Mark V is gone, the rifle that remains is as well made and as exciting as many newer models. The Weatherby Mark V was introduced as a platform for the high velocity Weatherby magnum line of cartridges. Like the Weatherby cartridges, the Weatherby Rifles show innovation and usefulness that have kept both guns and ammunition in production for a number of decades.

The Weatherby Mark V was produced to stand up to the high pressure of these hot rod cartridges. Opening the bolt of the Weatherby Mark V will show the locking lugs that both provide the action great strength while reducing the bolt lift for quicker cycling. The locking lugs on the Weatherby Mark V are smaller than on most other bolt action rifles, but the multiple small lugs arranged into three groupings provide strength while also allowing a short bolt movement to disengage. The action is also equipped with a trigger block / striker block safety. A gas shroud and numerous gas ports are also built into the action in the unlikely event of bolt failure. The bolt of the Weatherby Mark V is fits tightly into the action meaning that is moves smoothly without the slack of many rifles.

While I am a fan of standard cartridges for deer and most other hunting, it seems like sacrilege to not get a Weatherby chambered for one of their excellent magnum cartridges. The Mark V is offered in .257 Weatherby Magnum, .270 Weatherby Magnum, 7mm Weatherby Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum., and the .340 Weatherby Magnum among others. The Weatherby Mark V is also available in conventional and other magnum calibers. My experience is with a Mark V chambered for the .270 Weatherby Magnum. The .270 Weatherby Magnum is like a .270 Winchester on steroids. The Weatherby Magnum will push a 130 grain bullet out of the muzzle at about 3375 feet per second which is 200 or so feet per second faster than a .270 Winchester (and faster than the .270 Winchester Short Magnum). The Weatherby Mark V is known for its accuracy and in my experience it meets this expectation. Groups are usually under 1 inch at 100 yards and are often closer to half an inch. Obviously, this is more accuracy than is needed for deer or other big game hunting, but extra accuracy never hurts!

Starting at a little under $1000 for base models with a synthetic stock to about $2000 for models with fancy wood, the Weatherby Mark V is not a throw it behind the seat / brush busting hunting rifle. The long barreled rifle and long reaching chambering are designed for long range hunting and are best for stand hunters. If you are looking for a premium rifle that will reach from field to field with power and accuracy, the Weatherby Mark V is a great choice.