Weapons of Choice: Weatherby

Weatherby is a name of trust and quality. It all began in the middle of the 1940s when Roy Weatherby decided to change the world of firearm performance. The tradition was heavy bullets were better and Roy believed that lightweight bullets traveling at super speeds were best for one-shot kills.

In the 1950s, Roy used that philosophy and developed high-powered Weatherby Magnum cartridges that are still used today: .224, .240, .257, .270, 7mm, .300, .30-378, .340, .338-378, .375, .378, .416, and .460. He either re-chambered or produced rifles designed to use the super-charged ammunition. During that time he produced his rifles on FN Mauser and French Brevex Magnum Mauser actions. In 1957, Roy produced the Mark V, a well-known rifle of extraordinary workmanship.

The Mark V had a stronger and safer action for firing super-power loads, withstanding great pressure and continues today to be the world's strongest bolt-action rifle used by big-game hunters worldwide.

In 1970, Roy introduced the Weatherby Vanguard action, using many characteristics of the Mark V with two locking lugs instead of nine.

Ed Weatherby, Roy Weatherby's son continued the lineage in 1983 and expanded the Mark V and Vanguard series, as well as offering semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns as well as accessories, apparel, and collectibles.

The Weatherby name has been strong for 65 years.

The latest line of rifles Weatherby manufactures is the next level Mark V Terramark RC rifles. It promises unparalleled accuracy out-of-the-box. The “RC” is an acronym of “Range Certified” where each rifle undergoes a number of tests to ensure Sub-MOA accuracy. Each rifle is checked at their indoor range, mounting the rifles with premium optics, boresighting them and then determining their optimal load using the Oehler Research 83 Ballistic Imaging System. All RC rifles are guaranteed to shoot Sub-MOA, a three-shot group of .99-inch or less at 100 yards with specified Weatherby factory or premium ammunition. The rifles are sold with proof targets and each one signed by Ed Weatherby, president. Other quality features include: a raised-comb Monte Carlo stock; a button-rifled, fluted and free-floating stainless steel barrel; and a Pachmary Decelerator pad on the buttstock to reduce felt recoil.

The rifle floorplate is engraved with “RC” and available in 14 calibers from 240 Weatherby Magnum to .340 Weatherby Magnum. Additional calibers and left-hand models are also available through the Weatherby Custom Shop.

The MSRP for the Mark V Terramark RC rifle is $2,800.