ONE of the most distinguishing
features of Weatherby rifles
is the radical stock design that
became a stylistic trademark
of Roy Weatherby. Love'em
or hate 'em, the high,
humpbacked Monte-Carlo
comb and deep pistol grip
make Weatherby rifles
instantly recognisable.
Back in 1998 Weatherby
introduced the Mark V
Lightweight model scaling
between 2.9 and 3kgs and
shaving almost a kilo off the
weight of a Mark V Magnum
sporter. The Mark V Lightweight
features a modified, slimmed-down version of the Mark V
receiver, but the large integral
recoil lug has been retained.
The bolt is slimmer and features
three rows of dual front-locking
lugs, making a total of six
instead of the nine used on
full- sized Mark V Magnum
bolts. The action is also shorter.
It handles only .30-06 length or
shorter cartridges.
The six-lug bolt reduces the
overall weight of the action
from 1.3kgs to 735 grams - a
saving of about 28-percent.
Those who want the Mark V in
a standard calibre like the .308
Winchester will appreciate thatWeatherby Mk V
Standard Weathermark
26 | SPORTING SHOOTER _ MAY 2018
The Mark V is
Weatherby’s
flagship, featuring
a six-lug (standard)
or nine-lug
(magnum) breech
lockup for a low
54-degree bolt lift.
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TEST
REPORT BY NICK HARVEY