Posted similar question in the 'smithing forum but figured I'd widen the net a bit.
I'm considering picking up a Wby Mark V action for a LR/ELR .338 Lapua build.
The actions are indestructible, but Wby's aren't known for being tack drivers- not an issue for "hunting" accuracy, but is for my intended use. Conceivably, could just be barrel quality- but I have no idea. The 9-lug design precludes me doing any sort of blueprinting on the bolt lugs and abutments if that design-while extremely strong- contributes to inaccuracy.
I'm well aware of the limited aftermarket support and am factoring that into the decision.
Looking to hear from anyone that's rebarreled a Mark V with a top-tier barrel, and the results?
I know I'm super late to the game here, but I wanted to add my experience. I have always wanted a Mark V deluxe because my grandfather shot one. I bought one a few years back from the custom shop, and they
will blueprint the action when you order one. Of very specific note, your local rifle smith probably
will not blueprint the action for you. I've not found anyone that would.
My passion with the Mark V rifles begins and ends with my family history. There is something about holding one and thinking back all those years to a man I miss dearly. I committed myself to hunting ethically with a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe, and it was a bit of work. Some of them shoot well "out of the box," but among rifle smiths and rifle retailers they have a reputation for not being as accurate as other offerings. This was my experience as well. I had a local PRS winner and retired Ranger shoot it, and he couldn't group it with Weatherby's suggested "factory test loads." I returned it to them, they claimed to shoot three consecutive 1" groups, and returned it to me. They did NOT charge me the "test fee" that people dislike so much.
The gun came back and we shot it again with the same factory ammo they tested with. His groups were 1.5-2.5." Mine were 2-3."
So, my precision rifle builder asked me what I wanted to do, and we chose to re-barrel the gun with a chromoly Bartlein barrel. I even had it locally blued to match the finish. Long story short; the gun is now a shooter. I'm not an expert marksman, but I shoot sub 1" about half the time with factory loads. My precision shooter friend shoots 1/2" more often than not.
I'd call it a 0.5 MOA gun.
Bottom line, if you want to shoot a Weatherby, you can make it shoot. I think the precision issues people have are with their barrels, not their actions, though
again, I'm
not an expert.
FWIW: I now have two deluxe rifles, and both were essentially the same experience I have described above.
1. Mark V Deluxe in 270 WBY, 9 lug action. (Mine)
2. Mark V Camilla Deluxe in 240 WBY, 6 lug action. (Wife's)
Both are now tack drivers, but I invested more than $1,000 over sticker to make them that way. YMMW. Good luck to anyone reading this!
