Mark V Deluxe: use for semi custom build or buy new?

[J E Custom]

Hey all. First, I want to say thanks for all the help on my last thread about a 6.5 creedmoor. I ended up going with a bergara hmr pro, but due to work I haven't been able to get it set up yet, but will hopefully have it out at the range in the next week.

My current dilemma is what to do with my 1978 Mark V Deluxe in 300 wby. I have not been able to get it to group since I bought it used a while back and have tried just about everything to get it to shoot. Recently I noticed there's a slight inch long bulge in the barrel a few inches down from the crown that I suspect is the cause of my problems. Despite struggling to get it to group well, the first shot from a cold bore would constantly hit the same place, so I was able to take two dall sheep and a moose with it. But I'm tired of dealing with such a finicky gun and I have found that a blued gun with a nice wood stock is not the best at handling the sharp rocks and harsh weather Alaska offers. So I was thinking it might be time to replace it with something more suited to non-motorized hunting in Alaska. In my last post some people mentioned the idea of getting a semi custom rifle, which started getting the gears turning about doing a semi custom Mark V build. The only problem with that is then I would have a beautiful deluxe stock without a home… The other option is to get it rebarreled and sold and use the funds to buy a new hunting rifle. What would you do, semi custom build, or fix the old beauty up and sell to someone who can appreciate her?

If it has a bulge in the barrel, In good conscience you shouldn't sell it to someone else and give them your problems.

The mark 5 action in my opinion is the best factory action made, and the strongest, so it is great to build on. I use the mark 5 exclusively for the big wildcats because of their strength and precision machining plus the magazine length .

Keep the stock and go with one or two contours larger (what ever the stock will allow with minimum floating of the barrel without removing much of the barrel channel.

If you want a custom stock replacement, the original stock can be sold for several hundred dollars
to offset the cost of a custom stock. Many people like to replace the composite stocks that come on many models to improve their looks.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Deadman Walking]

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Thank you for sharing. Those are some amazing builds.

 

[Deadman Walking]

If it has a bulge in the barrel, In good conscience you shouldn't sell it to someone else and give them your problems.

The mark 5 action in my opinion is the best factory action made, and the strongest, so it is great to build on. I use the mark 5 exclusively for the big wildcats because of their strength and precision machining plus the magazine length .

Keep the stock and go with one or two contours larger (what ever the stock will allow with minimum floating of the barrel without removing much of the barrel channel.

If you want a custom stock replacement, the original stock can be sold for several hundred dollars
to offset the cost of a custom stock. Many people like to replace the composite stocks that come on many models to improve their looks.

J E CUSTOM

Thank you for your suggestions, I would only sell it if I first had it rebarreled by weatherby or if someone wanted it as a donor action. I really like the idea of building off of it. I have spoken to weatherby about it and they recommend contacting one of their service centers if I want a barrel other than a criterion, so I am looking into that now, also trying to google gunsmiths that work with weatherbys.