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

[gator378]

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?

I finally retired my very old 300 Weatherby I got a 300 Weatherby Accumark. I had my gunsmith Pillar bed it and glass bed the action. They tell you do not have to but glass bedding turned it into a real shooter.

 

[Deadman Walking]

It really depends on how attached you are to that 300 Wby..? That caliber is one of the best ever, and as you already know, will easily handle anything in Alaska!! However, since you say it has a "bulge" in the barrel, I certainly suggest "NOT" shooting it any further as is!! Something definitely went wrong at some point in that rifle's nearly 50-year lifespan that caused that to happen. If you basically like the rifle, I'd send it back to Weatherby and have it rebarreled (I'd go with a 26") and have them recheck everything. Weatherby's are guaranteed to shoot sub-moa right out of the box, so I'm sure that will solve your grouping issues. I might add that the MK V Deluxe wood stocks are much tougher than you think. I have three Wby's (2-340's, and a 270) that I have hunted with throughout NA, including Alaska, over the past 35 years, on back pack hunts, motorcycle hunts, boat hunts, and in harsh weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, sleet, extreme cold, extreme heat). I've fallen down rock slides, fallen off motorcycles, slipped into creeks, and other nasty mishaps with my Wby's on my shoulder. In all cases, nothing more than a small "beauty mark" resulted on the wood stock. In my view, it just gave the stock more personality, and a small reminder of my hunting stories. My Wby's aren't "safe queens", they are my hunting companions, and I would never consider selling them. Just my opinion.

Ya, if I were to sell it and buy a new rifle it would be another mark v in 300 wby. But that's another good option is to send it back to weatherby and have them rebarrel it. I agree it is a strong stock, it just looks so nice I always cringe when it gets a new ding, scrabbling up mountains after sheep usually results in a couple mishaps.

 

[Deadman Walking]

My .270wby barrel was shot out. Now have a new Kreiger in same caliber. Excellent action. Look out mule deer!

Who did you have put a new Krieger on your weatherby?

 

[Deadman Walking]

I finally retired my very old 300 Weatherby I got a 300 Weatherby Accumark. I had my gunsmith Pillar bed it and glass bed the action. They tell you do not have to but glass bedding turned it into a real shooter.

Do you mind if I ask who your gunsmith is?

 

[Deadman Walking]

I haven't done the build as of yet. I'm still gathering all the parts I need. I don't think your stock will work for me as my barrel is a heavier profiled barrel.

Ok, thanks. Best of luck on your build

 

[Dosh]

Who did you have put a new Krieger on your weatherby?

The barrel was chambered and installed by a friend who was building customs. He did a great job, however he passed unexpectedly in March. We all dearly miss him. I know Weatherby rebarrels with their own and Kreiger barrels. I was going to send it to them, but got lucky.

 

[Deadman Walking]

The barrel was chambered and installed by a friend who was building customs. He did a great job, however he passed unexpectedly in March. We all dearly miss him. I know Weatherby rebarrels with their own and Kreiger barrels. I was going to send it to them, but got lucky.

I'm sorry for your loss and I am happy your custom weatherby turned out so well. I didn't know weatherby will rebarrel with krieger. I have seen that they will now blueprint a weatherby action. It looks like I should contact them and see what they will do and get a quote. Thanks for your help and suggestions.

 

[gator378]

Do you mind if I ask who your gunsmith is? Bill's Gunsmithing Silex MO 63377 573-384-6395

 

[Privi457]

The OP has two reasonable cost options.
- Have it rebored to a 340 WM
- Send it back to Wyoming and have a new barrel put on it

 

[Deadman Walking]

Sorry, a little late getting back to this. Thank you, I will look him up. I did contact weatherby, and found out that at the moment they will only rebarrel with a criterion barrel. They hope to offer krieger barrels again in the future.

 

[JMW67]

I have used a couple criterion barrels in the past and was very happy with the performance do not be scared of them

 

[Doublezranch]

I've built 4 semi custom rifles on Mark V actions. These actions are arguably the strongest factory action made. The rifles are extremely accurate and very fun to shoot. I personally would keep the action and build a caliber you want. All the pertinents for each rifle are within LRH. I have a thread for each one.

 

[Deadman Walking]

I've built 4 semi custom rifles on Mark V actions. These actions are arguably the strongest factory action made. The rifles are extremely accurate and very fun to shoot. I personally would keep the action and build a caliber you want. All the pertinents for each rifle are within LRH. I have a thread for each one.

Where would I be able to find those threads? I tried searching, but wasn't able to find them, I'm not very tech savvy I guess.

 

[Doublezranch]

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