It’s been more than half a century since Weatherby released a new rifle action. It’s not so much that its Mark V and Vanguard actions have become outdated, but a specific market in the shooting world has emerged that Weatherby intends to address. Modularity and DIY gunsmithing are all the rage these days, with everyone from competitive shooters to hunters wanting to “plug and play” stocks, barrels and triggers to fine tune their “open-source” rifles. Enter the new-for-2023 Weatherby 307.
The 307 is Weatherby’s first new action in 50 years, an “open-source” 700-compatible design. Image courtesy of Weatherby, Inc.
The Weatherby 307 is a 700-compatible footprint action. This means a cylindrical receiver that uses stocks, barrels, triggers and other components designed for the Remington Model 700 rifle will work on the 307. Think of the Model 700 footprint as the AR-15 of the bolt-action world. The user-adjustable trigger is made by TriggerTech. The spiral-fluted, two-lug bolt can be taken down without tools and has a threaded-on bolt handle.
The 307 bolt can be disassembled without tools and uses a threaded-on bolt handle. Image courtesy of Weatherby, Inc.
Barrels are spiral-fluted and come with a radial Accubrake on the muzzle over 1/2x28 TPI threads. Metal components are finished in graphite black. The 307 name refers to the area code of Weatherby’s Sheridan, Wyo., manufacturing facility, where the new rifle was designed and will be built.
The Alpine MDT is the chassis hunting rifle of the 307 lineup. Image courtesy of Weatherby, Inc.
The Weatherby 307 is offered in two configurations. The Alpine MDT uses MDT’s HNT26 magnesium alloy and carbon-fiber chassis system. This is a lightweight hunting chassis that uses V-block bedding, has a folding butt design with an adjustable length-of-pull and comb height and is compatible with AR-15-type grips. It uses AICS-pattern magazines and is supplied with a flush-fit, three-round box. The fore-end has ARCA rail attachment points. The 307 Alpine MDT is offered in 15 chamberings in both long and short actions and has an MSRP of $2,999. The rifle weighs just under 7 lbs., depending on configuration.
The 307 Alpine uses MDT’s HNT26 chassis system. Image courtesy of Weatherby, Inc.
The MDT chassis uses a folding stock mechanism. Image courtesy of Weatherby, Inc.
The 307 Range XP is mounted in a more conventional-style stock that still has an adjustable cheekpiece and length-of-pull and dual front sling swivel studs for attaching accessories. It uses AICS-pattern magazines and is supplied with a five-round Magpul version. The Range XP is available in 11 chamberings in both long and short actions and has an MSRP of $1,199. They weigh 7.3 to 7.5 lbs, depending on configuration. All Weatherby 307 rifles have a sub-m.o.a. guarantee for a three-shot group at 100 yards.
The Range XP uses a more conventional stock. Image courtesy of Weatherby, Inc.
Actions are also being offered for those who want to build a custom rifle around the 307 action. Actions are offered in short lengths with a standard bolt face or long lengths with a standard or magnum bolt face. The Model 307 Builders Action has a MSRP of $750. For more information, visit weatherby.com.
