Though the company introduced its first new rifle action in more than half a century early this year, Weatherby is not letting its established lines of rifles languish. For 2023, it's adding new models to both its Mark V and Vanguard families, with the Mark V High Country and Vanguard Outfitter.
The High Country saves weight with spiral fluting on the bolt and barrel and an ultra-lightweight carbon-fiber stock.
The High Country adds an ultra-light backcountry rifle more suited for long-range shooting to Weatherby’s flagship Mark V line. Like Weatherby’s Backcountry 2.0, the High Country takes every measure to save weight. The steel Mark V action has a spiral-fluted bolt with a skeletonized threaded-on bolt handle and is fitted with an adjustable TriggerTech trigger unit, and the barrel is also spiral-fluted and has its muzzle threaded 1/2x28 TPI and capped with an Accubrake ST. Both action and barrel are finished in Black Graphite Cerakote. The stock is a Peak 44 Bastion carbon-fiber unit, which has a more vertical grip, dual front detachable sling swivel studs and a 3D Hex recoil pad and weighs 24 ozs.
The High Country was designed to add a lightweight backcountry rifle more suitable for long-range shooting to the Mark V line-up.
The Mark V High Country is available in Weatherby’s proprietary cartridges, as well as other popular chamberings, for a total of 26 options. Barrel lengths vary from 18" to 26" and weights from 5.7 lbs. to 6.8 lbs., depending on chambering. The MSRP is $2,699 for a right-handed action and $2,799 for a left-handed action.
The Outfitter places a Vanguard action with a fluted, muzzle-braked barrel into a custom-finished stock.
Weatherby’s Vanguard line of rifles have established a benchmark for quality worthy of the Weatherby name at an affordable price. Added to the Vanguard family this fall is the Outfitter. A Vanguard action with a user-adjustable, two-stage trigger mated to a spiral-fluted, cold hammer-forged barrel that has its muzzle threaded 1/2x28 TPI and capped with an Accubrake. The tan polymer stock has the classic Weatherby Monte Carlo shape and is finished with a brown and white sponge paint. Metal parts are finished in Black Graphite Cerakote.
The Outfitter provides an affordable option for hunters who want a long-range backcountry rifle.
Offered in 15 chamberings, including proprietary Weatherby cartridges and other popular long-range hunting rounds, the Vanguard Outfitter weighs 6.75 lbs. to 7.25 lbs., depending on chambering. It is available in right-handed only models and has a MSRP of $999.
Both the Vanguard and the Mark V come with a sub-m.o.a. guarantee for a three-shot group with Weatherby or other premium ammunition at 100 yards. For more information, visit weatherby.com.
