Weatherby Mark V Varmintmaster .224 Wby Mag 24” Bolt Rifle 1972-1995 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,024.99
LSB#: LSB250516JB006
Make: Weatherby, Japan
Model: Mark V Varmintmaster
Serial Number: S02607
Year of Manufacture: 1972-1995
Caliber: .224 Weatherby Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Internal Hinged Floorplate Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MARK V / VARMINTMASTER”, “Weatherby / SOUTH GATE CALIF. MADE IN JAPAN” . The left side of the barrel is marked “Weatherby / .224 MAGNUM”. The right side of the receiver is marked “S02607”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The top of the receiver is installed with a pair of scope rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one piece skip-line checkered walnut with a high gloss finish, a raised Monte Carlo comb with a cheekpiece, a capped pistol grip, and a solid brown rubber Weatherby buttpad. There is a rosewood grip cap with tan spacer and a white diamond shaped piece of wood inlet into its bottom surface. There is also a rosewood nose cap with a tan spacer. There is a sling stud in the belly and on the forend. There are scattered compressions, draglines and some scuffs throughout the wood. The checkering is sharp and there are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber buttpad. The stock is in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp and deep. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very little operation wear. The finish is strong throughout with no notable marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with an original 1959 shipping box from Weatherby’s of South Gate, California, sent to J.P. Brown, AOC, USN, at the Atsugi Rod & Gun Club via Navy FPO 3835, Yokohama, Japan, and routed through the San Francisco Fleet Post Office. The box features original postage, insurance markings, and a Weatherby packing slip dated May 24, 1959. Given its size, branding, and destination, it likely contained a Weatherby rifle ordered for recreational use while stationed overseas. These shipments were common for U.S. servicemen involved in Rod & Gun Clubs during the Cold War era, and this well-preserved box holds historical and potential collector value, even though it is not paired with the original firearm.
Our Assessment: The Weatherby Varmintmaster is a lighter quicker-handling version of the Weatherby Mark V. It was first offered for sale in 1963 in two barrel lengths: a 24-inch standard weight and 26-inch heavy weight. It is a scaled down receiver with 6 lugs, instead of 9, to better handle smaller cartridges. The Weatherby Mark V rifles are considered prestigious or luxury firearms by many. This is due in part to Roy Weatherby who presented the rifles to royalty, politicians, gun writers and actors including Prince Abdorreza Pahlavi of Iran, Generals James Doolittle and Chuck Yeager, Jack O’Connor, Warren Page, Elgin Gates and Lorne Greene and was able to use this fact as a marketing tool. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.
