German Weatherby Mark V Varmintmaster 224 WBY Mag 24” Bolt Action Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,525.00
LSB#: LSB250718LT099
Make: J.P. Sauer & Sohn, for Weatherby
Model: Mark V Varmintmaster
Serial Number: S5690
Year of Manufacture: 1964-1973
Caliber: .224 Weatherby Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action, Internal Magazine, Hinged Floorplate
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WEATHERBY / .224 MAGNUM”. The left side of the receiver is marked “MARK V / VARMINTMASTER / WEATHERBY / PAT. PEND.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN GERMANY”. The right side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “S5690”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: There are no provisions for iron sights. The receiver is mounted with a Bushnell Banner 4x scope with a fine reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. There are no notable signs of wear on the scope. Overall, the scope is in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece Buehler base, and sits in 1” rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a deluxe high gloss skip-line checkered walnut, with a rosewood capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, rubber buttpad, and a rosewood capped forend. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The stock shows heavy signs of wear, with significant finish chipping away, throughout the entire stock, but mainly on the right side. There are some light scattered scratches and dings throughout the stock as well. There is one crack in the stock on the left side of the wrist, coming off of the back of the trigger guard. The crack is approximately 1” long. The checkering remains sharp, and the stock fits the barreled action tightly, with no play. Overall, the stock rates in Poor to Fair condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light surface corrosion freckling on the top of the barrel. There is some corrosion and pitting on the back of the trigger guard. The bluing is deep and dark throughout the barrel and receiver. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. The trigger has a crisp and clean break. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the Bushnell scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Weatherby Mark V Varmintmaster built by J.P. Sauer & Sohn represents a high-water mark in Weatherby’s postwar pursuit of accuracy and refinement. The Varmintmaster variant paired the Mark V action with a longer, slim-contour 24″ barrel and deluxe walnut trim to produce a rifle aimed squarely at bench and varmint work; German-made Sauer examples from the 1960s–70s are particularly desirable for their fit, finish, and the tight tolerances German manufacturers applied to Weatherby’s high-performance cartridges such as the .224 Weatherby Magnum. With a Bushnell Banner optic fitted on Buehler bases, this rifle is set up exactly as a vintage precision varmint rifle should be.
Designed by Roy Weatherby and introduced commercially in the early 1960s as the .224 Weatherby Magnum (originally sold as the Varmintmaster chambering). It was Weatherby’s factory high-velocity .22 offering and a distinct proprietary, belted-magnum case. Factory and published data show the .224 WBY as one of the fastest .22s ever offered in a production rifle: examples include ~4,125 fps with very light 37–40 gr bullets and ~3,650 fps with a 55 gr load. That gives flat trajectories and heavy varmint energy at long range — performance in the same neighborhood as, and historically a little above, many .22-250 loads.
As inspected the rifle presents a mixed picture: the metal and mechanics are very strong — roughly 96% original blued finish remains, the bore is bright with sharp rifling, the action cycles and locks up correctly, the safety functions, and the trigger breaks crisp and clean. Conversely, the stock condition is a material detraction: heavy finish loss across much of the wood, significant chipping, and a roughly 1″ crack at the left wrist reduce both cosmetic and collector value despite otherwise excellent metalwork. There is light freckling on the barrel and some pitting/corrosion noted on the back of the trigger guard; the checkering remains sharp and the fitment is tight, but the stock issues are the dominant condition story.
For buyers this Mark V Varmintmaster occupies two clear pathways. As a shooter it is an immediately attractive proposition — outstanding bore, correct fitments and a serviceable optic mean the rifle will deliver accurate varmint performance with minimal mechanical attention; a competent stock repair or sympathetic refinish will restore much of its handling and appearance. For the collector, the German provenance and overall metal condition are appealing, but the heavy stock damage and localized corrosion will temper top-tier collector value unless the purchaser intends to restore rather than conserve. We recommend a careful cleaning to arrest freckling, attention to the trigger-guard pitting, and a gunsmith evaluation of the wrist crack, and overall structural integrity of the stock before use. This rifle has its place in both the field, and in a collection. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
