Weatherby Custom Shop W. Germany Mark V Varmintmaster .224 WBY MAG Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,980.00
LSB#: LSB260606WG009
Make: Weatherby Custom Shop, Made in W.Germany by J.P. Sauer
Model: Mark V Varmintmaster
Serial Number: S4775
Year of Manufacture: 1966 / C&R
Caliber: .224 Weatherby Magnum
Action Type: Bolt Action Rifle with Hinged Floorplate Internal Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “MARK V / VARMINTMASTER,” Weatherby ® / PAT.PEND” The left side of the chamber is marked “Weatherby / .224 MAGNUM” . The right side of the receiver is marked “S4775” and “MADE IN W. GERMANY” on the barrel. The bottom of the flooplate is marked “WEATHERBY CUSTOM”.
Barrel Length: 24″ ported.
Sights / Optics: No provision for iron sights. The top of the receiver has two pairs or drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a one-piece skip-line checkered walnut with capped pistol grip with diamond ivory inlay, monte carlo comb with cheekpiece, Weatherby ventilated rubber buttpad, accent tipped forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures approximately 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the rubber buttpad. The finish shows minor wear on the leading edges and on the cheekpiece. There are a few minor compression marks and scratches present. There are no chips or cracks. The stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle. The bolt handle has turned a plum hue. There are few freckles on the barrel. There are a few minor handling marks. The action is smooth, the screwheads are sharp and all the markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has been replaced. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Weatherby Varmintmaster was introduced in the early 1960s alongside Roy Weatherby’s new .224 Weatherby Magnum, a compact belted varmint cartridge intended to bring Weatherby velocity to the .22-caliber field. Rather than simply chambering the full-size Mark V, Weatherby and J.P. Sauer & Sohn developed a scaled-down six-lug version of the action specifically for the Varmintmaster, resulting in a notably trim and fast-handling rifle. Serial number S4775 falls within the established 1966 West German production range of approximately S4200-S5350. This example is further distinguished by its “WEATHERBY CUSTOM” marked floorplate and upgraded stock treatment, identifying it as a particularly interesting variation from the Sauer era.
This 1966 Varmintmaster retains about 98% of its original blue, with only minor muzzle wear, scattered freckles, and handling marks, while its skip-line checkered walnut remains attractive and solid. The ivory diamond grip inlay, contrasting forend treatment, and marked custom floorplate give the rifle considerably more visual distinction than a standard Varmintmaster. Its bore remains bright with sharp rifling and rates 9/10 despite stubborn fouling, and the action functions correctly. The replaced trigger and ported muzzle are worth noting, but this remains a fine and uncommon West German .224 Weatherby Magnum with genuine Weatherby custom markings and strong collector character.