Weatherby introduces the Model 307: an all-new bolt-action rifle at last!
The new Model 307 bolt-action rifle, built on a tool-less strippable bolt action with a high degree of compatibility with Remington 700 components and accessories, is Weatherby's first ever totally new centerfire rifle design in over 50 years
On June 1st, 2023, Weatherby – one of America's best known names in riflemaking, particularly when it comes to hunting and long-range shooting rifles – announced the launch of their first ever centerfire rifle platform in over 50 years, as a complement to their constantly upgraded, but still long well-established, Mark V and Vanguard lines of rifles.
The Weatherby Model 307 bolt-action rifle – named after the area code for Sheridan, Wyoming, where the Weatherby company is currently headquartered – is built around a new action with a two locking lugs, fully fluted cylindric bolt featuring an "M16-style" external extractor for positive extraction and smooth cycling. The new Weatherby 307 action has been designed and is built to be compatible with as many Remington 700 components and accessories as possible, including stocks and triggers.
Weatherby Model 307 Range XP bolt-action rifle – right side
As of today two variants of the platform have been announced, dubbed the Weatherby Model 307 Range XP and the Weatherby Model 307 Alpine MDT, which will start shipping to authorized Weatherby distributors later on during Summer 2023.
Weatherby, however, also plans to market the sole Model 307 action in a "Builders action" package, in both long- and short-action variants and with standard and Magnum caliber bolt faces, meeting the needs of custom gunmakers and other third parties, including shooters who have the skill and the passion to assemble their own hunting or long-range shooting rifles.
Weatherby Model 307 Range XP bolt-action rifle – left side
Both Weatherby Model 307 rifle variants come with a fully spiral-fluted, Mag Sporter profile barrel available in three lengths – 61, 66 or 71 centimeters (24", 26" and 28") depending on the caliber – and a removable, 2" long AccuBrake muzzle brake installed on a muzzle thread which also allows the installation of other devices and accessories, including sound suppressors or silencers.
Weatherby Model 307 Alpine MDT bolt-action rifle – right side
Weatherby Model 307 Alpine MDT bolt-action rifle – left side
All outer metal surfaces feature a graphite grey Cerakote finish for aesthetics and protection; the Weatherby Model 307 bolt can be stripped for cleaning and maintenance without tools, and the action is drilled and tapped for Picatinny rails or Stiller-Savage mounts, providing multiple mounting options for optics.
The stock is essentially everything that tells the two variants of the Weatherby Model 307 apart from one another: the Model 307 Range XP is built around a straight pistol grip, olive drab green stock with a graphite black adjustable buttstock and cheek riser.
The Model 307 Alpine MDT is instead built around a Canadian-made, extremely lightweight MDT HNT26 chassis manufactured largely out of carbon fiber, with a side-folding buttstock, a V-shaped bedding block, and an ARCA Swiss tripod interface.
Additionally, all variants are equipped with an externally-adjustable TriggerTech trigger, with a minimum weight of 1,13 kilograms (2.49 lbs), and are all guaranteed to constantly provide sub-MOA 3-shot groups (.99" or less) at 100 yards from a cold barrel, when using Weatherby factory or otherwise premium factory ammunition, within two years of original verified purchase date.
All Weatherby Model 307 rifle variants come with a two-position safety and feed through detachable Accuracy International Chassis System (AICS) compatible magazines. Magazines issued from factory are manufactured by MagPul; the magazine release lever is located in front of the trigger guard, easy to reach and intuitive to operate.
Available calibers will vary, depending on the model, but the plethora of announced chamberings for the Model 307 currently includes seventeen alternatives for long-range precision hunting and sport shooting, some well-known, some more obscure: .240 Weatherby Magnum; .243 Winchester; .257 Weatherby Magnum; .270 Winchester; .270 Weatherby Magnum; .280 Ackley Improved; .300 Weatherby Magnum; .300 Winchester; .308 Winchester; .300 PRC; .30-06 Springfield; 6.5 Creedmoor; 6.5 Weatherby RPM; 6.5-.300 Weatherby Magnum; 28 Nosler; 7mm Remington; and 7mm PRC.
The Weatherby Model 307 bolt-action rifle will be sold on the US market at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1.199,00 for the Range XP model and $2.999,00 for the Alpine MDT model. The Builders Action will be available at a suggested retail price of $750,00.
Information concerning export availability and pricing has yet to be released.