Weatherby Model 307 MZY: a revolution in muzzleloading In-Line hunting rifles
Weatherby revolutionizes the world of in-line muzzleloading hunting rifles with the new Model 307 MZY, based on the Arrowhead Gen2 ignition system for faster, cleaner, better operation
Weatherby Model 307 MZY: a revolution in muzzleloading In-Line hunting rifles
Recently launched on the north American market, the Model 307 MZY is Weatherby's first-ever muzzleloading hunting rifle, and is already being hailed as a major revolution in the field of in-line rifles – modern closed-breech muzzleloaders featuring an ignition system aligned directly behind the powder charge.
In the United States, in-line rifles and all other muzzleloaders are not considered firearms – this definition being legally reserved solely to metallic cartridge guns – and are not regulated as such; their superior level of ergonomics and performance compared to traditional muzzleloaders makes them extremely popular on the north American hunting market, particularly among those hunters who want to enjoy extended hunting seasons as some States have special early or late "primitive/muzzleloader-only" hunting seasons.
The market for in-line muzzleloading rifles is thus particularly crowded in the US, but the new Weatherby Model 307 MZY definitely stands out due to its unique technical and engineering features.
Weatherby Model 307 MZY in-line muzzleloading rifle – right side
Weatherby Model 307 MZY in-line muzzleloading rifle – left side
The Model 307 MZY is based on Weatherby's own Model 307 line of centerfire bolt-action rifles, and is built around a Weatherby Mark V steel action, a 66 cm / 26" spiral-fluted barrel with a 2" dedicated muzzle brake dubbed the MZYbrake, and a modified PEAK 44 carbon fiber stock. It is also compatible with numerous Model 307 rifle accessories.
What makes it unique is the working system. If, like all in-line rifles, the Model 307 MZY loads the propellant and bullet from the muzzle – particularly using the Cedar Mountain Quick Loaders for a faster, more accurate and streamined process – the primer is inserted into the breech via Arrowhead Gen2 breech plug system modules.
This allows Weatherby to industrialize a level of performance that was hitherto only available on custom in-line rifles, making the Model 307 MZY easier and above all faster to operate.
The Weatherby Model 307 MZY features a fluted, two-locking-lugs bolt that is a modified variant of the standard bolt used on the centerfire Model 307 family rifles; a primed Arrowhead Gen2 module is fitted to the bolt face, either by removing the bolt or through the ejection window, not unlike one would do with a single-shot metallic cartridge rifle.
By closing the bolt, the Arrowhead Gen2 module is pushed into the breech plug strong enough to form a sealed system. This eliminates blowback, makes the system impervious to water and other elements, improves performance and makes the Model 307 MZY reliable even in cold weather.
The advantage of the Model 307 MZY design is undeniable: shooters can transport a handful of pre-loaded Arrowhead Gen2 capsules for quick reloads, and the sealed system is optimized for reliability in the inclement autumn and winter conditions of the American and Canadian north, while at the same time keeping the gun cleaner and consistency high.
Additionally, the graphite black Cerakote finish on the receiver, barrel, bolt, bolt knob and muzzle brake protect the rifle from corrosion, while the exposed carbon fiber with black sponge pattern accents of the stock ensures the perfect blend of solidity and light weight.
The Weatherby Model 307 MZY in-line hunting rifle is available in .45 and .50 caliber versions, and comes from factory with a TriggerTech adjustable trigger, and a telescopic ramrod in a dedicated carry case: Weatherby decided not to let it ride underneath the barrel as it could transfer vibration, while a separate andollapsible design keeps the barrel clean and consistent shot to shot.
Also issued from factory are twenty Arrowhead Gen2 system LRMP modules, a Cedar Mountain quick loader with three powder tubes, and a wrench, socket and extender allowing the removal of the breech plug for cleaning and maintenance; the breech plug is manufactured out of heat-treated 416 stainless steel, with a tungsten carbide bushing, and can be replaced with any Arrowhead Gen2 system breech plug should it wear out.
All the Weatherby Model 307 MZY in-line rifles are 114,3 cm / 45" long overall, tip the scales at 3,22 kilograms / 7.1 lbs when empty, and come are available with a drilled and tapped receiver for scope rings, mounts or rails, or with a factory-installed Williams precision standard sights set which includes six interchangeable reticle options for the front sight globe.
Manufacturer's suggested retail price for the US market is set between $2,699.00 and $2,849.00 depending on the selected configuration – not exactly cheap, but in line with the levels of quality and performance that the Model 307 MZY can guarantee.
Visit the official Weatherby website for further information; all inquiries concerning local availability and pricing outside of the US market are to be addressed to your closest Weatherby dealer or to the authorized Weatherby distributor for your Country.
