We’ve got one, we’ve sighted it in, we’ve accuracy tested it and we’ve hunted with it. Here’s what we think of the all-new Weatherby 307 after a week with the Range XP version.
We have a full review in the February 2024 issue of Sporting Shooter, which is now available through Zinio.
Meanwhile, straight out of the box, the 307 Range XP has been super-accurate and Weatherby has clearly put a lot of effort into the quality and details.
I shot four lots of five-shots groups with each of eight different factory .243 loads, of which four went sub-MOA on average, and a fifth went 1.01. A sixth load produced some sub-MOA groups but not enough to average them.
Remember that Weatherby only guarantees sub-MOA for three-shot groups with Weatherby or other premium ammo; we got it with five shots using a bunch of different run-of-the-mill hunting ammo, from a rifle with no tweaks at all.
Away from the bench, the Range XP is a practical hunting rifle, weighing 3.3kg bare and being a typical sporter length of 105cm, including the 56cm (22”) barrel and its 5cm (2”) muzzle brake.
The 307 is a completely new platform for Weatherby, based on the famous Remington 700 action and therefore compatible with an enormous range of aftermarket components and accessories.
The Range XP is the entry-level version, fitted into a composite polymer stock which, despite having no special bedding, is a rigid base for the action.
The barrel is made from the same material used in the Weatherby Mark V barrel, and its spiral fluting helps keep down the overall mass of the 307.
The bolt, too, is fluted and while its head strongly resembles the deeply countersunk Remington 700 bolt, the rest has significant differences.
These include its M16-style extractor, the ability to disassemble it without tools, and a release button mounted in the left side of the receiver — all things that improve on the reliability and functionality of the M700 design.
The bolt feeds rounds from a Magpul five-round box magazine with a firm spring and smooth follower. We have not had a hint of trouble with feeding, extraction and ejection, and single-round feeding is flawless through the enlarged ejection port in the receiver.
Weatherby has fitted a TriggerTech Field single-stage trigger, adjustable from 1.1kg to 2.3kg, and its unique design gives it incredible crispness, no discernible creep and the most consistent let-off weight you will get anywhere.
The trigger is one of the Range XP’s highlights, adding to the pleasure of shooting the 307, which is a comfortable, low-recoiling rifle, at least in .243.
With its plethora of third-party components — as well as what’s mentioned, the bottom ‘metal’ is from Magpul and the muzzle brake is an Accubrake — the Range XP is what you might call a factory custom rifle.
Naturally, you could take things much further, and Weatherby has allowed for you changing almost everything, including the bolt knob and bolt handle.
Weatherby can even supply a 307 chambered in custom-ordered calibres, in addition to the long list of factory offerings.
At some stage next year in Australia, it is likely that you will be able to buy the 307 action on its own, then build a complete rifle around it.
For now, though, we’re focussing on the Range XP and will have a full test published in our February issue, which will be on sale in mid-January.
First impressions are very good: accuracy, as stated, is excellent; finish and quality appear impeccable; and the overall execution seems to show Weatherby has nailed the rifle’s intended purpose.
There are limited numbers already out in gun shops but at this point you may have to put in an order with your local dealer to get one of the Range XPs due early next year.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Manufacturer: Weatherby, Wyoming USA
- Type: Turn-bolt repeater
- Calibres: .240 Wby Mag, .243 Win (tested), .257 Wby Mag,6.5 CM, 6.5 Wby RPM, .270 Win, .280 Ackley Imp, 7mm PRC,7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag
- Barrel: 56cm (22”) plus 5cm (2”) Accubrake; 1:7.5” twist; spiral fluted; muzzle threaded ½-28
- Finish: Graphite Black Cerakote
- Magazine: Magpul removable box, 5 rounds
- Trigger: TriggerTech Field, adjustable 1.1-2.3kg (2.5-5lb)
- Safety: 2 stage, blocks trigger and sear
- Sights: None; drilled and tapped for scope mounting
- Stock: Composite polymer, olive green; adjustable comb
- Length: 105cm (41.5”)
- Weight: 3.3kg (7.3lb) bare
- Price: $2965
- Distributor: TSA Outdoors
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