Every firearm enthusiast should take note with what is going on in Sheridan, Wyoming, with Weatherby. Third-generation leadership under Adam Weatherby (Roy’s grandson) relocated the company to “The Cowboy State” from California in early 2019. The recently introduced Model 307 reminds us of the Weatherby family gene of doing things their way. By the way, 307 is the area code for Sheridan. A nice way to pay homage to their new community.  

Weatherby Model 307 Range XP

The specific Model 307 for this article is the Range XP.  I chose to go with a .270 Winchester chambering. That’s right—a non-Weatherby cartridge in a Weatherby rifle. For some time, Weatherby has been chambering rifles in non-Weatherby chamberings. However, perceptions still exist believing “Weatherby rifle, Weatherby cartridge.” Initial press releases emphasize that the Model 307 will be chambered in many standard cartridges along with Weatherby’s own. Both short- and long-action non-Weatherby calibers such as .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, 7 PRC, .280 Ackley Improved and .300 Win Mag join .257 WBY Mag and 6.5 WBY RPM as options. 

Boldness Engaged

Why take on another product line with the Model 307? Weatherby already has two existing rifle models. The brand-defining Mark V introduced in 1958, along with Vanguard in 1971, would seem to have the market covered. However, after 50-plus years, Weatherby felt it was time to introduce something new. Adam Weatherby seems to have inherited grandpa Roy’s propensity to stir up the market.  

The Wyoming move allowed for engineers to consider a fresh design and, more importantly, the manufacturing capacity to make the Model 307 feasible. The Model 307’s two-lug cylindrical action (Model 700-like) is compatible with many aftermarket accessories. The Model 307 fills the gap between Mark V and Vanguard for hunters, but also can be modified as end users desire via a plethora of aftermarket components, especially the PRS scene. As Weatherby puts it, the Model 307 is their most “open” non-proprietary offering.   

The Weatherby engineers did not slavishly copy the Model 700. They took advantage of the opportunity to offer improvements as well. First up is the use of a TriggerTech trigger. TriggerTech is one of the most sought after enhancements for bolt actions with its crip adjustable pull. Other changes, such as the bolt release relocated to easy manipulate on the left side of action, and forgoing a hinged floor plate in lieu of Magpul bottom metal for accommodating detachable magazines. 

The Model 307’s oversized ejection port is a nod to users who often chase ballistic advantage with longer profile bullets or handloaders who hang projectiles farther out the case pursuing accuracy by getting bullets closer to the rifling or allowing the stuffing of more powder in a case. Less obvious Model 307 tweaks are a three-piece bolt with simple toolless takedown and incorporation of an M16-style extractor in the bolt face.  

The Weatherby Way

Weatherby maintains its tried and true building blocks for accuracy and reliability with the Model 307: action, barrel, trigger, and stock. The already discussed Model 307 action starts the equation. It is smooth and slick to operate. For barrel, the Model 307 uses the same stainless steel match-grade barrel as found on their Mark V. The barrel is 1/2×28 threaded. A Weatherby Accubrake arrives along with protective thread cap. In this day and age of suppressors, my thoughts went immediately to a Silencer Central Banish Backcountry suppressor. The Model 307’s barrel and bolt are spiral fluted. This is not only nice aesthetics but also helps with managing weight. That weight is minimized with the slim-contour, 24-inch 1:10 barrel (26-inch if Accubrake installed), offering a pleasing 7.5 pounds, measuring 43.75-inches. A Graphite Black Cerakote finish is applied to barrel and bolt with other exposed metal components coated in similarly colored black.  

The Model 307 Range XP tested is mated to an OD Green composite stock. It is safe to assume that is a Peak 44 stock, considering Adam Weatherby’s involvement in both Weatherby and Peak 44 companies. The distinctive Weatherby Monte Carlo cheek piece is gone; the comb does have a slight arch for a nice cheek weld effect and can be raised/lowered to suit end user. Spacers can be added/deleted to control length of pull. The nearly vertical pistol grip/wrist on the polymer stock, along with ambidextrous palm swell, does a great job of putting the shooter in a comfortable position to manipulate the trigger.  

More Stock Options

The Range XP features a svelte, flat-bottomed forend, aluminum pillar construction and is textured where the shooter’s hand interfaces. Dual swivel studs adorn the Model 307’s forend, along with one in the buttstock. The aluminum pillars secure the Model 307 action to the stock. A detachable box magazine holds five rounds of .270 Win.  

Talley Manufacturing one-piece Picatinny rail and low rings were used to mount a Trijicon Ascent 3-12x40mm optic. Talley also offers one-piece base and ring option for the Model 307. Important to note, the Model 307 is Stiller/Savage pattern for optic mounting.  

Classic .270 Chambering

Readers may be surprised by the cartridge choice chosen for this T&E, especially considering the on-going craze for anything starting in 6.5mm. The .270 Win remains one of my longtime favorite hunting cartridges stretching back to my teens. Hornady, Federal, Black Hills, and SIG Sauer ammunition was used with the Model 307. The .270 Win has been the darling of performance since 1925. What is not to love about a 130-grain bullet at 3,100+ feet per second (fps)? Few cartridges equal the soon-to-be 100-year-old .270 Win. as a pure hunting cartridge. The advantage lies in case dimensions, which allow for higher velocities to be obtained with .270 Win 130- or 140-grain bullets at typical game engagement distances. The Model 307 keeps Weatherby’s sub-MOA accuracy guarantee in place just like their other models.  

A rifle that shoots well off the bench instills confidence when field practice starts, or more importantly, in the woods when stalking game. Testing was conducted with Black Hills Gold 130-grain TSX and 130-grain SST, SIG Sauer Elite 140-grain Controlled Expansion Tip, Federal 130-grain SP and Hornady Superformance 130-grain SST & Outfitter GMX loads. Bench testing was done off a Caldwell tripod front rest and rear sandbag. The TriggerTech Field trigger, with their Frictionless Release Technology, provided for a zero-creep break. All the loads produced three-round groups no larger than 1 inch, with most in the ¾-inch range. Black Hills Gold showed the best in terms of accuracy, though frankly we are splitting hairs as all loads were solid performers.  

Rounds Downrange

The Model 307 Range XP was taken to Echo Valley Training Center’s multi-tiered berm 350-yard range for field testing. Prepared positions allowed for shooting prone with bipod or bag for support, as well as standing with or without a BOG tripod, along with field expedient positions of kneeling, sitting, or leaning on a tree/post. The impact made on the steel targets even at 300 yards left no doubt the .270. Win delivers the load. The five rounds in the detachable magazine went quick, though it was possible to single feed cartridges if desired.  

Importantly, no malfunctions of any kind were experienced even during rapid operation of the bolt. This is crucial. The operational reliability of even a bolt-action rifle should never be taken for granted. One important thing to test is if the rifle will reliably eject a loaded round. This is often overlooked if there is ever an ammunition problem. Also, a cold bore shot was taken at every opportunity during the many visits to the range. The shot always landed where intended. Nothing instills more confidence than the ability to place the first shot exactly as aimed.  

Wrap Up

The Model 307 allows a wider spectrum of sportsman to benefit from Weatherby attributes such as sub-MOA accuracy, state-of-the-art trigger, rock-solid, fast operating, fluted bolt and ergonomic stock design to name a few; even if their preferred cartridge if outside the Weatherby stable. The Model 307 Range XP is suited for a “roving” as well as ambush/stand hunting styles. The composite stock and Cerakoting offers the requisite weather resistance for outdoorsman. What Weatherby has created with the Range XP chambered in .270 Win is a rifle/caliber combination capable of handling a multitude of hunting situations and quarry. With the Model 307, Weatherby is proving they are here to stay as a major player in American firearms industry.    

For more info, visit weatherby.com.

SPECIFICATIONS: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP

• CALIBER: .270 Winchester
• BARREL: 24-inch #2 contour, 1:10 twist
• OVERALL LENGTH: 43.75 inches
• WEIGHT: 7.5 pounds 
• ACTION: Model 307 bolt action
• CAPACITY: 5+1 rounds, via detachable magazine
• PRICE: $1,199

PERFORMANCE: Weatherby Model 307 Range XP .270Win