PH opinions on Weatherby

Question for the experts on the forum. I am taking my first safari in May for PG. Thinking of a 375 h & h with the idea I will take it back in the future for buffalo. My other guns are Weatherbys, though in non-Weatherby calibers. I like and trust these guns and find that the stock design helps manage recoil, as well as looks great (IMHO). I just don't like (or need) the heavy recoil that comes with the Wby ammo. I'm looking at a Euromark in 375 h & h for this trip, which is matte blued and oil stocked and will weigh about 10 lbs scoped-a good weight for this round, I think. However, after reading this forum, I find a lot of negative opinions on Weatherbys in general. Should I take the gun that I prefer, or will I be looked at like an ugly stepchild?

Whichever gun I buy, I will shoot it often and well before I go.

Originally Posted by Custom

........ My other guns are Weatherbys, though in non-Weatherby calibers. ............However, after reading this forum, I find a lot of negative opinions on Weatherbys in general. Should I take the gun that I prefer, or will I be looked at like an ugly stepchild?
Whichever gun I buy, I will shoot it often and well before I go.

The biggest concern PH's have is a guy bringing a gun he is unfamiliar with and/or also scared of because he bought a big magnum and developed a nice flinch. Hence the Weatherby phobia, mainly the caliber. I guess a few showed up with them and performed badly.

The PH will be quite happy to see you shoot straight with a good caliber suited to the game you are after. That's it.

Good luck and shoot straight.

Thanks, Brickburn.

Custom I think BRICKBURN put it quite nicely. I Suggest you contact the outfitter that you will be hunting with and see what they think no need to carry a 375 if all your going to shoot is Duiker and Steenbok and if Vaal Rhebok is on your list it could be tough.

Thanks, Bob. I have contacted my outfitter and he likes the 375 as an all around caliber for Africa, though certainly not necessary for PG. I plan to return in the future for buffalo, and am thinking that if I take it this trip it will be experienced for the next trip. My 300 Win mag will certainly work for Kudu, Nyla, etc. we will be hunting this time, just an excuse for a new gun. I don't need it now, but how often do we really need a new gun?!

Yeah I know what you mean! I'm still trying to figure out how to tell the wife that the 40 gun cannon safe that I have isn't big enough anymore.

Originally Posted by Custom

how often do we really need a new gun?!

We always need a new gun! LOL

The 375 is actually a far better choice for duiker than the .300 and as you know is a good buffalo gun as well. It is hard to go wrong with a .375 on safari.

well you are going to need the .375 for the buff in the future, so really you are only being very sensible and doing a bit of forward planning.....

Thanks, spike.t. Can I have you explain that to my wife?

Originally Posted by Custom

Thanks, spike.t. Can I have you explain that to my wife?

well there is that new years price rise isnt there?? so you are saving money as well

Can't go wring with a Jarrett. No kick

If you like the weatherby..and can shoot it well...by all means take it. Your correct in the fact that you will be getting used to it for a later hunt for buffalo. They are fine rifles..I like the stocks too..my 257 WM fits me like a glove.

Custom,
I would rather have a hunter with a 25.06 which he has shot for years taking any plains game animal, than a hunter coming over with a .375which he is too scared to shoot. Not that I am implying that you would have a problem with the recoil, just trying to make a point.
Take what you shoot best. The confidence that you will have in that rifle will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Take Care, have a winderful Xmas and be safe.

Best Regards,
Marius Goosen

Thanks, Marius. I completely understand the point and, if I can't shoot it, it won't go. I am completely confident with my 300 Win mag and would take it in that case. Of course, if I can't learn to shoot the 375, no buff hunt in the future.

Originally Posted by Custom

Thanks, Marius. I completely understand the point and, if I can't shoot it, it won't go. I am completely confident with my 300 Win mag and would take it in that case. Of course, if I can't learn to shoot the 375, no buff hunt in the future.

i wouldnt worry there isnt that much difference between shooting a .300win mag and a .375h&h,

Originally Posted by Custom

Question for the experts on the forum. I am taking my first safari in May for PG. Thinking of a 375 h & h with the idea I will take it back in the future for buffalo. My other guns are Weatherbys, though in non-Weatherby calibers. I like and trust these guns and find that the stock design helps manage recoil, as well as looks great (IMHO). I just don't like (or need) the heavy recoil that comes with the Wby ammo. I'm looking at a Euromark in 375 h & h for this trip, which is matte blued and oil stocked and will weigh about 10 lbs scoped-a good weight for this round, I think. However, after reading this forum, I find a lot of negative opinions on Weatherbys in general. Should I take the gun that I prefer, or will I be looked at like an ugly stepchild?

Whichever gun I buy, I will shoot it often and well before I go.

Question: What is the best rifle?
Answer: THE ONE THAT KILL's...

Originally Posted by spike.t

i wouldnt worry there isnt that much difference between shooting a .300win mag and a .375h&h,

Spike agreed 100%!!! do understand Marius's point as well take the one you shoot best, Then again Spike I share your philosophy as well I talk to allot of profesional hunters, who complain about 460 recoil... my question is often what do you shoot for back up?

I get replies ranging from 416 rigby, 500 jeffrey, 470 NE and 458 lott, I share your opinion in this as I have shot all of these if you hadle a 458 Lott well where is the issue, recoil difference in these are so small its not even worth considering, numbers are different yes but honestly I just dont feel the difference....

But thats just me...

My best always. :-)

I often find the shape of the stock, the weight and balance of the gun and what recoil pad are more important than the cartridge itself when it comes to felt recoil.
My fathers very light 30-06 Mauser with a very think stock is unpleasant to shoot using 180 grain bullets compared to my 375Ruger Alaskan with a Limbsaver recoil pad using 300 grain bullets.

I am not recoil shy at all, but I rather shoot 50 quick shots with my 375Ruger than with my fathers 30-06.
My fathers 30-06 is just gathering dust in his gun safe now as he prefers to use one of my guns while hunting

Very true...

Originally Posted by Jaco Strauss

Spike agreed 100%!!! do understand Marius's point as well take the one you shoot best, Then again Spike I share your philosophy as well I talk to allot of profesional hunters, who complain about 460 recoil... my question is often what do you shoot for back up?

I get replies ranging from 416 rigby, 500 jeffrey, 470 NE and 458 lott, I share your opinion in this as I have shot all of these if you hadle a 458 Lott well where is the issue, recoil difference in these are so small its not even worth considering, numbers are different yes but honestly I just dont feel the difference....

But thats just me...

My best always. :-)

we obviously just arent in touch with our sensitive sides. dropped my lott i have in zambia and totally rearranged the peep sight, and it took me 16 rounds in about 20 mins hunched over the cruiser bonnet to get it shooting to my satisfaction. i maybe got in to my sensitive side a tiny bit after that, as i smacked myself to make sure i remember not to drop it again