Weatherby FN Mauser 98 Pre-Mark V South Gate .257 Weatherby Magnum Bolt-Action Rifle, 24-inch Barrel (1957)
This 1957 Weatherby Pre-Mark V rifle pairs a South Gate, California rollmark with the FN Belgian Mauser 98 controlled-round-feed action. Built just before the Mark V debuted in 1958, it reflects Weatherby’s early production style in .257 Weatherby Magnum with a 24-inch barrel and a deluxe walnut stock. Collectors will note the no-prefix serial number detail and the classic high-polish blue finish throughout.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Stock and barrel show scratches from handling and use.
What’s Included
- Leather rifle sling
- Two-piece scope base blocks installed
Built before Weatherby introduced its proprietary Mark V action in 1958, this Pre-Mark V uses the robust FN Belgian Mauser 98 receiver with controlled-round-feed and a long external extractor. The action is drilled and tapped, and this example has two-piece scope bases installed from the start, aligning with the no-sights configuration.
Chambered in .257 Weatherby Magnum, it features a 24-inch barrel and a 4+1 internal box magazine with a hinged floorplate. The bolt is bright finished, and the metal carries a high-polish blue that matches Weatherby’s South Gate era presentation.
The deluxe walnut stock shows hallmark Weatherby styling: Monte Carlo profile with cheekpiece, skip-line checkering, a rosewood forend tip with spacer, and a rosewood grip cap set with a white diamond inlay. A ventilated recoil pad and sling swivel studs are fitted, with a 13.5-inch length of pull.
Markings include the Weatherby South Gate, California address on the receiver. There are no factory open sights. The serial number has no prefix, a detail that aligns with early production characteristics of this series.