Make: Weatherby
Model: South Gate Pre-Mark V
Serial Number: 297
Year of Manufacture: 1950 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .375 Weatherby Magnum
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed
Barrel Length: 26"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a raised beaded blade pinned into a ramped base banded around the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable folding u-notch dovetailed into a base screwed into the barrel. A Griffin & Howe mount is screwed into the left side of the receiver and houses a Weatherby Imperial 2.75x90 scope. The crosshair reticle is clear and the scope rates in Very Good condition.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece wood with a cheekpiece, checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forend, diamond inlays, and a synthetic White Line buttpad. The buttpad has hardened over time, showing cracks and edge wear. A Jaeger trigger is installed. The forend and semi-pistol grip are capped. The furniture shows a few pressure dings, small scuffs, and drag lines. The LOP measures 13.5" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There are no chips or cracks. The furniture rates in Very Good Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp with light fouling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its original metal finish. There is a rub mark on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle as well as finish loss from handling on the bolt handle and trigger guard. The screw heads are faintly tooled and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Scope
Our Assessment: The early South Gate Weatherby rifles represent the formative period of Roy Weatherby's company, before introduction of the proprietary Mark V action. Built around proven commercial Mauser-pattern actions, these rifles established the distinctive combination of high-velocity magnum cartridges, custom-grade stocks, premium optics, and bold styling that became synonymous with the Weatherby name. Serial number 297 is an especially early three-digit example and falls within the approximate 1950 South Gate production range of serial numbers 201-500. It is chambered in .375 Weatherby Magnum, one of Roy Weatherby's original proprietary cartridges, first offered in 1945 as a higher-velocity development of the .375 H&H Magnum. The rifle is fitted with a Griffin & Howe side mount carrying a Weatherby Imperial 2.75x90 scope, an optic designation that is correct for Weatherby's early Imperial scope line, along with a Jaeger trigger.
This rifle retains about 96% of its original blued finish, with a rub mark on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle and handling-related finish loss on the bolt handle and trigger guard. The wood furniture remains in Very Good Plus condition with a few pressure dings, small scuffs, and drag lines, but no chips or cracks. The White Line buttpad has hardened with age and shows cracking and edge wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling, with no erosion, rating 9.5/10. The Griffin & Howe mounting arrangement and Weatherby Imperial scope complement the rifle's early custom sporting character, while the screw heads show only faint tooling and the markings remain clear and complete. The action functions correctly. Overall, this three-digit South Gate Weatherby rates in Fine condition as a C&R rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
