Make: Weatherby
Model: Southgate Pre-Mark V
Serial Number: 8111 (serial matching bolt)
Year of Manufacture: 1957 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .458 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Bolt action, controlled round feed, hinged floorplate
Barrel Length: 24", ported at the muzzle (Pendleton Brake-style)
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade with a serrated face dovetailed into a checkered ramp screwed into the barrel. The rear sight is a set of three folding u-notches dovetailed into a raised base fixed to the barrel. The top of the receiver has two pairs of taps ready to mount an optic, though none is present.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is one piece mesquite with a cheekpiece on the right side, smooth semi-pistol grip, smooth forend, and a synthetic Pachmayr White Line buttpad. The forend and semi-pistol grip are capped with rosewood. The buttpad has minimal handling wear. The furniture shows only a few very minor pressure dings. The LOP measures 13.25" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. There is some minor grain splitting on the left rear of the butt. The furniture rates in Fine 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 98% of its original metal finish. The receiver has turned a light shade of plum. There are some very faint scrub marks on the barrel and a couple spots of very minor freckling. The screw heads are unmarred 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: None
Our Assessment: Weatherby's South Gate rifles represent the formative period when Roy Weatherby was building high-grade sporting rifles around proven commercial actions before introduction of the proprietary Mark V. Serial number 8111 falls within the approximate 1957 Southgate Mauser-action range, making this rifle a particularly interesting early Weatherby. The chambering adds further interest: Winchester introduced the .458 Winchester Magnum only a year earlier, in 1956, as a bolt-action dangerous-game cartridge intended to approximate the performance of the great British Nitro Express cartridges in a more compact package. This rifle is further distinguished by its mesquite stock, right-side cheekpiece despite its right-handed bolt action, rosewood accents, unique rear sight, and Pendleton Brake-style muzzle porting. The consignor states that this rifle is one of a kind; its highly unusual configuration certainly supports the possibility of special-order or custom work.
This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. The receiver has developed a light plum coloration, while the barrel shows only very faint scrub marks and a couple of very minor freckling spots. The mesquite furniture remains in Fine Plus condition with only a few very minor pressure dings and some minor grain splitting at the left rear of the butt. The Pachmayr White Line buttpad shows minimal handling wear. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and light fouling, with no erosion, rating 9.5/10. The serial-matching bolt remains with the rifle, the screw heads are unmarred and retain turnable slots, the markings are clear and complete, and the action functions correctly. Overall, this unusual 1957 Weatherby Southgate Pre-Mark V 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!
