Weatherby 22
I knew that Weatherby had made guns in Germany and Japan, but I recently purchased a used weatherby .22 that was made in Italy. Does anyone know anything about their guns that they made there?
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Current tradmark manufactured and imported by Weatherby located in Atascadero, CA since 1995,,Previously located in South Gate, CA, 1945- 1995. Weatherby began manufacturing rifles in the US in 1995.. Earlier production was from Germany and Italy, and German mfg is usually waht is collectible.. Current rifle production is from the US while shotguns are made in Japan... Workmanship in all instances is quite good. Weatherby rifles used a Mathieu Arms action in the 1950's primarily since it was available in the left hand action.. right handed actions were normally mfg from the FN Mauser type
One woman's opinion0 -
ukblue,
The Italian made 22's are very collectable. They will demand a much higher price over the Japanese ones.
"If All Else Fails, Read The Directions"0 -
It's probably a semi auto called the Mark XXII. They cam with 5 or 10 round mags, or tube fed. Some came with a Weatherby scope as well. I've seen them for $350 on average, some more, some less. 0 -
Hey, Uke!
Great gun. Congratulations! The Mk XXII was originally made in Italy for Weatherby in the early '60's by Beretta. Clip styles were the only option. The first ones had one piece stocks. Later production models had rosewood forend and pistol grip caps with a rubber buttpad. In the late '70's production was sent to Howa in Japan where they continued to make fine examples (indistinguishable in quality, function or appeal, IMO) until the end of the '80's. A tube feed version was produced in Japan to complement the clip and are considered to be a more valued feature by some. Some XXII's were apparently made at the tail of the run here in the States by Mossberg, I believe.
Weatherby Mk XXII rifles may well be the finest .22 semiauto's ever made. You would certainly store one on the same shelf as the genuine title holder.0 -
UK,
Lance's info is right on target, I have 2 of the "first production" XXII's with the one piece stock and steel buttplate both within the first 5000 produced. These guns date back to 1964-65. The Italian made guns are the most sought after, I've seen them go from $350-$550 depending on condition. Most definately a great addition to your collection.
Gun control is hitting your target0 -
Hey, PC!
Have you ever seen a Japan XXII with one piece stock and steel buttplate like the early Italian ones? What's up with them? I have one and they appear to have been made well after the norm was rosewood and rubber. Were they supposed to be a cheaper option? As for your 4 digit early guns, that's cool! It's nice to here that they found a good home. I have a 13xxx serial # one piece stock model. I figure that my gun is better handling in the field than your two since the metal relief from that fifth digit saves a little weight.0 -
lance,
I have never heard of a Japanese model with the plain stock. The only thing I can figure is somone put a Japanese action in an early stock (both actions will fit in the same stocks). I am happy to have 2 early SN's one is #04XXX one is #05XXX (the number run started at (0100). Nice to talk to another Weatherby collector!!
PS...I thought my guns were a little heavy
Gun control is hitting your target0 -
Hey, PC!
Don't despair on that weight thing! I didn't realize that yours had a zero where mine has a one. You win!
The Japan one piece stock is subtly different in contour around the pistol grip and is unique. If you would enjoy seeing pictures of the comparison, just ask.0 -
I had 2 of the early Italian guns with the one piece stock and metal buttpate. They are very accurate and attractive guns but the varnish on them tends to craze with age or if left in a warm place[car trunk] for any length of time. Both of mine had some crazing one more so than the other. I sold them both the nicest one for 450 the other for 400 with an extra clip. Both were in 95% or better if you dont count the finish crazing.... 0
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