That is one beautiful stock. Why I won't trade-in my wood stocks. Wood stocks have soul, each one is unique, and hey, they're organic! I think warping and scratched-up issues are way overblown. Over 4 decades of wood stocks without problems and my stubborn, old butt ain't changin' over. Love 'em. Sometimes while the safe's open I'll take one or two out just to admire the beauty of the wood (they're not safe queens). I enjoy working with wood (including a couple of muzzleloader stocks), so that may be part of it. I personally don't understand how people beat the hell out a rifle (but then my terrain isn't mountain climbing).

Cheaper and easier is absolutely correct, as bad said! Mine went on in a snap and didn't require any lapping or fooling around. The scope was mounted, and on right, in short order. Weatherby is happy to advise on height too.

Just wondering, with everybody making lighter and lighter rifles (including Weatherby), what other guys think. I for one, don't completely get it (but I'm old fashioned and traditional, as in wood stocks, for example, plus as stubborn as a mule). I understand less weight – less burden, but I like the steadiness of a heavier rifle, not to mention less recoil. I used to hunt black powder now and again years ago, and carrying that 10 pound-plus flintlock never bothered me, plus, it is steady as a rock aiming offhand. No offense to any fans of lightweight rifles, but is a couple pounds less worth the compromises? I figure if our military boys can handle 65 pounds or more on their backs for miles, I can certainly handle an 8 pound rifle on mine. So, are these light riles worth it or what? Maybe there's other advantages I'm not aware of but I'm just not seeing the light on this for now, as I like a solid feel. Opinions?

Hunt that rifle! Everything I own has a wood stock. Back when I started shooting (around age 12 or so) there wasn't anything else. I love my wood stocks. My first shotgun, a Remington 870 (walnut) bought at age 14 in 1971 with my own money, has been in the field countless times and it still looks pretty darn good. I understand the qualities of plastic stocks (like waterproof), but my wood stocks have been through some crap weather and are none the worse for it - just wipe 'em down. For me, you can't match the feel and looks of wood; it's served shooters well for centuries - good enough for me, and life is too short to hunt with an ugly rifle! No offense to fans of plastic, but give me wood only! I've also heard of plastic stocks warping left in a hot truck (Texas can get dang hot). Of course wood can crack and so forth, but in 44 years of shooting wood stocks, I've never had problems. Take that gun out! Nobody should be climbing fences or other acrobatics with a loaded rifle anyway, just use a little care and that stock should keep coming home in good shape.

All good comments. My S2 Sporter shot well enough for me with no mods, but I'm not one you guys that take 400-500 yard shots. Yes, the walking creeps in on fairly quick successive shots, but hey, if you're shooting at a deer, how many shots are you squeezing off? Should be one, with a slight chance of one followup shot. A strictly target rifle should have a heavy barrel anyway, so to me, the walking issue really isn't an issue. Otherwise a short cool down rest between shots seems to do it. The old vanguard triggers truly were crap (enter Timney), but I don't mind the two stage, as I quickly was able to get the feel of exactly when that sear is going to let go with it. Good shooting, guys.

Bloomberg is a disgrace and an arrogant idiot. My idea of gun control is using two hands to hold your pistol and a rest when possible for your rifle.

Sooner you can get that Conquest on top, the better. Cheap scopes, like cheap housepaint, are never a bargain.

Geez, I just saw ANOTHER movie last night where every time bullets flew, showers of sparks flew too, from the supposed points of impact. No holes show either. I need to load some of those special flint tipped bullets that don't penetrate so I can do that.