[Dshusker]

I own the Mark V 7 MM Weatherby Mag with a muzzle brake. The recoil is stout, but manageable. Definitely, not a bench gun unless you are using a sled or a thick recoil pad. It will take out anything in North America. Weighs 8 lbs w/o a scope. Personally, there are excellent alternatives such as the Sako A7, the Browning X-Bolt, Tikka T3 Hunter, and the Steyr Pro Hunter. You may also want to consider a 7 mm Rem Mag. Not sure the extra powder in the Wby Mag is worth the extra recoil? Good Luck and thanks for your service to our country.

[Dshusker]

I reread the other posts and believe you are getting good advice regardless which way you go. I own two of the Vanguards in 25-06, and 270. They both shot sub-MOA out of the box. My theory is that they have upped their game on the barrels across so they would have more excellent ones to pull out of production for their Sub-MOA line which they sell for about 40% more. I am not advocating for the Vanguard but it is one of the two best value buys on the market today. The other is the Marlin XL7 line. My other thought has to do about scopes. Leupys are good scopes but their are other value purchases IMO that are as good or better. Take a look at the Bushnell Elite 4200 line and the Sightron Big Sky (both in the $250-$320 range), and the Zeiss Conquest 3X9X40 ($450) and my favorite the Bushnell 6500 in 2.5X16X42 ($540). All four scopes will give the VX-3 line a run for its money.

[robocop10mm]

I cannot fault your choice of a Weatherby. Personally I would opt for a non Wby caliber. Ammo is far too expensive and very difficult to find. Unless you plan on reloading and stocking up on brass, go with the Rem mag.