WEATHERBY ATHENA
Posted May 19, 2023
For gun aficionados, the name Weatherby is equivalent to the status of having made it in the world of firearms. The company, founded in 1945 by Roy Weatherby, is best known for producing high quality bolt action rifles that are reliable, accurate, and powerful. Weatherby continues its tradition of excellence with its latest model, the Weatherby Athena.
The Weatherby Athena is a bolt action rifle chambered in .308 Winchester, which is a popular round among target shooters and hunters. The overall design of the rifle is modern and is the result of Weatherby’s decades of experience in firearms manufacturing. The rifle’s design is based off the classic Model 70 bolt-action design, but with several improvements that are unique to the Athena.
The first and most striking feature of the Weatherby Athena is its aesthetics. From the glossy black finish on the stock to the polished stainless steel finish on the barrel and receiver, the rifle has an impressive look that can easily stand out from other rifles. The stock is also ergonomic and designed to fit the user’s hand comfortably. This is a great feature that makes the Weatherby Athena an excellent choice for shooters who are looking for a rifle that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical and comfortable to shoot.
The Weatherby Athena is also equipped with several features designed to improve the rifle’s accuracy and performance. The barrel is hammer forged with an 8-groove rifling pattern, which results in better accuracy and superior ballistic performance. The trigger is adjustable, allowing the user to fine tune the trigger pull to their liking. The safety is a classic three-way safety that prevents accidental discharges.
In terms of accuracy, the Weatherby Athena is known for being incredibly accurate and capable of delivering tight groups. Its cold hammer-forged barrel incorporates an 8-groove rifling pattern which helps to improve accuracy and consistency. The rifle is accurate enough to take out targets up to 500 yards with ease, and many shooters have reported hitting targets further out than that.
The Weatherby Athena has also been praised for its reliability. The rifle is constructed using high-quality components, which makes it durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Additionally, the gun is well balanced and easy to handle, which helps to improve accuracy. The bolt is smooth and easy to operate, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
In terms of performance, the Weatherby ATI is an excellent choice. It is accurate and reliable, and the modern design makes it a great option for today’s shooters. The adjustable trigger is a great feature, as it allows the user to customize the trigger pull to their liking. Additionally, the rifle is well balanced and easy to handle, which allows for greater accuracy and faster target acquisition.
Overall, the Weatherby Athena is an excellent choice for those looking for an accurate, reliable, and modern rifle. The rifle is well balanced and easy to handle, which allows for greater accuracy and faster target acquisition. The adjustable trigger is a great feature, as it allows the user to customize the trigger pull to their liking. Additionally, the rifle is well constructed and made to last, making it a great option for both new and experienced shooters. The Weatherby Athena is a great option for those looking for an accurate, reliable, and modern rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Excellent accuracy – The Weatherby Athena incorporates a three-lug bolt with a short bolt-throw and a flattened receiver that helps to ensure the most accurate shot possible.
• Smooth and reliable action – This rifle features a stainless steel bolt guided by four powerful lugs, which make the bolt movement smooth and reliable.
• Easy to operate – The Weatherby Athena rifle is incredibly easy to operate, allowing an inexperienced shooter to fire and reload quickly.
• Durable construction – The Weatherby Athena is constructed from highly durable materials that are designed to hold up to extreme conditions and years of use.
Cons:
• Expensive – The Weatherby Athena is one of the more expensive rifles on the market, which can be a deterrent for many shooters.
• Heavy – This rifle is incredibly heavy, which can make carrying and shooting the Weatherby Athena a challenge for some shooters.
• Not a good starter rifle – Although the Weatherby Athena is an excellent rifle, it may not be a good fit for someone new to shooting due to its high cost and weight.
Who Should Buy
Anyone who is looking for a well-made and reliable shotgun should consider purchasing a Weatherby Athena. The gun features a superior quality construction that will last for years to come, as well as a comfortable stock and reliable performance. The only people who shouldn’t buy this particular shotgun are those in search of a low-priced, budget-friendly option. The Weatherby Athena is a premium shotgun made with quality craftsmanship and materials, making it slightly pricier than other models.
Comparisons
| Product | Caliber | Barrel Length | Overall Length | Stock | Capacity |
| :--- | ---: | ---: | ---: | :--- | ---: |
| Weatherby Athena | .416 Rem Mag | 26 in | 48 in | AGrade Turkish Walnut | 3+1 |
| Remington 700 Classic | .416 Rem Mag | 26 in | 47.75 in | Walnut Stock | 3+1 |
| Sako 85 Safari | .416 Rem Mag | 24.4 in | 44.9 in | Oil-Finished Walnut | 3+1 |
| Dakota 76 Safari | .416 Rem Mag | 24 in | 45 in | Monte Carlo Grade Walnut | 3+1 |
Features / Specs
• Barrel Length: 20.0"
• Overall Length: 38.5"
• Length of Pull: 13.75"
• Drop at Heel: 1.75"
• Drop at Comb: 2"
• Basic Weight: 5.75 lbs
• Magazine Capacity: 4+1
• Stock: Turkish Walnut
• Stock Finish: Oil
• Metal Finish: Blued
• Trigger: Adjustable
Popular Accessories
12GA
- Recoil Pad
- Shotgun Sling
- Stock Spacers
- Shell Carriers
- Extended Magazine Tubes
- Choke Tubes
- Magazines
- Flashlight Mount
- Pistol Grip
- Scope Mounts
Accuracy
The Weatherby Athena is an incredibly accurate rifle that has earned a well-deserved reputation for precision and accuracy. In terms of accuracy, the Weatherby Athena is one of the best. Tests have shown that this rifle can consistently deliver sub-MOA accuracy with factory ammo. This accuracy allows for superior shots at longer ranges with high levels of precision. Additionally, the Weatherby Athena is also very reliable and repetitively accurate with different loads, making it a great choice for long range shooting.
