If it's the barrel is marked "West Germany" that would mean that it's several years old (1990 or before, since Germany reunified in 1990 and "West" Germany ceased to exist), and probably a used rifle. If so, I'd say if the price is good, go for it. Weatherby Mk V's are good rifles. As for your choice of .300 Wby, well, if you can't take the recoil, you can certainly have a brake installed. Just make SURE you ALWAYS use hearing protection, even while hunting. A braked rifle, especially one that burns as much powder as the Wby, will be EXTREMELY LOUD. Loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage with one unprotected shot. I've lost some of my hearing already, likely because of gunfire without hearing protection, and I'm only 33 years old. As a result I have a hard time understanding speech in a moderately noisy room, especially higher (female) voices.

The Southgate, CA stamp is on there because that's where Weatherby is headquartered, but the guns have historically always been made by a contractor. Weatherby's have been made in Germany, Japan and now by an American contractor. They were make by SAKO Defense (not the same as Sako Finland) on the east coast, but when they got bought out the Weatherby Mk V is made by another American contractor now.

As for the Vanguard, I don't know who told you they were junk rifles, but whoever it was, don't listen to them about guns again, ever. The Vanguard, which is made by Howa of Japan, are one of the best values for the price out there these days. Very well made and usually extremely accurate. You wouldn't go wrong with a Howa, and if you want a Weatherby cartridge without it beating the snot out of you, get one in 257 Wby.

Mike