I would go for the Browning--I have an A-bolt Medallian in .204, my coyote gun, it's drop dead beautiful, every bit the craftsmanship, fit and finish you would find on the Weatherby and deadly accurate. I have a friend who has two Mark V's and quality wise, I see no difference at all between them and the Browning. This same friend bought my A-bolt in 30-06 as a companion piece for the Weatherby's--it was also very accurate. Not sure about the softer wood, I just handle it carefully enough not to bang it on anything. I also like the Weatherby's, but their styling is almost over-the-edge, almost to flambouyant. My friend doesn't even hunt with the Weatherby's due to fear of a scratch so the A-bolt 06 has gotten to be his"go-to" gun. Get the Browning, I have about $1200 tied up in both rifle and scope and it's been worth every penny---he'll love it------