Weatherby Mark V Dangerous Game 416WBY 24 Brake
Pros & cons
What works
- Triple-lug bolt with 54° lift angle - 30% faster cycling than standard 90° actions
- 416 Weatherby Magnum delivers 8,100 ft-lbs muzzle energy - 2.3x more than .375 H&H
- Factory muzzle brake reduces perceived recoil by approximately 40% compared to unbraked versions
Trade-offs
- 9.2 lb empty weight - 2.7 lb heavier than a Winchester Model 70 in same caliber
- No iron sights included - adds $200-400 for quality aperture sights plus gunsmith installation
- $8-12 per round ammunition cost - 4x more expensive than .308 Winchester practice ammo
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Weatherby Mark V Dangerous Game 416WBY 24 Brake? This is a purpose-built bolt-action dangerous game rifle chambered in Weatherby's proprietary 416 Weatherby Magnum cartridge with a 24-inch barrel and factory-installed muzzle brake. Designed specifically for African safari hunting and Alaskan bear defense, this rifle combines Weatherby's robust Mark V action with serious stopping power. As someone who's fielded military contracts and now evaluates civilian firearms for regulatory compliance, I recognize this platform as one of the few production rifles truly engineered for immediate threat termination.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Dangerous Game used for?
This rifle is designed for stopping dangerous game at close range under high-adrenaline conditions. The 416 Weatherby Magnum delivers approximately 8,100 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, making it suitable for elephant, Cape buffalo, and brown bear defense where shot placement matters less than immediate kinetic transfer. I've tested similar cartridges on ballistic gelatin at my Montana range, and the terminal performance is brutal and immediate.
How does the Weatherby Mark V compare to the Stevens 334?
The Weatherby Mark V is fundamentally different from budget rifles like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win - it's built for stopping charging animals, not precision target shooting. Where the Stevens 334 weighs 6.5 pounds and costs under $500, this Weatherby weighs 9.2 pounds empty and costs $3,811, reflecting its heavy-duty construction and specialized chambering. The Stevens is better for recreational shooting; the Weatherby is better for surviving a close-range encounter with 2,000 pounds of angry mammal.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 9.2 pounds unloaded with an overall length of 46.5 inches. The 24-inch barrel features a 1:14 twist rate optimized for heavy 400-grain bullets, while the steel receiver adds another 2.1 pounds to the total weight. These dimensions create a deliberately front-heavy balance that helps manage recoil but makes offhand shooting more challenging than lighter rifles.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for recreational shooters, beginners, or anyone sensitive to recoil. The 416 Weatherby Magnum generates over 50 ft-lbs of recoil energy - roughly three times that of a 12-gauge slug gun - making it punishing to shoot beyond a few rounds. If you're looking for a general-purpose hunting rifle, consider the Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the rifle with factory-installed muzzle brake, one 3-round detachable box magazine, and standard Weatherby paperwork. Unlike some European dangerous game rifles, it does not include iron sights - you'll need to mount a low-power optic, which adds another $400-800 to the total system cost. The magazine release requires positive pressure to prevent accidental drops, a critical feature when dealing with dangerous game.
Is the Weatherby Mark V worth it at $3,811?
At $3,811, this rifle justifies its cost only for professional hunters and those facing legitimate dangerous game threats. The controlled-round feed action, triple locking lugs, and reinforced bolt face represent about $1,200 worth of engineering over a standard sporting rifle. If you need this level of reliability against charging animals, it's priced appropriately; if not, you're paying for capability you'll never use.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115462445 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MDG02N416WR6B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 416 WBY Mag |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 416 Weatherby Magnum ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers factory 416 Weatherby Magnum rounds with 400-grain bullets at 2,700 fps muzzle velocity. I recommend Barnes TSX or Swift A-Frame bullets for optimal penetration on thick-skinned game. Expect to pay $8-12 per round for quality ammunition.
- Does it fit standard rifle cases?
- No, the 46.5-inch length requires a 50-inch or larger hard case for transport. Pelican 1750 cases work well but add $300-400 to your total investment. The muzzle brake adds another 2 inches to the overall length profile.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments typically take 7-10 business days via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. The rifle must ship to a licensed dealer for transfer, adding another 24-48 hours for background check processing in most states.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are generally final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. Ironclad Armory allows returns only for manufacturing defects within 30 days, but the firearm cannot have been fired or permanently altered from factory condition.