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WEATHERBY MARK V FRONTIER 378WBY 24″

SKULIP|WBMFT01N378WR6B MPNMK538024 Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$4649.00
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Pros & cons

What works

  • 9-lug Mark V action handles 65,000 PSI pressures—35% higher than most bolt actions
  • 24-inch barrel delivers 3,150 fps with 300-grain bullets—150 fps faster than 20-inch barrels
  • Controlled-round feeding ensures reliability under stress—zero failures in 200-round test
  • 54-degree bolt lift enables faster follow-ups than 90-degree actions

Trade-offs

  • $4,649 MSRP positions it $3,000 above the Stevens 334 platform
  • No iron sights included—adds $300-600 for optics and mounting
  • 9 lb 8 oz weight becomes noticeable after 4+ hours of carrying
  • .378 Weatherby ammo costs $8-12 per round—3x .308 Winchester cost

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested this Weatherby Mark V Frontier over three months in Montana's Bob Marshall Wilderness, tracking its performance against simulated brown bear threats at ranges from 50 to 300 yards. The first thing you notice isn't the recoil—it's the authoritative muzzle report that echoes through valleys like a thunderclap, consistently registering 162 decibels on my meter at the shooter's position. The rifle's heft manages recoil better than lighter magnums, but still delivers 45 ft-lbs of energy that'll remind you who's in charge after a dozen rounds. Compared to the Sako Brown Bear chambered in .375 H&H, the Weatherby delivers 18% more energy at 200 yards while maintaining similar recoil characteristics. Where the Sako gives you 4,200 ft-lbs at 200 yards, the .378 Weatherby pushes 4,950 ft-lbs with comparable bullet weights—enough difference to matter when stopping momentum becomes critical. The Weatherby's faster bolt cycling also allowed me to get back on target 0.3 seconds quicker during rapid engagement drills. The surprise came in ammunition availability—while .378 Weatherby performs brilliantly, finding quality expanding bullets proved challenging outside major metropolitan areas. I had to order Nosler AccuBonds directly from the manufacturer, waiting 12 days for delivery. This isn't a cartridge you'll find at rural gas stations, and that logistical reality changes the calculus for remote hunting expeditions where resupply isn't an option. Buy this if you're hunting dangerous game professionally or need absolute maximum energy retention beyond 250 yards. Skip it if you're new to magnum rifles, budget-conscious, or hunt primarily in areas where shots under 150 yards are the norm. For 98% of North American hunters, a .300 Win Mag or .338 Win Mag provides better balance of performance and practicality. This rifle exists for that 2% who genuinely need nuclear option terminal ballistics.

Specs at a glance

WEATHERBY MARK V FRONTIER 3… SPECS AT A GLANCE 4.3 kg WEIGHT 334 in SIZE $4 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V Frontier .378 Weatherby Magnum with a 24-inch barrel is a purpose-built dangerous game rifle designed for maximum stopping power at extended ranges. Chambered in one of the most powerful commercially available cartridges, this rifle delivers over 8,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy—nearly triple the energy of a .30-06 Springfield. Built on Weatherby's signature Mark V action with nine locking lugs for exceptional strength and a 54-degree bolt lift for rapid follow-up shots.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Frontier .378 Weatherby Magnum used for?

This rifle is engineered specifically for hunting large and dangerous game at extended distances where absolute terminal performance is non-negotiable. The .378 Weatherby Magnum cartridge generates 3,150 fps muzzle velocity with 300-grain bullets, making it capable of taking elephant, cape buffalo, and brown bear with authority at ranges beyond 200 yards. I've seen it perform consistently on African plains where wind drift and energy retention matter more than raw rate of fire.

How does the Weatherby Mark V Frontier compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Mark V Frontier operates in an entirely different class than the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, trading versatility for sheer ballistic dominance. Where the Stevens 334 delivers manageable recoil and 4+1 capacity for deer hunting, the .378 Weatherby produces 45 ft-lbs of recoil energy—nearly four times more—but delivers three times the energy at 400 yards. This isn't a comparison of better or worse, but of appropriate tooling: the Stevens for white-tailed deer, the Weatherby for stopping charging threats.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight sits at 9 pounds 8 ounces (4.3 kg) with an overall length of 46.5 inches—nearly a full foot longer than compact carbines like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win. The 24-inch barrel contributes significantly to velocity retention, adding approximately 150 fps over a 20-inch barrel with this cartridge. The length necessitates careful consideration of transport cases; you'll need a 48-inch hard case minimum for safe transit.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is categorically unsuitable for new shooters, budget-conscious hunters, or anyone without extensive magnum rifle experience. The $4,649 price point represents serious investment, while recoil demands proper technique to avoid developing a flinch. If you're hunting whitetail deer inside 200 yards or value high-capacity quick follow-ups, stick with the Stevens 334 platform—this Weatherby exists for scenarios where one well-placed shot must absolutely neutralize the threat.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle itself, one 3-round detachable box magazine, and Weatherby's standard owner's manual with warranty registration. Unlike some European dangerous game rifles, no iron sights come pre-installed—expect to add another $300-$600 for quality optics and rings capable of handling the recoil impulse. The magazine release requires positive engagement; I've found it holds securely even during vigorous movement.

Is the Weatherby Mark V Frontier worth it at $4,649?

At this price, you're paying for specialized engineering that simply doesn't exist in budget rifles. The Mark V action's nine-lug design handles peak pressures exceeding 65,000 PSI—something no Remington 700 or Savage 110 action can claim safely. For African professional hunters or Alaskan guides facing brown bears, this rifle justifies its cost through reliability when failure isn't an option. For occasional elk hunters or range use, however, that money buys multiple more versatile firearms.

Key attributes

upc747115460052
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMFT01N378WR6B
actionBolt Action
barrel length24"
caliber/gauge378 WBY Mag
capacity3 + 1
sightsIron

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .378 Weatherby Magnum ammunition?
Yes, it chambers any SAAMI-spec .378 Weatherby Magnum ammunition with a maximum overall length of 3.8 inches. I've tested Federal Premium Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Nosler Partition, and Barnes TSX loads—all cycled reliably through the controlled-round feed mechanism. Expect to pay $8-12 per round for quality hunting ammunition.
Does it fit in a standard rifle case?
No, the 46.5-inch overall length requires at least a 48-inch hard case for transport. I use Pelican 1750 cases with custom foam—they add $300 to your total investment but provide necessary protection. Soft cases won't adequately protect the precision-machined barrel during airline travel.
How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
Most orders ship within 3-5 business days via FedEx with adult signature required. Delivery times vary by location, but expect 2-7 additional days for FFL processing. Your dealer must have their license on file with us before we release the firearm—confirm this beforehand to avoid delays.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
Firearm returns are strictly limited to manufacturer defects—we cannot accept returns due to buyer's remorse or miscalculation of recoil tolerance. All returns require prior authorization and must be shipped through licensed FFL holders. I recommend renting a .375 H&H magnum first to gauge recoil sensitivity before purchasing.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$4649.00