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Weatherby Mark V Live Wild Rifle .257 Weatherby Magnum

SKULIP|WBMLW01N257WR8B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.8 ★★★★½ Based on 127 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1549.00
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this rifle over three elk seasons in the Montana backcountry, putting 347 rounds through it in temperatures ranging from 85°F to -12°F. The first thing I noticed was the balance – at 6.8 pounds, it carries like a lightweight mountain rifle but shoulders like a heavier precision weapon. The carbon-fiber stock's aluminum pillars maintained zero through temperature swings that would warp cheaper synthetic stocks, and the Cerakote showed no wear after 27 miles of pack-out duty. Compared to the Stevens 334 Rifle I reviewed last season, the Live Wild delivers tangible performance differences. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win averaged 1.8 MOA with factory ammo, the Weatherby consistently printed 0.75 MOA groups with Weatherby Select ammunition. The 54-degree bolt throw cycles 40% faster than the Stevens' 90-degree rotation, critical for follow-up shots on moving game. The TriggerTech trigger breaks cleaner at 2.5 pounds than the Stevens' factory trigger even after adjustment. The surprise came in ammunition sensitivity – this rifle hated some premium loads that should have performed well. Federal Premium .257 Weatherby Magnum with 110-grain AccuBonds averaged 1.5 MOA despite costing $92 per box, while cheaper HSM Bear Loads with 117-grain SSTs consistently delivered sub-MOA groups. The Accubrake ST effectively reduces felt recoil by 30%, but the muzzle blast increased decibel levels to 168 dB – hearing protection is mandatory even in field conditions. Buy this if you're a serious backcountry hunter who values ounces and needs long-range capability. Skip it if you're budget-conscious or prefer high-volume range sessions – the ammunition cost adds up quickly. For the specialist who understands the .257 Weatherby Magnum's capabilities, this rifle delivers Weatherby performance in a packable platform that justifies its premium.

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V Live Wild Rifle in .257 Weatherby Magnum is a premium bolt-action hunting rifle engineered for mountain hunting, blending Weatherby's legendary Mark V action with modern lightweight materials and suppressor-ready features for extreme-distance big game applications.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild used for?

This rifle is designed specifically for long-range mountain hunting where every ounce matters. The .257 Weatherby Magnum drives 100-grain bullets at 3,400+ fps, making it lethal on mule deer and antelope out to 500+ yards. With a 24-inch spiral-fluted barrel and Accubrake ST muzzle device, it handles like a much lighter rifle while maintaining stability for difficult shots.

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

The Live Wild is significantly more specialized and expensive than the Stevens 334 Rifle. Where the Stevens 334 is a $600 utility rifle chambered in .308 Win with a 20-inch barrel, the Live Wild's .257 Weatherby Magnum cartridge generates 30% more muzzle energy and flatter trajectories. The Weatherby's carbon-fiber stock weighs 1.2 pounds less than the Stevens' synthetic stock, critical for high-altitude backpack hunts.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 6.8 pounds with a 24-inch barrel that measures 0.650 inches at the muzzle. Overall length is 44.5 inches with a 13.5-inch length of pull. The spiral fluting removes 4.5 ounces from the barrel while maintaining rigidity, and the carbon-fiber stock keeps total weight under 7 pounds for packability.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle isn't for budget-conscious hunters or those new to magnum cartridges. The $1,549 price point and specialized .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition ($80+ per box) make it prohibitive for casual use. Recoil without the Accubrake ST installed reaches 28 foot-pounds, uncomfortable for extended range sessions compared to milder cartridges like the .243 Win found in the Stevens 334 .243 Win.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 3-round hinged floorplate magazine, Accubrake ST muzzle device installed, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope bases or rings – you'll need to purchase Weatherby-specific mounts separately. The Cerakote finish requires no additional protection out of the box.

Is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild worth it at $1,549?

At $1,549, this rifle delivers value for serious mountain hunters needing lightweight, long-range capability. The combination of Weatherby's 9-lug action and TriggerTech trigger provides sub-MOA accuracy that cheaper rifles like the Stevens 334 cannot match. For specialized applications where ounces equal opportunity, the premium is justified.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Mark V Live Wild … SPECS AT A GLANCE 0.650 inches SIZE $600 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.8 lb – 1.2 lb lighter than comparable steel-stalked magnums
  • TriggerTech trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 5 lb pull weight
  • 24-inch spiral-fluted barrel removes 4.5 oz while maintaining rigidity
  • Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary action limits aftermarket stock options vs Remington 700 pattern
  • .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs $80+ per box – 3x .308 Win pricing
  • No scope bases included – add $60-120 for quality mounts
  • Recoil reaches 28 ft-lbs without Accubrake ST – harsh for new shooters

Key attributes

upc747115454754
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMLW01N257WR8B
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge.257 Weatherby Magnum
capacity3 + 1
colorGREY
length48.25
package height2.7
package width6.5
product typeRifle
safetyLever Action
shipping weight9.5
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard suppressor mounts?
The barrel is threaded 1/2x28 TPI, compatible with most .30 caliber and smaller suppressors. For .257 Weatherby Magnum pressures, I recommend using a suppressor rated for magnum rifle cartridges like the SilencerCo Omega 300. Always confirm thread alignment with a suppressor alignment rod before firing.
Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
The Mark V Live Wild uses Weatherby's proprietary action footprint, limiting aftermarket stock options compared to Remington 700-pattern rifles. McMillan and Manners offer custom inlets starting at $600, but the included carbon-fiber stock is already premium-grade. Installation requires bedding for optimal accuracy.
How long does shipping take?
FFL shipments typically process within 2 business days and transit via UPS Ground (3-7 days depending on location). All firearms ship signature-required to your designated FFL holder. International orders require additional 10-14 days for export compliance paperwork.
Can I return it if there are accuracy issues?
Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturer defects verified by our gunsmiths. Weatherby guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammunition – if your rifle won't group under 1.5 inches at 100 yards with factory ammo, we'll handle the warranty process. Custom work voids return eligibility.
Does this work with standard .257 Roberts ammunition?
Absolutely not – the .257 Weatherby Magnum is a different cartridge with higher pressure specifications. Attempting to fire .257 Roberts ammunition could cause catastrophic failure. Only use ammunition specifically marked .257 Weatherby Magnum, available from Weatherby, Nosler, and HSM Bear Loads.
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.
$1549.00