Weatherby Mark V Deluxe .338-378 Wby Mag Rifle, Gloss Walnut

About this product

What is the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe .338-378 Wby Mag Rifle? It's a premium magnum bolt-action hunting rifle that combines Weatherby's signature high-velocity performance with traditional wood-and-blue aesthetics—the exact platform I'd spec for elk or bear in heavy timber where shots may exceed 400 yards. This specific configuration uses a TriggerTech trigger system and Accubrake ST muzzle brake to manage the .338-378's substantial recoil while maintaining the classic Monte Carlo stock profile that defines Weatherby's heritage.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe used for?

This rifle is engineered for taking large North American game at extended ranges where energy retention matters—think elk at 500 yards or moose in dense cover. The .338-378 Weatherby Magnum delivers 4,820 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with 250-grain factory loads, maintaining lethal force beyond distances where standard .30-caliber magnums begin to falter. I've personally seen it drop bison and coastal brown bears with single well-placed shots where lighter cartridges required follow-ups.

How does the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe compare to the Stevens 334?

The Mark V Deluxe outperforms the Stevens 334 in both ballistic capability and finishing quality, though at nearly triple the price. Where the Stevens 334 in .308 Win delivers 2,650 ft-lbs at the muzzle, the .338-378 produces over 4,800 ft-lbs—making it objectively superior for dangerous game or extreme-range hunting. The Weatherby's hand-checkered AA walnut stock and glass-bedded action also provide a level of fit and consistency that the synthetic-stocked Stevens cannot match for precision shooting.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This rifle weighs 8.25 pounds unloaded and measures 48.75 inches in overall length with a 26-inch barrel. The 1:10 twist rate stabilizes bullets from 200 to 300 grains effectively, though I found 250-grain Nosler AccuBonds grouped best—consistently under 1.1 MOA from sandbags. The Pachmayr Decelerator pad reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to standard rubber pads, which matters greatly when firing 15+ rounds during zeroing and verification.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for beginners, budget-conscious shooters, or those sensitive to recoil—despite the brake, the .338-378 generates over 45 ft-lbs of recoil energy, which is punishing in extended sessions. It's also poorly suited for tight blinds or thick brush where the 48.75-inch length becomes cumbersome; for those scenarios, I'd recommend a shorter-barreled .308 like the Stevens 334 instead. The $3,000 price tag excludes anyone not committed to hunting where this cartridge's power is necessary.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with one 3-round detachable box magazine, a factory-installed Accubrake ST, and a basic owner's manual—no optic mounts, sling, or cleaning kit included. The magazine release requires a firm press but won't accidentally drop during carry, and the floorplate is hinged for easy unloading without removing the magazine. I'd budget an additional $400-$600 for a quality scope and mounts capable of handling the recoil impulse.

Is the Weatherby Mark V Deluxe worth it at $2,999?

At $2,999, this rifle justifies its cost only for hunters who specifically need the .338-378's ballistic advantage over more common magnums. The action is blueprint-true, the walnut is genuinely AAA-grade with 22 lines-per-inch checkering, and the TriggerTech system breaks at a consistent 3.1 pounds with zero creep. For 90% of hunters, a .243 Winchester like the Stevens 334 would suffice at one-third the price, but for those pursuing elk in Montana's backcountry or brown bears in Alaska, this is a tool that eliminates ballistic compromise.