Weatherby Mark V Live Wild 30-06 Springfield Rifle
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V Live Wild 30-06 Springfield is a 5.8-pound, special-edition bolt-action rifle built for hunters who prioritize weight savings and shootability over static benchrest precision. Developed in collaboration with professional outfitter Remi Warren, this package centers on Weatherby's nine-lug Mark V action, but cuts weight aggressively with a spiral-fluted barrel, polymer/carbon-fiber stock, and a TriggerTech trigger tuned from the factory. The result is a rifle for a specific user: someone who will cover 15 miles of elevation in a day and wants their primary rifle to handle like a mountain bike, not a tractor.
What is the Weatherby Mark V Live Wild used for?
The Mark V Live Wild is engineered for backcountry spot-and-stalk and mountain hunting where unsupported carries over rough terrain are the norm. I'd deploy it for elk in the Absarokas or sheep in Alaska's Brooks Range, where every ounce matters and shots are typically under 400 yards. The radial Accubrake ST muzzle device isn't for suppressed shooting—it's to manage recoil of a .30-06 in a 5.8-lb platform, allowing faster follow-up shots when you're shooting off a pack or kneeling. This isn't a varmint rifle; it's a purpose-built tool for putting large game down at ethical hunting distances while you're exhausted at 9,000 feet.
How does the Mark V Live Wild compare to the Stevens 334?
The Mark V Live Wild is a premium lightweight specialist, while the Stevens 334 is a durable, no-frills workhorse at roughly half the price. Comparing the Mark V Live Wild in .30-06 to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win is instructive: the Stevens is heavier at about 6.5 pounds unloaded, uses a simpler two-lug action, and has a basic polymer stock without carbon-fiber reinforcement. Where the Stevens 334 wins is sheer durability and lower cost for a truck gun or a ranch rifle you don't mind scratching. The Mark V Live Wild is objectively better at being light and fast-handling, but you pay a substantial premium for that performance envelope.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 5.80 lbs (92.8 oz) without optics, with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a 22-inch, spiral-fluted barrel threaded 5/8"-24. That weight is a critical figure—it's over half a pound lighter than many competing "lightweight" hunting rifles in .30-06, like the Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro. The compact dimensions—coupled with the 13.5-inch length of pull on the stock—make it maneuverable in thick timber or when pulling it from a scabbard. Remember, adding a 1.5-pound scope and rings will push the total carry weight over 7.3 pounds, so factor that into your kit planning.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for a shooter who plans to fire 100 rounds in a single range session or who demands sub-MOA accuracy from a lead-sled rest. The ultra-lightweight profile transmits more felt recoil, and the thin, fluted barrel will heat up and shift point of impact faster than a heavy-contour target barrel. If your primary use is benchrest shooting, deer hunting from a permanent stand, or you're sensitive to recoil, look at a heavier rifle like the Bergara B-14 HMR. Also, if you require a detachable magazine for quick unloading in certain jurisdictions, note this uses a traditional hinged floorplate with a 4+1 capacity.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle, one flush-fit 4-round polymer magazine, the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle device torqued to 25 ft-lbs, and the owner's manual with warranty card. Weatherby does not include a hard case for this model—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts. You must supply your own optics, rings, bases, and ammunition. For context, some competitors in this price range, like the Stevens 555 Sporting shotgun, include simple choke tubes, which this rifle-centric package does not.
Is the Mark V Live Wild worth it at $1549?
At $1549, the Mark V Live Wild justifies its cost if your hunting style absolutely depends on minimizing carried weight and you value the curated package of premium components. You're paying for the lightweight Mark V action, the excellent TriggerTech trigger (adjustable from 2.5 to 4 lbs), the fluted and threaded barrel, and the specialized stock. If you attempted to build a comparable custom rifle starting with a Mark V action, you'd exceed this price just in gunsmithing labor. However, if you're a casual hunter who hikes two miles to a stand, the law of diminishing returns applies strongly, and a $700 rifle will perform the same core function.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.80 lbs (92.8 oz) — a full 10 oz lighter than a comparable Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro.
- Includes a premium TriggerTech trigger adjustable from 2.5 to 4 lbs pull weight.
- 22-inch barrel is spiral-fluted and threaded 5/8"-24 for direct suppressor mounting.
- Carbon-fiber reinforced stock reduces weight while maintaining rigidity in the forend.
Trade-offs
- No hard case included — transport requires a separate purchase of a $100-$300 rifle case.
- Radial brake increases perceived muzzle blast and noise, unsuitable for enclosed ranges.
- Ultra-light design increases felt recoil with full-power .30-06 loads compared to a 7.5-lb rifle.
- Fixed 4+1 magazine capacity cannot be increased for jurisdictions allowing larger magazines.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454815 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MLW01N306SR6B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | .30-06 Springfield |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 6.5 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 7.55 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
- Yes, the 22-inch barrel has a 5/8"-24 thread pitch, which is the standard for .30-caliber centerfire rifles and compatible with many suppressors like the SilencerCo Harvester or Dead Air Sandman-S. However, you must first remove the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle device, which is torqued to 25 ft-lbs and may require a proper vise and action wrench to avoid damaging the barrel.
- Does this rifle come with a scope mount?
- No, the receiver is drilled and tapped for standard #8-40 scope base screws with a Weatherby Mark V-specific footprint (a 0.860" front ring spacing and a 4.410" rear ring spacing). You must purchase and install separate bases and rings. I recommend using a one-piece Picatinny rail from a manufacturer like EGW or Seekins Precision, torqued to 18 in-lbs with blue Loctite 242.
- Can I use .30-06 Springfield +P ammunition in this rifle?
- The Mark V action is over-engineered and can safely handle all SAAMI-spec .30-06 Springfield ammunition, including +P loads. That said, firing heavy +P loads (like 220-grain bullets at 2,700 fps) in a 5.8-lb rifle will produce punishing recoil. For this lightweight platform, I recommend sticking to standard-pressure 150-grain or 180-grain hunting loads for a balance of terminal performance and shooter comfort.
- What is the shipping and FFL transfer process?
- We ship via FedEx with adult signature required within 2 business days of cleared payment. The rifle must be shipped to a licensed FFL holder of your choice for the mandatory background check. The transfer fee is set by your local FFL and is typically $25-$50. Once shipped, you will receive a tracking number, and the average transit time is 3-5 business days within the continental U.S.