Weatherby Mark V APEX 7mm PRC Bolt Action Rifle
About this product
The Weatherby Mark V APEX is a 7mm PRC bolt-action hunting rifle engineered with a carbon-fiber stock and fluted, Cerakote-finished barrel to balance precision with a 7.5-pound field weight. It uses the proven Mark V action, which has been drilled and tapped for optics, and comes equipped with performance parts like a TriggerTech trigger and Accubrake ST muzzle brake. This configuration prioritizes long-range accuracy in a package designed for extended carries in variable terrain.
What is the Weatherby Mark V APEX 7mm PRC used for?
This rifle is built for long-range hunting of medium to large game, specifically where shots may exceed 300 yards. The 7mm PRC cartridge delivers flat trajectories and retained energy at distance, while the rifle's 7.5-pound weight and carbon-fiber stock make it suitable for mountainous or backcountry stalks. It is not a benchrest target rifle, but a field instrument where first-round precision under variable conditions is the requirement.
How does the Weatherby Mark V APEX compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?
The Weatherby APEX is a more purpose-built, premium offering than the utilitarian Stevens 334 Rifle. The APEX is approximately 1.2 pounds lighter at 7.5 lbs versus the Stevens’s typical 8.7 lbs, features a carbon-fiber stock versus synthetic, and includes a premium aftermarket trigger and muzzle brake. The Stevens 334 is better for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable, no-frills rifle, while the APEX justifies its higher cost with specialized materials and components aimed at the serious hunter.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.5 lbs (120 oz) and an overall length of approximately 46.5 inches with its 26-inch barrel. The carbon-fiber stock contributes significantly to this weight savings, with wall thicknesses in the critical areas often under 0.1 inches. This dimensional footprint, coupled with the weight, puts it in a distinct class compared to many wood-stocked or heavy-barreled alternatives that can easily exceed 9 pounds.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle is not for the new shooter or someone seeking a low-cost, high-volume plinking firearm. The 7mm PRC ammunition is specialized and more expensive than common calibers like .308 Winchester, and the rifle's design prioritizes first-shot cold-bore accuracy over rapid fire. It's also a poor choice for dense brush hunting where shots are under 100 yards, as the cartridge’s performance and rifle’s length are overkill; a compact shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga would be more appropriate.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete rifle with the Peak 44 Bastion carbon-fiber stock installed, one 3-round internal magazine with hinged floorplate, and the factory-installed Accubrake ST muzzle brake. The package does not include optics, rings, a sling, or a case. Weatherby typically includes basic owner's documentation, but you should budget an additional $1500-2500 for a suitable long-range optic and mounting system to realize this rifle's potential.
Is the Weatherby Mark V APEX worth it at $2599?
At $2599, it is a justifiable investment for the hunter who specifically needs its combination of long-range cartridge, lightweight construction, and out-of-the-box performance components. The cost accounts for the carbon-fiber stock ($800-1000 value if purchased separately), the TriggerTech trigger ($200+), and the muzzle brake ($100+), all integrated onto a premium action. For shooters who do not require this specific blend of attributes, a $1200 rifle in .30-06 will harvest game just as effectively at common hunting distances.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.5 lbs — over a pound lighter than many comparable steel-and-walnut hunting rifles.
- Includes a TriggerTech trigger with a clean, crisp break typically adjustable down to ~2.5 lbs.
- 26-inch fluted barrel with 1:8" twist optimizes velocity and stabilization for long 7mm bullets.
- Carbon-fiber stock reduces weight and provides a rigid, stable bedding platform for the action.
Trade-offs
- Fixed 3-round magazine — slower to reload than a detachable box magazine system.
- No factory suppressor threading — requires aftermarket machining for can use.
- 7mm PRC ammo costs ~$4-6 per round — significantly more than .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor for practice.
- Premium price point at $2599 — nearly double the cost of a base-model rifle in a similar caliber.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 747115454105 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | MAX01N7MMPR8B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 7MM PRC |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| color | MULTI-COLOR |
| length | 48.25 |
| package height | 2.75 |
| package width | 6.0 |
| product type | Rifle |
| shipping weight | 9.0 |
| sights | No Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for a scope mount?
- Yes. The Mark V action comes factory-drilled and tapped with a standard #8-40 thread pattern for Remington 700-style scope bases. This allows direct mounting of most popular long-range optic bases from manufacturers like Nightforce, Leupold, or Seekins Precision without requiring gunsmithing.
- Does this rifle have a detachable magazine?
- No. It uses a fixed, internal 3-round magazine with a hinged floorplate for unloading. This is a deliberate design choice for hunting reliability, eliminating the potential for a magazine to be dropped or lost in the field, a common point of failure with some detachable systems.
- Is the rifle threaded for a suppressor?
- No, it is not. The barrel is fitted with the proprietary Accubrake ST muzzle brake, which is not designed as a suppressor mount. Adding suppressor threading would require a competent gunsmith to cut and thread the 26-inch barrel, a job costing approximately $250-400, and would permanently alter the muzzle device.
- What is the barrel twist rate?
- The barrel has a 1:8-inch twist rate. This is an optimal twist for stabilizing the long, heavy-for-caliber 7mm bullets (like the 180-grain ELD-M or 175-grain ELD-X) that the 7mm PRC cartridge is designed to fire, ensuring consistent accuracy at extended ranges.