Weatherby 307 Alpine ST .280 AI 24-inch Bolt Action Rifle
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.3 pounds — 2.1 pounds lighter than comparable steel-barreled hunting rifles
- TriggerTech trigger breaks at 2.5 pounds with zero creep or overtravel
- 24-inch barrel maintains 2,950 fps with 160-grain bullets — 300 fps faster than .308 Winchester
- Carbon fiber stock reduces weight by 1.2 pounds versus traditional synthetic stocks
Trade-offs
- .280 AI ammunition costs $65-85 per box — nearly double .308 Winchester pricing
- No included scope mounts — requires $150-300 additional investment for proper optics setup
- Limited aftermarket stock options due to proprietary Peak 44 Bastion bedding system
- 5/8x24 threads limit suppressor options compared to more common 1/2x28 patterns
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Weatherby 307 Alpine ST .280 AI 24-inch Bolt Action Rifle is a precision mountain hunting rifle built on Weatherby's modern Model 307 action and chambered in the high-performance .280 Ackley Improved cartridge. This 6.3-pound rifle combines a spiral-fluted 24-inch barrel with a carbon fiber Peak 44 Bastion stock and TriggerTech trigger system. Designed for serious hunters who demand lightweight accuracy at extended ranges, it features Weatherby's Accubrake DST muzzle device for controllable recoil management.
What is the Weatherby 307 Alpine ST used for?
This rifle excels at long-range mountain hunting where weight and accuracy are critical. The 24-inch barrel length provides optimal velocity for the .280 AI cartridge, making it ideal for elk, mule deer, and similar Western big game. At 6.3 pounds, it handles beautifully in steep terrain where every ounce matters.
How does the Weatherby 307 Alpine ST compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?
The Alpine ST outperforms the Stevens 334 in both ballistic performance and build quality. While the Stevens 334 Rifle offers basic .308 Winchester functionality at a lower price point, the Weatherby's .280 AI chambering delivers approximately 300 fps more velocity with comparable bullet weights. The carbon fiber stock and premium TriggerTech trigger provide a 2.5-pound crisp break versus the Stevens' 4-pound factory trigger.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The rifle weighs 6.3 pounds (2.86 kg) with an overall length of 44.5 inches. The 24-inch barrel features 5R rifling with a 1:8 twist rate optimized for heavy hunting bullets. The carbon fiber stock maintains rigidity while reducing weight by approximately 1.2 pounds compared to traditional synthetic stocks.
Who is this NOT for?
This rifle isn't suitable for budget-conscious buyers or those wanting a general-purpose deer rifle. The $1,899 price tag and specialized .280 AI chambering make it overkill for whitetail hunting at typical Eastern ranges. New reloaders should avoid this platform due to the proprietary Ackley Improved cartridge requiring specific reloading techniques and dies.
What's in the box?
The rifle ships with one 4-round detachable magazine, factory test target, and owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, it does not include scope mounting hardware or a hard case—expect to budget an additional $150-300 for proper mounting solutions. The threaded barrel comes with a protective cap but no thread protector for suppressor use.
Is the Weatherby 307 Alpine ST worth it at $1,899?
At $1,899, this rifle delivers exceptional value for serious mountain hunters needing long-range capability. The combination of premium components justifies the price when compared to custom builds costing $3,000+. For hunters who prioritize lightweight precision above all else, this represents one of the best production rifle values available, similar to the specialized performance seen in our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U shotgun line.
Key attributes
| upc | 747115460441 |
| manufacturer | Weatherby |
| manufacturer part number | 3WAST280AR4B |
| action | Bolt Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | .280 Ackley Improved |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 6.6 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Two-Position |
| shipping weight | 8.2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with AICS pattern magazines?
- Yes, the Model 307 action uses a modified AICS pattern magazine system. The included magazine holds 4 rounds of .280 AI, and aftermarket AICS magazines from manufacturers like MDT or Accurate-Mag will function with minor fitting in most cases.
- Does it work with standard .280 Remington ammunition?
- No, this rifle is chambered specifically for .280 Ackley Improved, which has a sharper shoulder angle than standard .280 Remington. Firing .280 Remington ammunition will cause improper headspacing and potential safety issues. Always use factory .280 AI loads or properly formed handloads.
- What thread pattern is on the barrel?
- The 24-inch barrel features a 5/8x24 thread pattern, which is industry standard for .30 caliber rifles. This accommodates most muzzle devices and suppressors designed for .308 diameter projectiles without requiring adapters.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx. All firearms ship within 24 hours of FFL verification, and tracking information is provided immediately upon shipment. Rural deliveries may add 1-2 additional days.