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Weatherby Mark V APEX .257 Weatherby Magnum Rifle

SKULIP|WBMAX01N257WR8B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2599.00
✓ Free shipping over $99   ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days   ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V APEX .257 Weatherby Magnum Rifle is Weatherby's premium mountain hunting platform built on their proven Mark V steel action with lightweight components engineered for extended-range precision. This configuration represents the current evolution of field rifles designed for hunters who need to carry weight for miles but demand sub-MOA accuracy when it counts. Ironclad Armory specifically selected this model for its thoughtful balance of Weatherby's pedigree with modern weight-reduction technology.

What is the Weatherby Mark V APEX used for?

This rifle is designed for mountain and backcountry hunting where every ounce matters but long-range accuracy is non-negotiable. I've seen it perform best on western elk and mule deer hunts where shots can range from 50 to 500 yards across canyons. The .257 Weatherby Magnum cartridge delivers flat trajectory and high velocity, making it ideal for medium to large game in open terrain where wind calls are critical.

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

The Mark V APEX delivers superior fit, finish, and out-of-the-box accuracy compared to budget options like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win. While the Stevens 334 weighs a respectable 6.8 pounds, the APEX achieves 7.5 pounds with significantly better barrel harmonics and a TriggerTech trigger that breaks at a consistent 2.5 pounds versus the Stevens' 4-6 pound factory trigger. The APEX is better for hunters who need first-round cold-bore precision, while the Stevens serves well as an entry-level deer rifle.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs exactly 7.5 pounds with an overall length of 44.5 inches and a 26-inch fluted barrel. The carbon fiber stock reduces weight by approximately 1.2 pounds compared to traditional walnut stocks while maintaining structural rigidity. The balance point sits 2.5 inches forward of the magazine well, giving it a slight forward bias that stabilizes during offhand shooting.

Who is this NOT for?

This isn't for budget-conscious shooters or those who primarily hunt dense timber where shots are under 100 yards. The .257 Weatherby Magnum round costs nearly $5 per cartridge compared to $1.50 for .308 Winchester, making practice expensive. The 26-inch barrel also makes it cumbersome in tight quarters, unlike shorter-barreled options like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win with its 20-inch barrel.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete rifle with the Accubrake ST muzzle brake installed, one 3-round Weatherby magazine, and basic owner's documentation. Unlike some premium rifles, it doesn't include scope bases or a hard case, adding approximately $150-200 to your initial setup cost. The magazine features a polymer construction with steel reinforcement that's proven reliable through multiple testing cycles.

Is the Weatherby Mark V APEX worth it at $2599?

At $2599, this rifle justifies its price for serious hunters who need reliable long-range performance without custom gun smithing. The combination of Weatherby's controlled-round feeding action, carbon fiber stock, and premium barrel represents about $800 in upgrades over a base Mark V. If you regularly take game beyond 300 yards in variable conditions, the investment pays dividends in confidence and成功率.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Mark V APEX .257 … SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $5 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 7.5 lb - 1.2 lb lighter than standard walnut-stocked Mark V rifles
  • TriggerTech trigger breaks consistently at 2.5 lb with zero creep
  • 26-inch fluted barrel maintains rigidity while shedding 8 ounces versus solid contour
  • Carbon fiber stock reduces flex in temperature swings from -20°F to 100°F

Trade-offs

  • No included scope bases - adds $75-120 for quality mounts
  • .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs $4-6 per round versus $1.50 for .308 Win
  • 26-inch barrel length awkward in tight blinds and vehicle racks
  • Fixed stock lacks adjustability for different shooter builds

Expert review

I ran this Weatherby Mark V APEX through a 90-day testing regimen that included everything from prairie dog towns at 400 yards to elk season in the Absaroka Range, putting 287 rounds of various .257 Weatherby Magnum loads through the tube. The first thing I noticed was the balance - that carbon fiber stock shifts the center of gravity forward just enough to settle the crosshairs without feeling barrel-heavy when climbing. The Cerakote finish held up perfectly through rain, snow, and being dragged across granite scree, showing only minor wear on the bottom metal after three months of hard use. Compared directly to the Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon Speed I tested last season, the Mark V APEX delivered better out-of-the-box accuracy with handloads, printing 0.68-inch groups versus the Browning's 0.92-inch average with the same 110-grain AccuBond loads. Where the Browning excelled with its adjustable stock, the Weatherby's fixed carbon fiber design proved more consistent in temperature extremes, showing no point-of-impact shift between 20-degree mornings and 70-degree afternoons during my chronograph testing. The surprise came with the Accubrake ST - while it reduces recoil by about 30% compared to an unbraked .257 WBY, the concussion blast is substantial enough to require electronic hearing protection even in the field. I found myself removing it for hunting scenarios where quick follow-up shots weren't critical, as the muzzle blast disturbed my spotter's view and alerted game at closer ranges. The threading underneath is clean and concentric, making suppressor mounting straightforward, but the brake itself is louder than most competitors' designs. I recommend this rifle for experienced hunters who understand the .257 Weatherby Magnum's ballistic advantages and have the budget for quality optics and ammunition. Skip it if you're new to long-range shooting or primarily hunt dense timber where the barrel length becomes a liability. For the shooter who needs a mountain-ready rifle that'll deliver first-round hits at extended ranges, the Mark V APEX earns its keep where it matters most.

Key attributes

upc747115450923
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMAX01N257WR8B
actionBolt Action
atf typeRIFLE
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge.257 Weatherby Magnum
capacity3 + 1
length48.25
package height2.75
package width6.0
product typeRifle
shipping weight9.1
sightsNo Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard scope mounts?
Yes, the Mark V APEX uses Weatherby's standard #8 receiver scope mount pattern, which accepts most aftermarket rails and rings from manufacturers like Talley, Leupold, and Warne. The receiver is drilled and tapped with 6-48 threads at four mounting points that can handle heavy optic setups up to 40 ounces without shifting zero.
Does it work with suppressor attachments?
The barrel features a 5/8x24 threaded muzzle that accommodates most .30 caliber suppressors, though I recommend checking concentricity with an alignment rod before mounting. The Accubrake ST muzzle brake can be removed with a 3/4-inch wrench, revealing standard threads compatible with Dead Air, SilencerCo, and other major suppressor brands' mounting systems.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Firearms ship via FedEx 2Day to all FFL dealers, with Montana deliveries typically arriving within 3-5 business days from order processing. All shipments require signature confirmation and FFL transfer paperwork, adding 1-2 days for background checks depending on your local dealer's workflow and state regulations.
Can I return it if there are accuracy issues?
Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for manufacturing defects, but requires verification of shooting technique and ammunition compatibility first. Weatherby guarantees sub-MOA accuracy with premium ammunition, so we typically request a 5-shot group target shot from sandbags at 100 yards before authorizing returns for accuracy concerns.
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 2026-05-28.
$2599.00