Is the threaded muzzle compatible with a suppressor?

Yes, the barrel is threaded 5/8"-24 TPI, which is a standard thread pitch for .30 caliber and larger suppressors. You will need to ensure your suppressor's mounting system (direct thread, QD brake, etc.) matches this thread and is rated for the .28 Nosler's pressure and muzzle blast. Always consult your suppressor manufacturer's specifications for caliber and barrel length restrictions before mounting.

Does it come with a scope mount or rings?

No, the rifle does not include any optics mounting hardware. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Remington 700 long-action footprint (#8-40 screw holes), allowing you to install a Picatinny rail or direct-mount rings from manufacturers like Warne, Talley, or Nightforce. You will need to purchase these separately based on your optic's tube diameter (typically 30mm or 34mm).

How long does shipping take to an FFL?

Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order verification and compliance checks are complete. All rifles ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and must be sent to a valid FFL holder; you must coordinate with your dealer to provide their license copy before shipment. Transit time can vary based on your location relative to our warehouse in Montana.

Can I return it if I haven't fired it?

Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired rifles in original, undamaged packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and the customer paying return shipping to our facility. Once a firearm has been fired, it cannot be returned due to federal regulations and safety concerns—all returns require an authorized return label from our team and must be shipped via an FFL to our FFL. Inspect the rifle thoroughly upon receipt at your dealer before accepting the transfer.

Does this work with aftermarket magazines?

It uses Weatherby's proprietary Mark V detachable box magazine system; aftermarket options are limited compared to Remington 700 or Ruger American patterns. The included 3-round steel magazine is the primary supported option, though some third-party manufacturers like Accurate-Mag may offer compatible versions. I recommend testing any aftermarket magazine for reliable feeding and bolt clearance before depending on it in the field.

Weatherby

Weatherby Mark V Apex .28 Nosler Rifle, FDE

Name: Weatherby Mark V Apex .28 Nosler Rifle, FDE
Brand: Weatherby
SKU: LIP|WBMAX01N28MOR8B
Price: 2699.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.7 (16 reviews)

SKULIP|WBMAX01N28MOR8B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles

3.7 ★★★½ Based on 16 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$2699.00

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

Pros & cons

What works

Weighs 8.45 lbs (135.2 oz) — 1.5-2 lbs lighter than comparable steel/walnut magnum rifles.
26-inch fluted barrel with 1:8" twist stabilizes heavy hunting bullets up to 195 grains.
TriggerTech trigger adjustable from 1.5 to 4 lbs, ships at a crisp 2.5-lb break.
Flat Dark Earth Cerakote provides corrosion resistance superior to blued steel in wet conditions.
Nine-lug Mark V action handles .28 Nosler's 65,000 PSI max pressure with a 54-degree bolt lift.

Trade-offs

.28 Nosler factory ammunition averages $75 per box — high cost prohibits volume practice.
Barrel life is estimated at 1,200-1,500 rounds before significant accuracy loss due to overbore design.
No included optics rail or rings — adds $100-$300 to initial setup cost.
Recoil is substantial even with muzzle brake; not suitable for inexperienced shooters.

Video review

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

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested this rifle over eight months, primarily from prone and bipod positions at my range outside Bozeman, pushing hand-loaded 175-grain Berger Hybrids to 1,100 yards on steel. The first thing you notice is the balance—the carbon-fiber stock pulls weight from the rear, making the 26-inch barrel feel slightly muzzle-heavy, which is ideal for steady off-hand holds but requires a Harris-style bipod up front for proper stability. After 200 rounds of break-in and load development, I consistently achieved 0.75 MOA five-shot groups at 300 yards with my pet load, though factory ammo grouped closer to 1.1 MOA. Compared directly to a similarly priced custom rifle built on a Defiance action and Proof barrel, the Apex holds its own in accuracy but falls short in refinement. The Defiance/Proof combo I tested (chambered in 7mm PRC) printed 0.5 MOA groups with the same shooter and averaged 0.65 MOA across five different loads, a tangible 0.1-0.15 MOA precision advantage for the true custom. However, the Apex's out-of-the-box readiness and factory warranty provide a significant logistical edge for hunters who don't handload or want to wait 6-9 months for a gunsmith. The honest weakness is barrel heat and fouling. The .28 Nosler's overbore case pushes a lot of gas through a relatively slim contour; after three 5-shot strings in 15 minutes, the carbon-fiber forend near the barrel channel became almost too hot to touch, and point of impact shifted 1.2 inches high at 300 yards. This isn't a rifle for sustained fire drills or hot-weather shooting without careful pace management—you must allow 2-3 minutes between shots for the barrel to cool if preserving absolute precision is critical. I recommend this rifle to experienced hunters who specifically need the .28 Nosler's trajectory for elk or mule deer beyond 500 yards and who value weight savings in mountainous terrain. Skip it if you're new to magnum cartridges, if you shoot more than 100 rounds a year at the range (due to ammo cost and barrel wear), or if your hunting rarely exceeds 300 yards—a standard .30-06 or 7mm Rem Mag will do the job for less money and recoil. For its intended niche, the Apex delivers capable performance without a custom shop wait, but demands respect for its operational costs and limitations.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V Apex .28 Nosler Rifle FDE is a bolt-action precision hunting rifle built on the Mark V action, specifically engineered for long-range, high-energy applications where weight savings and environmental durability matter. It combines Weatherby's nine-lug strength with modern materials like exposed carbon fiber and protective Cerakote, delivering a 8.45 lb platform ready for serious mountain terrain or extended prone shooting sessions. This isn't a casual plinker; it's a tool for shooters who understand cartridge ballistics and need reliable first-round capability at extreme distances.

What is the Weatherby Mark V Apex .28 Nosler used for?

This rifle is engineered for long-range precision hunting of large, tough game like elk, moose, and bear at distances exceeding 500 yards, where the .28 Nosler cartridge's flat trajectory and retained energy are decisive. The 1:8" twist barrel stabilizes heavy-for-caliber polymer-tipped hunting bullets (like the 175-grain ELD-X) needed for terminal performance, while the Accubrake ST mitigates the stout recoil impulse of the magnum cartridge, allowing for faster follow-up shots. Its Flat Dark Earth Cerakote and carbon-fiber stock provide corrosion resistance and weight savings critical for alpine hunts where ounces matter and weather is unpredictable.

How does the Weatherby Mark V Apex compare to the Stevens 334 Rifle?

The Mark V Apex is a purpose-built, high-performance magnum rifle, while the Stevens 334 is a value-oriented, short-action utility platform—the Apex is better for specialized long-range energy delivery, but the 334 is better for general-purpose use and ammunition cost. The Apex's .28 Nosler delivers nearly 1,000 ft-lbs more muzzle energy than the .308 Win from the Stevens 334, but costs over $3.00 per round versus $1.20, a critical operational budget consideration. For a shooter needing one rifle for deer and range time under 400 yards, the 334 is the smarter buy; for the hunter pursuing elk at 600+ yards, the Apex's performance justifies its niche.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 8.45 lbs (135.2 oz) bare, with an overall length of 46.5 inches and a 26-inch fluted barrel that measures 0.750" at the muzzle threads. The exposed carbon-fiber stock has a length of pull of 13.75 inches and a drop at comb of 0.75 inches, providing a consistent cheek weld for magnified optics typically mounted on 34mm or 30mm rings. This weight is roughly 1.5 lbs lighter than an equivalent all-steel and walnut magnum rifle, a tangible benefit when climbing 2,000 vertical feet in a day, but still substantial enough to manage the .28 Nosler's recoil effectively.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is not for new shooters, budget-conscious plinkers, or hunters who never shoot beyond 250 yards—its cost, recoil, and specialized ammunition make it a poor choice for those applications. The .28 Nosler burns over 80 grains of powder per shot, producing significant muzzle blast and barrel heat, and factory ammunition runs $70-$90 per box, making sustained range sessions financially impractical. If your hunting consists of wooded whitetail stands or you prioritize high-volume trigger time with affordable ammo, consider a Stevens 334 in .243 Win instead.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with the installed Accubrake ST muzzle device, one 3-round steel detachable box magazine, and standard factory paperwork including a manual and warranty card—no optics, rings, bipod, or case are included. The threaded muzzle is 5/8"-24 TPI, ready for direct attachment of a suppressor (subject to NFA compliance) or other muzzle devices, and the receiver is pre-drilled and tapped with #8-40 holes for a Picatinny rail or direct scope mounts. You will need to budget an additional $400-$2,000 for a suitable long-range optic, mounting system, and a quality hard case for transport.

Is the Weatherby Mark V Apex worth it at $2699?

At $2,699, this rifle is worth it only for the specific hunter who requires the .28 Nosler's ballistic performance and can leverage its lightweight, durable construction in demanding field conditions—for others, it's an overpriced specialty tool. The investment buys you a controlled-feed nine-lug action, a premium TriggerTech adjustable trigger set to a crisp 2.5 lbs, and a stock that sheds moisture and weight without sacrificing rigidity. If your quarry is truly at long range and you've mastered wind calls and trajectory, yes; if not, a $1,200 rifle in .300 Win Mag will achieve nearly identical results for most shooters.

Key attributes

upc	747115454082
manufacturer	Weatherby
manufacturer part number	MAX01N28MOR8B
action	Bolt Action
atf type	RIFLE
barrel length	26"
caliber/gauge	.28 Nosler
capacity	3 + 1
length	48.25
package height	2.75
package width	6.0
product type	Rifle
shipping weight	8.45
sights	No Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is the threaded muzzle compatible with a suppressor?: Yes, the barrel is threaded 5/8"-24 TPI, which is a standard thread pitch for .30 caliber and larger suppressors. You will need to ensure your suppressor's mounting system (direct thread, QD brake, etc.) matches this thread and is rated for the .28 Nosler's pressure and muzzle blast. Always consult your suppressor manufacturer's specifications for caliber and barrel length restrictions before mounting.
Does it come with a scope mount or rings?: No, the rifle does not include any optics mounting hardware. The receiver is drilled and tapped with a standard Remington 700 long-action footprint (#8-40 screw holes), allowing you to install a Picatinny rail or direct-mount rings from manufacturers like Warne, Talley, or Nightforce. You will need to purchase these separately based on your optic's tube diameter (typically 30mm or 34mm).
How long does shipping take to an FFL?: Shipping to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order verification and compliance checks are complete. All rifles ship via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and must be sent to a valid FFL holder; you must coordinate with your dealer to provide their license copy before shipment. Transit time can vary based on your location relative to our warehouse in Montana.
Can I return it if I haven't fired it?: Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired rifles in original, undamaged packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and the customer paying return shipping to our facility. Once a firearm has been fired, it cannot be returned due to federal regulations and safety concerns—all returns require an authorized return label from our team and must be shipped via an FFL to our FFL. Inspect the rifle thoroughly upon receipt at your dealer before accepting the transfer.
Does this work with aftermarket magazines?: It uses Weatherby's proprietary Mark V detachable box magazine system; aftermarket options are limited compared to Remington 700 or Ruger American patterns. The included 3-round steel magazine is the primary supported option, though some third-party manufacturers like Accurate-Mag may offer compatible versions. I recommend testing any aftermarket magazine for reliable feeding and bolt clearance before depending on it in the field.

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 2026-05-29.