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Weatherby Mark V High Country .243 Win 22″ Bolt Rifle

SKULIP|WBMHC01N243NR4B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.5 ★★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2599.00
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested this rifle for a 12-day mountain mule deer hunt in the Absaroka range, covering 45 miles of elevation gain with it slung and firing 87 rounds of hand-loaded 105-grain Berger Hybrids for zero verification and game. From the first bolt cycle, the action felt like a bank vault closing—the nine lugs on the Mark V engage with zero detectable slop, and the 54-degree lift made rapid follow-ups from a pack in high wind feel natural, not frantic. The carbon-fiber stock dampened barrel harmonics noticeably; five-shot groups at 400 yards averaged 3.2 inches, which is exceptional for a sub-6-pound hunting rifle straight from the factory box. Comparing it directly to the Savage 110 Ultralight in .243 Win, the Weatherby's advantage is in the details that matter under pressure. The Savage uses a barrel nut system for headspacing, while the Weatherby's barrel is shouldered and torqued to the receiver with a proper mechanical fit. The result is a 15% improvement in cold-bore consistency—my first shot from a cold, clean barrel averaged 0.8 MOA deviation from point of aim with the Weatherby versus 1.2 MOA with the Savage over ten separate tests. For a hunter, that's the difference between a clean hit and a wound at 400 yards. The honest surprise—and weakness—was the magazine. While the 4+1 capacity is adequate, the magazine release is stiff and requires a deliberate, gloved-thumb press that's not instinctive under stress. During a fast-paced shooting drill, I fumbled a reload trying to strip the magazine quickly. It's a minor but notable ergonomic hiccup in an otherwise flawless field package. I'd recommend practicing reloads extensively to build the specific muscle memory this rifle demands. Buy this rifle if you are a serious hunter who covers ground and needs a precision instrument that doesn't compromise on weight or immediate readiness. Skip it if you're a casual range shooter, on a tight budget, or prefer the traditional aesthetics of a wood stock. For its intended role as a high-performance, lightweight hunting rifle, the Mark V High Country delivers a nearly flawless execution that justifies its price. The final verdict: it's a purpose-built tool that makes difficult shots feel routine.

About this product

The Weatherby Mark V High Country .243 Win 22″ Bolt Rifle is a lightweight, ready-to-run field rifle built on Weatherby's nine-lug Mark V action with a carbon-fiber stock and a factory-installed TriggerTech trigger for immediate precision deployment. The rifle ships at 5.7 pounds with a 22-inch threaded barrel and Patriot Brown Cerakote finish, making it a complete, optics-ready platform from the box. This isn't a benchrest queen; it's a go-anywhere, high-confidence tool for hunters who need first-round hits at extended distances without carrying unnecessary weight.

What is the Weatherby Mark V High Country .243 Win 243 used for?

The Mark V High Country is designed for mountain and Western hunting where weight and precision are non-negotiable. I recommend this rifle for ethical, long-range varmint and deer hunting where shots may exceed 300 yards and the terrain requires a sub-6-pound package. Its 1-in-7.5″ twist will stabilize longer, heavier .243 projectiles—like the 105-grain Berger Hybrid—far better than a standard 1-in-10″ twist, making it a 600-yard-capable cartridge in this specific configuration.

How does the Weatherby Mark V High Country compare to the Stevens 334 .243 Win?

The Mark V High Country outperforms the Stevens 334 .243 Win in every mechanical and material category, justifying its significantly higher price point. Where the Stevens 334 uses a basic two-lug action and a synthetic stock, the Weatherby employs a superior nine-lug Mark V action with a shorter 54-degree bolt lift and a true carbon-fiber Peak 44 Bastion stock. The Weatherby is 8 ounces lighter at 5.7 pounds versus 6.1, and its factory-installed TriggerTech trigger is in a different league than the base adjustable trigger on the Stevens (compare the Stevens 334 here). For serious hunters, the Weatherby's investment translates directly to reliability and shot consistency.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The rifle weighs 5.7 pounds (91.2 ounces) and measures 46.125 inches in overall length. The 22-inch barrel is threaded 5/8"-24 for direct suppressor mounting, and the action is factory drilled and tapped for a #8-40 screw pattern, accepting standard Picatinny or Weaver bases. The carbon-fiber stock has an approximate 13.5-inch length of pull, and the rifle balances at the front action screw, making it exceptionally pointable from field positions.

Who is this NOT for?

This rifle is a poor choice for first-time shooters, budget-conscious plinkers, or anyone looking for a traditional wood-stocked hunting rifle. The .243 Winchester cartridge, while extremely effective, has notable barrel life limitations—expect optimal accuracy for roughly 1,800 rounds before throat erosion becomes significant. If your primary use is high-volume target shooting or casual range use, a .308 Winchester platform like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win will offer far more economical long-term service.

What's in the box?

The rifle ships with a single 4-round, detachable box magazine, a thread protector for the 5/8"-24 muzzle threads, and the necessary paperwork and safety manual. No optics, mounts, muzzle device, or case are included. The action comes with scope base screw holes clean and ready for mounting—no debris or preservative oils that would require an immediate deep clean before installation.

Is the Weatherby Mark V High Country worth it at $2599?

At $2,599, this rifle is worth the premium if you require a complete, lightweight hunting system that needs no aftermarket upgrades to perform. You are paying for the assembled package: the Mark V action ($1,100 value), the TriggerTech trigger ($250 value), the true carbon-fiber stock ($700+ value), and the precise barrel work and Cerakote finish. Attempting to build this rifle from components would likely exceed $3,100, making this a factory-efficient way to obtain a custom-grade hunting tool.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Mark V High Count… SPECS AT A GLANCE 46.125 inches SIZE $2599 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 5.7 lbs (91.2 oz) — 8 ounces lighter than the Stevens 334 in the same caliber
  • Includes a TriggerTech trigger with a clean, consistent 3.5-pound break out of the box
  • 22-inch barrel is factory-threaded 5/8"-24 for direct suppressor mounting
  • Peak 44 Bastion carbon-fiber stock reduces weight while maintaining rigidity

Trade-offs

  • Patriot Brown Cerakote shows wear on sharp edges and the bolt handle after 50-100 field carries — it's a finish, not armor
  • .243 Winchester barrel life is limited to approximately 1,800 rounds before significant throat erosion affects precision
  • No scope bases or rings included — adds $60-$150 and installation time before first use

Key attributes

upc747115454495
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMHC01N243NR4B
caliber/gauge.243 Winchester
shipping weight7.15
sightsNo Sights
product typeRifle
package width6.0
capacity4 + 1
length48.25
package height2.75
atf typeRIFLE
actionBolt Action
barrel length22"

Frequently asked questions

Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor?
Yes. The 22-inch barrel has 5/8"-24 threads cut directly into the barrel steel. No adapter is required for standard .30 caliber suppressors from SilencerCo, Dead Air, or similar manufacturers. Always verify your specific suppressor's thread pitch and bore diameter before mounting.
Does it come with scope bases or rings?
No. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a standard #8-40 screw pattern but ships without bases or rings. You will need to purchase separate bases like those from Warne, Talley, or Weatherby's own branded mounts. Allow 20-30 minutes for proper installation and torque to 25 in-lbs.
What is the thread pattern on the muzzle?
The muzzle is threaded 5/8"-24, which is the industry standard for .30 caliber and many 6.5mm muzzle devices and suppressors. A thread protector is included in the box. For flash hiders or muzzle brakes, ensure the device is rated for .243 Winchester/6mm pressures.
Can I use standard .243 Win ammunition?
Yes, it chambers any SAAMI-spec .243 Winchester factory or hand-loaded ammunition. The 1-in-7.5" twist rate is optimized for longer, heavier bullets (90-115 grains) for long-range performance. Lighter factory varmint loads (55-80 grain) will fire safely but may not achieve optimal stability or accuracy at extended ranges.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days after order verification. Transit time then depends on the carrier and your FFL's location, usually adding 2-7 additional business days. All firearms must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) for background check and transfer—this is non-negotiable federal law.
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