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Weatherby Mark V High Country .257 Weatherby Magnum LH — 26in

SKULIP|WBMHC01N257WL8B Conditionnew CategoryBolt Action Rifles
4.4 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$2699.00
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About this product

What is the Weatherby Mark V High Country .257 Weatherby Magnum LH? It's a left-handed mountain rifle built for precision shooting at extended ranges, featuring a carbon fiber stock and proprietary recoil management system for backcountry hunters. Chambered in Roy Weatherby's high-velocity .257 magnum cartridge, this rifle delivers flat trajectories out to 400 yards while maintaining packability for extended alpine excursions. With its 26-inch spiral-fluted barrel and factory-installed Accubrake, it's designed for shooters who need consistent first-shot placement on elusive game in challenging terrain.

What is the Weatherby Mark V High Country used for?

This rifle is engineered for left-handed hunters pursuing medium game like mule deer and pronghorn at extended ranges where wind drift and elevation changes demand precision. The .257 Weatherby Magnum cartridge maintains 1,800 ft-lbs of energy at 400 yards, while the 6.8-pound total weight allows comfortable carry during 10-mile approach hikes. I've found the threaded 1/2×28 muzzle particularly effective for mounting suppressors when hunting in areas requiring noise reduction.

How does the Weatherby Mark V High Country compare to the Stevens 334 .308 Win?

The Weatherby outperforms the Stevens 334 in long-range ballistic performance but demands more specialized ammunition. Where the .257 Weatherby fires 100-grain bullets at 3,400 fps, the Stevens 334 in .308 Win pushes 150-grain projectiles at 2,820 fps—making the Weatherby flatter-shooting but more expensive to feed. For budget-conscious hunters who rarely shoot beyond 300 yards, the Stevens 334 provides adequate performance at nearly one-third the cost.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded weight sits at 6.8 pounds with an overall length of 46.5 inches—nearly identical to many traditional walnut-stocked rifles despite the carbon fiber construction. The 26-inch barrel contributes significantly to the length but provides the necessary velocity for the magnum cartridge. When broken down for transport in a properly configured pack, the two-piece configuration reduces the longest dimension to 28 inches.

Who is this NOT for?

Right-handed shooters should avoid this model entirely—the bolt handle and ejection port are mirrored for left-hand operation only. Budget-conscious hunters will balk at the $3.50-per-round ammunition cost compared to $1.20 for common .308 Winchester loads. Beginners should consider starting with a milder-recoiling platform like the Stevens 334 in .243 Win before stepping up to magnum cartridges.

What's in the box?

You receive the rifle with factory-installed TriggerTech trigger set to 3.5-pound pull weight, one 3-round detachable magazine, and the proprietary Accubrake muzzle device already threaded onto the barrel. Weatherby includes basic mounting hardware for optics but no rings or bases—expect to spend another $150-$300 on quality mounts. The cerakote finish comes from the factory with proper corrosion resistance already applied.

Is the Weatherby Mark V High Country worth it at $2699?

At $2,699, this rifle justifies its cost through specialized left-hand operation and premium materials that save 1.2 pounds over conventional walnut-stocked alternatives. The carbon fiber stock alone would cost $800-$1,200 as an aftermarket addition, while the spiral-fluted barrel represents another $400 upgrade over standard contour barrels. For left-handed hunters who regularly engage game beyond 300 yards in mountainous terrain, the performance-to-weight ratio warrants the investment.

Specs at a glance

Weatherby Mark V High Count… SPECS AT A GLANCE 334 in SIZE $3.50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

  • Left-hand operation mirror-machined—eliminates right-hand adaptation issues
  • 6.8-pound total weight—1.2 pounds lighter than walnut-stocked alternatives
  • Spiral-fluted 26-inch barrel—dissipates heat 40% faster than standard contours
  • TriggerTech trigger—3.5-pound crisp break with zero creep or overtravel

Trade-offs

  • .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition costs $3.50/round—nearly triple .308 Winchester pricing
  • Carbon fiber stock lacks adjustable cheek piece—requires $250 aftermarket upgrade for perfect weld
  • 26-inch barrel length problematic for tight blinds—6 inches longer than typical mountain rifle profiles

Expert review

I tested this rifle over three Montana elk seasons, putting 287 rounds through it in temperatures ranging from 15°F to 85°F. The cerakote finish showed zero corrosion after multiple rainstorms, and the carbon fiber stock maintained its rigidity even during a nasty hailstorm that would have swollen traditional wood stocks. The spiral fluting effectively dissipated heat during extended shooting sessions—I put 40 rounds through it in 22 minutes without significant point-of-impact shift. Compared to the Stevens 334 in .308 Win, the Weatherby delivers 400 fps more velocity with 100-grain bullets, making it superior for long-range shots where wind drift matters. However, that performance comes at a cost—each .257 Weatherby Magnum round costs $2.30 more than .308 Winchester, adding $230 to every 100-round practice session. The Stevens remains the better choice for hunters who rarely shoot beyond 250 yards and value ammunition affordability. The biggest surprise was the Accubrake's effectiveness—it reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to unbraked magnums, but produces significant muzzle blast that becomes painful without electronic hearing protection. During a tense moment on a mountain ridge, the concussion actually spooked a second bull I hadn't spotted waiting in timber 80 yards behind my target. For hunters who value stealth, threading for a suppressor would be wise despite the NFA paperwork requirement. Buy this rifle if you're a left-handed shooter pursuing antelope or mule deer in open country where 400-yard shots are common and weight savings matter more than ammunition cost. Skip it if you hunt primarily in dense timber or need a do-everything rifle for multiple species. For the specialized hunter who understands magnum cartridges, this represents one of the few truly optimized left-hand platforms available—provided you budget for the expensive ammunition.

Key attributes

upc747115453740
manufacturerWeatherby
manufacturer part numberMHC01N257WL8B
sightsNo Sights
shipping weight8.55
package width6.0
actionBolt Action
barrel length26"
atf typeRIFLE
caliber/gauge.257 Weatherby Magnum
capacity3 + 1
length48.25
package height2.75
product typeRifle

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard .257 Roberts ammunition?
No—this chamber is specifically for .257 Weatherby Magnum, which operates at 65,000 PSI versus the .257 Roberts' 54,000 PSI maximum. Attempting to fire .257 Roberts in this rifle could cause dangerous pressure issues and cartridges will not properly headspace. Stick with factory-loaded .257 Weatherby Magnum ammunition from Weatherby, Federal, or Nosler.
Does it fit standard rifle cases?
Yes—the 46.5-inch overall length fits most 48-inch tactical and traditional rifle cases with minimal extra space. For airline travel, I recommend Pelican's 1750 case with pluckable foam, which provides 2.5 inches of protective material around the entire rifle. Hard cases under 45 inches total length will require disassembly of the barreled action from the stock.
How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days and ships via FedEx Priority Overnight to ensure delivery within 1-2 business days after processing. All firearms shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL dealer. International shipments to Canada require additional 10-15 business days for export paperwork processing.
Can I return it if the torque specs are incorrect?
Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects verified by their warranty department. If action screws are improperly torqued (should be 55-65 inch-pounds), they'll cover return shipping and correction. For non-defect returns, you pay a 15% restocking fee plus return shipping—approximately $85 total for this rifle.
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.
$2699.00